One of Georgia’s true treasures, Georgia Veteran’s State Park was established in 1946 as a memorial to U.S. veterans. This beautiful 1,308 acre park pays tribute to veterans from the Revolutionary War through the present day. The Park operates under the theme, “Serve the Living: Honor our Heroic Dead. Easily accessible from I-75 (via Exit 101 and west on Highway 280) in Cordele, GA, the park features the picture-perfect Lake Blackshear, an array of recreational activities and its signature Military Museum with engaging indoor exhibits, as well as outdoor static displays including: a B-29A Superfortress, jets, a helicopter, tanks, landing craft and artillery.

Refresh your spirit with a walk on the four miles of nature trails, or gather the family and enjoy a lakeside picnic and a swim from the sandy beach. The classic Southern lake is also perfect for fishing and boating, while the 18-hole Denis Griffith’s designed course provides golfers with a challenging day. With endless possibilities including camping, a model airplane flying field, an 18-hole Disc Golf course, the Veteran’s Museum, biking, kayaking, canoeing, a hummingbird and butterfly garden and three playgrounds you will want to stay for several days. For the ultimate scenic excursion ride the SAM Shortline Excursion Train that runs through the park on its way from Cordele to Plains, GA, stopping in cultural and historic sites along the way.

For overnight park stays there are tent, trailer, and RV campsites all placed in scenic locations with lake and wooded views. For group gatherings the park has four picnic shelters, one group shelter with 150 seats, a kitchen and air conditioning, one screened in Beach pavilion, and one Lakeview pavilion with ceiling fans. For rental information please call: 229-276-2371.

Accommodations as well as meeting and event venues are also available at Lake Blackshear Resort & Golf Club which includes Lodge guestrooms, and a selection of 68 Villa guest rooms and 10 lake view Cabins. Dining is available at the Cypress Grill located at the Marina or Cordelia’s located at the Lodge at Lake Blackshear Resort & Golf Club. For reservations at Lake Blackshear Resort & Golf Club click here or call: 800-459-1230.