Points of Interest

McKinney's Pond

This 200-acre, spring fed, limestone bottom, cypress pond and surrounding area is the site of the oldest man-made structure known in Emanuel County. In November 1864, Sherman and his Yankee Army invaded Emanuel County during his infamous "March to the Sea" and actually encamped near McKinney’s Pond. Today, it is the site of Emanuel County's oldest and most famous restaurant. For more information call 478-589-7186.

Ohoopee Dunes Natural Area

Located on US 80 west of Swainsboro, this dune system is unique to Georgia. The dunes are large oval structures believed to have been formed by wind deposits of sand on the eastern and northern banks of the Ohoopee River in South Georgia during the late Pleistocene Age (20,000 years ago). From Downtown Swainsboro, take US 80 west for approximately 6 miles. Look for kiosk on the north side of the highway.

The Coleman House

The Coleman House is a picturesque Victorian-era mansion built between 1900 and 1904. Featured in "America's Painted Ladies" and listed on the "National Register of Historic Places." Located on North Main Street, the home is popular restaurant and also a bed and breakfast. Call 478-237-9100 or www.thecolemanhouseinn.com for more information.

Edna Reindel Mural

Located in the Emanuel County Courthouse Annex, the mural "Experimenting with the First Model of the Cotton Gin" (Oil on canvas, 1939) was a WPA Federal Arts Project Mural painted by Edna Reindel. The mural depicts Eli Whitney consulting his plans while he instructs workers on the operation of the machine. Working for the Works Progress Administration Federal Arts Project during the Depression, Reindel completed several murals between 1937 and 1942, including the one located in Emanuel County. The mural can be viewed during regular courthouse hours, which is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Sherman's March to the Sea

As Sherman marched toward Savannah, over 26,000 Union officers and men of the 15th and 17th Corps invaded north Emanuel County during November of 1864. The 17th Corps, accompanied by General William T. Sherman, traveled along the Old Savannah Road, where they settled the night of November 29, 1864. These forces crossed the Ogeechee River the next day in Midville, Georgia, to destroy the railroad and railway station. The 15th Corps entered Emanuel County on the afternoon of November 29, 1864, from the west near Blundale. They crossed present day US 1 before heading east and following a line just north of Modoc, Cannoochee, and Garfield.

Events & Festivals

Fourth of July Fireworks

Starting at "dark-thirty," the Billy C. Carmichael Complex located on McLeod Bridge Road in Swainsboro is the setting for this traditional firework display celebrating our nation's birthday. Sponsored by the Swainsboro Jaycees, the event is great for lawn chairs and a picnic.

Pine Tree Festival

The Pine Tree Festival & Southeast Timber Expo is held each year to celebrate the impact of the timber industry on this area's economy. Traditionally, this festival is held on the first weekend of May each year. Organized in 1946 by the Swainsboro Kiwanis Club, the Pine Tree Festival is a two week event paying tribute to this area's vast forestry resources. For more information and a schedule of events visit the official Pine Tree Festival & Southeast Timber website at www.pinetreefestival.org.

Arts & Entertainment

East Georgia State College Vision Series

This year round series of events is unique for a small community such as ours. Notable authors, people of interest, business titans, and symphony and choral presentations make this the highlight of cultural activities in the area. Events are free to the public. A list of Series events can be obtained at the Chamber or by contacting East Georgia State College at 478-289-2017.

Outdoor Activities

Flat Creek Lodge

Only ten minutes from Swainsboro, Flat Creek Lodge offers an unforgettable experience. Flat Creek Lodge is a pristine, woodland retreat set among more than 2,000 acres of east Georgia timber and farmlands. The facility offers fine dining, over-night accommodations either in The Lodge or in one of their distinctive cabins, premier hunting, sporting clays and spa. Call 478-237-FISH or visit their website at www.flatcreeklodge.com.

George L. Smith State Park

With 412 acres of cypress lake fishing, George L. Smith State Park is an angler's paradise. The park has over ten miles of water trails. The main entrance to the park is located four miles southeast of Twin City off Highway 23. Call 912-763-2759 for more information or visit www.gastateparks.org/GeorgeLSmith.

Hugh M. Gillis Public Fishing Area

Located 7.4 miles west of Adrian on US 80, Hugh M. Gillis Fishing Area is one of Georgia's newest public fishing areas. The property contains a 109 acre lake surrounded by 640 acres of gently rolling terrain. The facility offers a concrete boat ramp, fishing pier, restrooms and a picnic area. For more information call 478-296-6192 or visit the state's Wildlife Resources Division Website at www.gofish.com.

Brown Hunting Camp

On over 3,000 acres of land, experience a great outdoor hunting experience for deer or turkey. Brown Hunting Camp is located within five minutes of Swainsboro. Brown Hunting Camp professionally manages its properties with selective harvest and low hunting pressure. Call 912-536-1121 or visit brownshunting.com for more information.

