Folkston GeorgiaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Folkston, Georgia.
1. Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge
DIVERSE WILDLIFE EXPERIENCE
The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge is a vast natural preserve where visitors can experience the diversity of local wildlife. This unique ecosystem spans approximately 700 square miles and is home to alligators, birds, and native plant species. Visitors can explore via guided boat tours, boardwalks, and observation platforms that provide immersive views of this ancient wetland.
2. Folkston Funnel Train Viewing Platform
TRAINSPOTTING PARADISE
The Folkston Funnel Train Viewing Platform is a popular attraction where visitors can watch trains pass through the famous railway bottleneck. This viewing area includes covered pavilions, restrooms, and informational displays about the CSX rail line that funnels through the town. Train enthusiasts often spend hours here photographing and logging the numerous freight and passenger trains that pass by daily.
3. Chesser Island Homestead/Boardwalk
HISTORIC SWAMP EXPERIENCE
The Chesser Island Homestead and Boardwalk offers visitors a glimpse into early settler life in the Okefenokee region. The restored homestead features authentic period furnishings and demonstrates the self-sufficient lifestyle of swamp settlers from the early 20th century. A 4,000-foot elevated boardwalk leads to an observation tower providing panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness and wildlife.
4. Suwanee Canal Recreation Area
GATEWAY TO OKEFENOKEE
The Suwanee Canal Recreation Area serves as the eastern entrance to the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. Visitors can rent canoes or join guided boat tours that travel along the historic canal dug in the late 1800s. The area includes interpretive exhibits, a bookstore, and access to several trails that showcase the swamp's diverse ecosystems.
5. Okefenokee Adventures
GUIDED SWAMP EXPLORATION
Okefenokee Adventures provides guided tours and equipment rentals for exploring the famous swamp. Visitors can rent bikes to tour Swamp Island Drive or join boat tours led by knowledgeable guides familiar with the area's ecology and history. The outfitter offers various excursion options from quick trips to full-day immersive experiences in the heart of the wetlands.
6. Sardis Church
PRE-CIVIL WAR HERITAGE
Sardis Church is a historic pre-Civil War structure located on the outskirts of Folkston. The well-preserved church building offers visitors a glimpse into 19th century religious architecture and local history. Its simple design, cemetery, and rural setting create an atmospheric destination for those interested in Southern historical landmarks.
7. Folkston Furniture
QUILTS AND FINE FURNISHINGS
Folkston Furniture houses the remarkable Clora Lee Roddenberry quilt collection alongside its Clayton Marcus furniture gallery. Visitors can admire the intricate handcrafted quilts that showcase traditional Southern textile artistry. The store combines shopping with cultural appreciation through its display of regional craftsmanship.
8. Heaven to Seven
CHILDREN'S CLOTHING DESTINATION
Heaven to Seven is a specialty store offering new clothes and toys for children and grandchildren. The shop features carefully curated merchandise designed specifically for younger customers. Its local ownership and personalized service make it a favorite among residents and visitors looking for quality children's items.
9. Folkston Golf Club
SCENIC 18-HOLE COURSE
Folkston Golf Club offers an 18-hole course just one mile from downtown. Golfers enjoy the well-maintained fairways and greens set among the natural landscape of South Georgia. The accessible location and reasonable rates make it a popular recreation option for both locals and visitors.
10. Shooting Clays Sporting Resort
UPSCALE SHOOTING EXPERIENCE
The Shooting Clays resort provides a unique sporting experience just six miles west of Folkston on Main Street. This facility offers various clay shooting courses designed for both novice and experienced shooters. The resort's professional setup and scenic surroundings create an upscale outdoor recreational activity not commonly found in small towns.
11. Cargo Portside Grill
CHEF-DRIVEN COASTAL CUISINE
Chef Alix Kenagy's Cargo Portside Grill in nearby Brunswick offers sophisticated dining worth the drive from Folkston. The restaurant features fresh seafood and regional specialties prepared with creative culinary techniques. Its waterfront location enhances the dining experience with coastal ambiance and views.
12. Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
WILDLIFE CONSERVATION CENTER
The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is a premier wildlife destination within driving distance of Folkston. Home to over 2,000 animals and 1,000 plant species, the zoo combines animal habitats with botanical garden design. Popular exhibits include the Range of the Jaguar, African Plains, and the award-winning Land of the Tiger.
13. St. Johns River Waterfront
RIVERSIDE DINING DISTRICT
Jacksonville's St. Johns River Waterfront offers multiple dining options with scenic river views. Restaurants range from casual seafood spots to upscale establishments featuring diverse cuisines. The waterfront location provides a relaxing atmosphere and opportunity to watch river traffic while enjoying a meal.
14. Okefenokee Festival
ANNUAL CULTURAL CELEBRATION
The Okefenokee Festival is Folkston's signature annual event held each October. This community celebration features local food, crafts, music, and activities that highlight the region's cultural heritage and natural environment. Visitors can experience authentic Southern hospitality while participating in festival traditions that have evolved over decades.
15. TIAA Bank Field
NFL JAGUARS STADIUM
TIAA Bank Field is the home stadium of the NFL's Jacksonville Jaguars and accessible as a day trip from Folkston. The modern facility hosts professional football games as well as other major sporting events and concerts throughout the year. Stadium tours are available during the off-season, giving visitors behind-the-scenes access to locker rooms and field areas.