20 Attractions to Explore Near St. Marys Railroad Express

John Houstoun McIntosh Sugarhouse was built in 1855 by General John Houstoun MacIntosh and his family, a successful family of planters. The two-story building is substantial in size and has a beautiful white portico that welcomes visitors as they arrive. Inside the main house is filled with authentic furnishings that give it that old plantation feel and it houses artifacts from the era. Outback lies acres of cotton fields, where the genus grew one of the most profitable crops of its day.

McIntosh Sugarmill Park, is a beautiful outdoor destination for locals and visitors alike. Surrounded by lush foliage, the park offers peaceful nature trails weaving through the surrounding maritime forest and freshwater streams connected to the nearby Satilla River. As one of Georgia's 3-Star Parks, McIntosh Sugarmill Park’s amenities include picnicking facilities, horseshoe pits, fishing docks, sporting fields and courts, a dog park, playgrounds, an amphitheater and more.

Crooked River State Park is a great place for visitors to explore. Nature lovers can find plenty of activities ranging from hiking trails through lush forests to kayaking along the impressive marshlands. There are also several picnic spots located throughout the park and a fishing dock so visitors can take in some breathtaking sunset views over the river. The campgrounds are a great option for those looking to spend extended time here but there are also convenient cabins available.

The St Marys Railroad was built in the late 1840s to provide an east-west connection for logging and cotton operations. It was the first line of a larger system that eventually stretched from St Marys, through Darien to Savannah. In 1948, the Eastern Railway of Georgia acquired the railroad and after several upgrades, provided passenger service until 1966. Although its original purpose was to transport lumber and cotton, much freight also ran along this route at one time or another.

St. Marys Waterfront Park – Howard Gilman Memorial Park is a peaceful outdoor destination. This scenic park offers visitors the opportunity to experience nature in a beautiful and tranquil setting with plenty of amenities for everyone to enjoy. Stroll along the boardwalks that take you past gorgeous live oak trees and panoramic marsh views. Take a dip in the salt or freshwater swimming areas or enjoy a picnic at one of the park’s many pavilions.

The Orange Hall Gilman Cultural Center is an institution dedicated to the conservation of the African-American heritage. Located on Hwy 40, just outside of Kingsland, the museum houses artifacts and artwork spanning millennia. It contains a powerful history of the region and its impact on civil rights movements over time. Visitors are invited to explore four main areas: library and archives, interactive displays, galleries featuring exhibitions and a variety of workshops open to all.

Satilla River Waterfront Park offers breathtaking views with over 730 acres of land surrounded by the Satilla River. It is the perfect spot to enjoy nature and relax; visitors can soak up the sun at one of the many picnic spots, take a leisurely stroll along the trails, or reach out to the wildlife. With 13 boat ramps located throughout, anglers or boaters can navigate through the river or creek for their desired catch. For those who love camping and hiking, there are 2 campgrounds.

Stafford Plantation, Founded in 1786 by Samuel Stafford and his brother John, the land was developed for farming that provided coastal-salt marsh hay to meet the demands of soldiers in fort McAllister. The plantation went through many owners over most of the 19th century until eventually it fell into disuse. In 1972, Carol Gartrell-Stafford purchased the property and began renovating it. Today it is used as an event venue space for weddings, receptions, and corporate events.

Dungeness Ruins is a unique landmark that is steeped in vibrant history. It was built by Nathanael Greene--a former Revolutionary War Major General--in 1784 as his retirement home. The structure combines neoclassical and Greek architectural styles with Palladian influences, featuring columned porticos, stunning gardens and specimen trees thought to have been transported from Greene's Virginia estate.

Dungeness Beach is an exquisite location for a day of relaxation. The beachfront is expansive, giving visitors plenty of space to soak up some sun and catch a few waves in the ocean. Those looking for a bit of adventure can search through the tidepools for exciting sea creatures and bask in the area's unparalleled views of Cumberland Island National Seashore. Nearby restaurants and amenities will satisfy visitors' cravings while their toes sink into the enjoyable sand.