Coleman Lake & Campground

Situated on a bend of the Ogeechee River, Coleman Lake and Campground is located off Georgia Highway 56 North approximately 18 miles from Swainsboro. Coleman's Lake offers a seafood restaurant, bar and lounge, picnic area, camping facilities, fishing and live entertainment most weekends. For more information contact 478-589-7726.

Ogeechee River

Meandering along the northeastern edge of Emanuel County, the flow of the Ogeechee River is not regulated by dams like most rivers in Georgia. The Ogeechee River has excellent fishing results for redbreast, bluegill, shellcracker and catfish. A public boat ramp can be found at the bridge upon entering the city limits of Midville, Georgia, on Georgia Highway 56 North.

Ohoopee River

With its soft white sandbars and clean black water, the Ohoopee River offers one of the most scenic rivers for canoe travel in South Georgia. Located near Adrian on the western side of Emanuel County, you'll find rare views of hardwood swamps, ecologically unique sandhill dunes and vegetation. The Ohoopee River is great for fishing daytrips or for overnight trips.

Recreation & Sports

Harmon Park

This public park is located approximately two miles south of the center of downtown Swainsboro at the intersection of US 1 and Meadowlake Parkway. With four lighted tennis courts, a lighted one-mile walking trail, gazebo, park benches, playground equipment, covered picnic tables with charcoal grills, four ponds for public fishing and restroom facilities, the park features plenty of open spaces to enjoy the outdoors. There are several covered pavilions for family get-togethers also.

Billy C. Carmichael Recreation Complex

Located adjacent to the Swainsboro Golf Course, this complex includes a lighted walking trail, four lighted softball fields, concession stands with scoring tower and restrooms, batting cages with warm-up area, two playground areas, four picnic pavilions with grills, a cook shelter, and two ponds. Also located at the complex is the Connie Kight Recreation Center, which houses Swainsboro/Emanuel County Recreation Department offices, a two-court gymnasium and an activity room with exercise equipment and dressing rooms. Call 478-237-8098 for more information.

Swainsboro Golf Course

This 18-hole public golf course offers a challenging opportunity to test your golfing skills. Located at 557 McLeod Bridge Road, the course has electric golf carts, putting area and a driving range. Hours are seasonal. Call 478-237-6116 for more information.

Disc Golf

The campus of East Georgia State College is home to one of the newest disc golf courses in the state. This 18-hole course is situated around the outer perimeter of the campus set among stately pines and incredible landscaping. There is no charge to play and it is open to the public year round. For more information call East State Georgia College at 478-289-2017.

Public Tennis Court

Numerous tennis courts are available at East Georgia State College, as well as Harmon Park located on Meadowlake Parkway just off US 1 South. Some courts are lighted. Courts are open at the college until 10:00 p.m. Courts are also available in Twin City and Adrian.

Swainsboro Raceway

Known as "the South's finest and fastest half mile dirt track," Swainsboro Raceway features racing on most weekends and holidays. The track features races in road warrior, mini stock, pure stock, super stock, and sportsman division. For more information call 478-252-1300 or 478-494-5005. Visit their website at www.swainsbororaceway.com.

Vann City Park

Located on West Main Street approximately a quarter of a mile from the center of downtown Swainsboro, this park has two playgrounds, a picnic pavilion with grills and picnic tables, and park benches. Many activities including family reunions, parties, and receptions are held in the Community House. For reservations or more information call 478-237-8089.

Swainsboro Downtown Square - Patriot's Park

Situated in the heart of the downtown business district at the intersection of US 1 and US 80, the Swainsboro Downtown Square offers a unique setting with palm trees, a large fountain and beautifully landscaped areas. There are also a number of monuments paying tribute to the men and women in uniform who have served our country, state, and county. The Swainsboro-Emanuel County Chamber of Commerce and Joint Development Authorities offices are located here. For information on the Chamber call 478-237-6426.

Magnolia Springs State Park, Millen, Georgia

Located four miles north of Millen, Georgia, on Highway 25, Magnolia Springs State Park is home to crystal clear springs and a fresh water aquarium featuring native species of fish. Once the site of a Confederate prison, the parks natural springs produce over seven million gallons of water a day. For more information call 478-983-1660 or visit their website www.gastateparks.org/MagnoliaSprings.

Center for Wildlife Education and Lamar Q. Ball Jr. Raptor Center, Statesboro, Georgia

Located on the campus of Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, the center provides six different habitat displays for 11 species of birds of prey, including a wetlands area, old-growth forest and mountain display. Call 912-681-0831 or visit www.academics.georgiasouthern.edu/wildlife.