20 Attractions to Explore Near St Marys Railroad

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

St. Marys Railroad Express, is an incredible organization that has been around for over 165 years. It began as a school-sponsored program in 1854 and has since lent itself to be a key feature of the local economy in the town of St. Marys. Initially, the express ran along 19 miles of rail lines to supply goods such as lumber and naval stores between St. Marys and Darien, Georgia as well as hauling passengers until 1959 when passenger service was discontinued.

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.

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.

Boneyard Beach, is one of the most beautiful spots on the island. With clear emerald waters and white sand, it's a paradise for anyone who loves nature and the outdoors. The thousands of bleached-white trees gives this beach a unique look and serves as a great backdrop for any photograph. Visitors can relax on its shores or kayak in morning or at sunset for amazing views. Many shore birds also flock to Boneyard Beach to feed and nest, making it a great place for birdwatching.

Betz-Tiger Point Preserve, is a 371-acre wild and scenic area. The area contains a variety of habitats, including salt marsh, mangrove forests and hardwood hammocks, and is home to many species of wildlife. It’s an ideal spot for nature observation and outdoor recreation such as birdwatching, fishing and boating. A boardwalk traverses the interior and entices visitors to explore the preserve's natural beauty and valuable ecosystems.

This State Park is a tranquil oasis located on the coast in Jacksonville, Florida. A unique ecosystem of salt marsh wetlands, upland forests and islands house an abundance of wildlife and small mammals. You can take advantage of plentiful recreational activities including hiking, biking, bird watching and kayaking. With over five miles of trails offering stunning views of coastal marshes and ancient magnolia trees, you'll be captivated by the sheer beauty of this untouched paradise.

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.

Big Talbot Island State Park, is a great destination for who wanting to explore the beauty of nature. It covers around 2,500 acres of salt marsh, maritime forest, and beaches along the Atlantic coast of Northeast Florida. It features opportunities to observe rare birds and marine life while kayaking or canoeing through the waters. There are also trails available to walk or bike, with options ranging from ancient shell middens to serene winding paths transporting visitors back through time.

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.

The Timucuan Ecological and Historical Preserve offers many incredible experiences for visitors. Guests can explore the untouched estuaries of Big Talbot Island and Little Talbot Island, discovering native wildlife and over 6,000 years of history from the region's first inhabitants. At Fort Caroline National Memorial, visitors have the chance to learn more about French cultural influence in colonial America. The preserve also features an array of trails suitable for hiking and biking.

Little Talbot Island State Park is a natural wonderland with something for everyone! With miles of white sand beaches, nature trails, and observatories, visitors can explore and discover the local flora and fauna. The park has several picnic areas as well as campsites perfect for a weekend trip. The St. John's River provides unique opportunities to kayak, canoe or paddle board the salt marsh waterways. People come from all over to photograph the abundance of wildlife that inhabit the park.