The Cumberland Island National Seashore is a stunning destination located along the coast of Georgia. It is a place rich in history, culture and beauty, offering breathtaking views of unique wildlife, sandy beaches and grand marshes. There are over 40 miles of trails winding through pristine maritime forests, meandering along wide stretches of tidal creeks and salt marsh wetlands that are home to an abundance of estuarine wildlife.

Cumberland Island is a wonderland of unspoiled beauty. With nearly 17 miles of white sand beaches and over 50,000 acres of land for recreational enjoyment, Cumberland Island is one of the most popular destinations for both locals and tourists alike. Boasting wild horses, tranquil lagoons and forests brimming with life, it's easy to see why visitors flock to explore the island's spectacular scenery. In addition to its natural beauty, the island houses a number of fascinating historical sites.

Folkston, is a charming hilltop city, which is home to nearly 3,200 people and affords them the perfect balance between rural and suburban life. Downtown Folkston offers its citizens traditional small-town amenities like old-fashioned mom-and-pop stores and cozy eateries along with all the necessary services of a larger town. Neighboring areas provide many outdoor recreation options like biking and hiking through the nearby state park or beach activities at Kingsland on the St. Mary's River.

Little Cumberland Island, located off the coast of Camden County, is an idyllic paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. This undeveloped island is 16 miles long and protected by a buoy-marked safe harbor. The pristine coastline has many opportunities for beach-combing and fishing, with activities that range from kayaking to birding to sunning on wide swaths of sandy shores. The interior of Little Cumberland Island is teeming with wildlife and nature.

Little Cumberland Island Lighthouse is a memorable example of an early-20th-century maritime beacon. Built in 1901, the lighthouse stands 75 feet tall and overlooks Cumberland Sound. While its focal plane was 100 ft when built, erosion has caused beach sections to become more shallow over time and the focal plane has been lowered to 70 ft. The lighthouse still functions primarily as a navigational tool for mariners who rely upon its light to guide them through this historically significant area.

St. Andrews Picnic Area & Beach is an ideal spot for a day outdoors. Located just outside of Brunswick, this surprisingly secluded destination features amenities like picnic pavilions, public restrooms, and plenty of open space. The sandy beach area offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscape, making it perfect for relaxing or sunbathing. From here visitors can take leisurely walks along the river or indulge in some fishing in one of the nearby lakes or rivers.

Summer Waves Water Park in Glynn County, Georgia is a perfect destination to cool off on hot summer days. With 6 thrilling waterslides geared towards various ages and thrills seekers, a 25,000-gallon wave pool, 9-hole miniature golf course and an interactive sprayground for the little ones, there is something for everyone at Summer Waves. The park also features several outdoor picnic areas with grills for those looking to stay for a full day of fun.

Jekyll Creek, is an idyllic coastal paradise. It's a great place for relaxation and leisure activities, including fishing, swimming and boating. The nearby Golden Isles offers plenty of attractions and amenities as well, ranging from golf courses to nature preserves. With its picturesque marshes and wildlife spotting opportunities, you'll be able to immerse yourself in the unique beauty of Glynn County. There are plenty of shopping and dining options too - something for everyone.

Moss Cottage is an architectural gem that pairs modern charm and character. Built in 1841 by William and Anna Woodruff, the Moss Cottage features a classic three building Greek Revival style home with elements of Gothic Revival. With its single-story design, wide porches, side hall plan and the intricate details of interior lathework, original windows and doors along with multiple additions over the years; it makes Moss Cottage one of the most attractive historic properties around.

The Rockefeller Cottage, also known as Indian Mound Cottage, is a house on Jekyll Island, Georgia. It is next to the Jekyll Island Club. It stands three stories high, and has a total of 25 rooms. There are nine bedrooms, nine bathrooms, and seven servant rooms. The house has many distinguishing features such as an elevator, a cedar-lined walk-in safe, and taps for hot and cold salt water on the bathtub in the master bedroom bath. Tours of the mansion are provided by the Jekyll Island Museum.