Before Albany was founded by Nelson Tift in 1836, the area was occupied by the Creek tribe. Originally established as a trading post, Albany quickly grew in size and importance as a commercial hub for the many plantations in the region. Later, ferry and rail traffic contributed to the growth. Today, with more than 72,600 residents, Albany remains an important transportation, agriculture, trade, and manufacturing hub. In addition, it is a popular spot for tourists thanks to its ideal location, surrounding natural areas, and many attractions and events.
If you plan to spend time in Albany in March, the one-day Mardi Gras Street Festival is a fun experience. It offers lots of local vendors, live performances, and great food. The Snickers Marathon is also held each March and brings as many as 2,000 people to the area. In October, you can enjoy live music, German food, and beer at Oktoberfest. There are also plenty of great experiences awaiting you throughout the year. At the Flint RiverQuarium, you can explore numerous live exhibits featuring birds and marine life that are native to the region. The Chehaw Park and Zoo showcases 73 species from around the world, including black rhinos, cheetahs, and bears. Turtle Grove Park sits on the banks of the Flint River and has playgrounds, walking trails, and picnic tables. Radium Springs Gardens is also a lovely place to visit for wildlife watching, swimming, and fishing.
You can continue exploring the area at several other nearby cities. In Cordelle, you can shop for produce at the State Farmers Market. Old trains are on display at the Cordelle Railway Park, and live performances are held at the Empire Dance and Performing Arts theater. In Valdosta, the Wild Adventures Theme Park features live animals, roller coasters, and a water park. Fishing, hunting, canoeing, and hiking are available at the Grand Bay Wildlife Management Area.
Campgrounds Near Albany, Georgia
Creekside RV Park and Campground features 60 RV sites graciously spaced out under a canopy of trees. Many of the sites are located directly next to the water for a serene experience. The full hook-up RV sites are available for $30 to $35 per night. The grounds are suitable for catch-and-release fishing as well as hiking. Showers, restrooms, and internet access are some of the park's amenities.
You can also consider staying in one of the 93 RV sites at Albany RV Resort. This campground provides paved, shaded pads with full hookups and picnic tables. Cable TV and internet access are also provided. The daily rates range from $61 to $75. Guests can take advantage of a 4,100-square-foot clubhouse, a stocked fishing pond, a fitness center, a laundry facility, a half-mile dog walk area, and bathrooms with showers.
Southern Gates RV Park and Campground is conveniently located close to Internet 75 near Arabi. The campground has rustic charm with gravel roads and well-spaced RV sites, but it is loaded with amenities. A playground, a swimming pool, a fishing pond, a picnic area, and restrooms are located throughout the grounds. The RV sites offer full hook-ups and are available for $32 to $34 per night.
State Parks Near Albany, Georgia
Close to Albany, there are also several state parks that each offer different outdoor experiences for you to enjoy. At the heart of Reed Bingham State Park, you'll find a 375-acre lake that is well-suited for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. The lake features two docks, three boat ramps, and a sandy beach for swimming. This 1,613-acre park also has several hiking trails, including the Coastal Plains Nature Trail. While you are exploring the park, keep your eye open for gopher tortoises, American alligators, bald eagles, and other native wildlife.
Florence Marina State Park sits on 173 acres on the shore of Lake Walter F. George. This 45,000-acre lake is popular for many water activities, including fishing and boating. At the park, you will find a boat ramp, boat rentals, a dock, a 66-slip marina, and a lighted fishing park. While you are on the water, you may spot herons and eagles flying overhead. The park's Kirbo Interpretive Center has exhibits on local plants, animals, and history.
In nearby Donalsonville, Seminole State Park is well-suited for those who enjoy water-based recreation. This is a 604-acre park that spans the shoreline of Lake Seminole. This 37,500-acre lake is accessible through the park's beach and three boat ramps. A fishing dock, a gift shop, and a playground are also onsite. During your visit, you can swim, waterski, kayak, fish, and more. Some of the wildlife native to the area include ospreys, gopher tortoises, and alligators.
National Sites Near Albany, Georgia
At the Jimmy Carter National Historic Park in nearby Plains, Georgia you have the opportunity to learn more about the life of the 39th President of the United States. Here, you can delve deeply into Carter's early life with a tour of his boyhood farm. Other attractions include Plains High School, the Plains Train Depot, and the historic district. Numerous exhibits also explore Carter's adult life, including his presidential policies.
The Fort Frederica National Monument in St Simons Island stands in honor of a major battle between the British and the Spanish in 1742. This battle was a turning point in the history of the state because it secured Georgia as a colony under British rule. On the grounds, you can explore the archaeological remnants of this historic battle.
At Fort Pulaski National Monument, you can learn more about the Civil War and about military history in general. This fortified Confederate garrison came under siege by the Union army. Because of the Union army's use of new rifled cannons, the fort fell. A scenic trail takes you around the forts, and tours are available inside as well. You can also watch an educational film at the visitors' center.
National Forests Near Albany, Georgia
Albany is also a great starting point for exploring protected national forests in both Georgia and neighboring South Carolina. In Georgia, the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest spans 867,000 acres. In addition to being heavily wooded with a variety of species, the landscape includes streams, hills, rivers, and numerous waterfalls. It is also the native habitat for bears, deer, beavers, foxes, and hundreds of other species. Hiking, backpacking, and biking are popular across the forest's 850 miles of trails. Kayaking, fishing, and camping are some of the other possibilities. While you are visiting the forest, take time to explore points of interest like Brasstown Bald, the Appalachian Trailhead, and Anna Ruby Falls.
If you cross over the Georgia-South Carolina border, you will find yourself amidst the 258,000-acre Francis Marion National Forest just north of Charleston, South Carolina. Named for a Revolutionary War hero, the grounds are beautified by numerous coniferous trees, swamplands, and open grasslands. Many of the coniferous trees in the forest were damaged by Hurricane Hugo in 1989, so you will find many new-growth trees. The Palmetto hiking and biking trail and the Wambaw ATV trail provide great scenery. The park also offers boat ramps, rifle ranges, and camping facilities.
Also in South Carolina, the 370,442-acre Sumter National Forest is a sight to behold. A portion of the forest covers the lower Appalachian Mountains, and high elevations provide impressive views. You will also find more than a dozen waterfalls here that are as tall as 75 feet. Many trails are available for biking, backpacking, ATV riding, hiking, and horseback riding. Target shooting, fishing, and hunting are also offered in Sumter National Forest.
