Plan a summer visit to Fort McAllister, Fort King George & Fort Morris
Below are suggested forts, museums and battlefields near Savannah as well as others in Georgia for those that are up for a roadtrip. For directions and admission fees, visit GeorgiaStateParks.org.
FREE Parking & Admission Pass
Live Oak Public Libraries customers with valid library cards can borrow a Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites “Park Pass.” The passes are good for free parking or admission at any of the 63 parks statewide. For more information, click here.
Forts near Savannah
Fort McAllister State Park, Richmond Hill
This beautiful park south of Savannah marked the end of General Sherman’s March to the Sea and is the best-preserved earthwork fortification of the Confederacy. On Saturday, May 23, watch a program about Civil War soldiers, as well as musket and cannon firings. Nestled among giant live oaks and Spanish moss, this park is also a great place for camping, hiking, fishing and boating. Cabins overlook the forest and marsh. For details on special Memorial Day Weekend family & kids events happening May 23 @ Fort McAllister click here.
Fort King George State Historic Site, Darien
From 1721 until 1736, this fort was the southern outpost of the British empire in North America. Climb into the reconstructed cypress blockhouse, explore the palisaded earthen fort and tabby ruins, tour the museum. Be sure to hike the pretty nature trail following the river and marsh. For those wishing to take a mini staycation while in the area, campsites and cabins are nearby at Fort McAllister and Skidaway Island state parks.
Fort Morris State Historic Site, Midway
This earthen fort on the Medway River protected Georgia against the British in both the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812. A museum describes the colonial port of Sunbury, and a nature trail and picnic sites are available. For a holiday getaway, cabins and campsites are found nearby at Fort McAllister and Skidaway Island state parks.
Other forts throughout Georgia
Pickett’s Mill Battlefield State Historic Site, Dallas
Pickett’s Mill is one of the best-preserved Civil War battlefields in the nation, highlighted with a museum, earthworks and wooded trails. The 1864 battle was one of the few Confederate victories during General Sherman’s Georgia campaign. Water lovers may want to spend Memorial Day weekend nearby at Red Top Mountain State Park on Lake Allatoona, where they can also visit Allatoona Pass Battlefield.
A.H. Stephens State Historic Park, Crawfordville
This park is named for the Confederate Vice President, and his 1875 home, Liberty Hall, is furnished and open for tours. A museum houses one of the finest collections of Civil War artifacts in Georgia. Families can also enjoy geocaching, fishing, hiking and boating at the park. Campsites and cabins are available for overnight getaways.
Georgia Veterans State Park, Cordele
Established as a memorial to U.S. veterans, this park features a museum with aircraft (including a Boeing B-29A), armored vehicles, uniforms, weapons, medals and other items from the Revolutionary War through the Gulf War. Park visitors can also enjoy camping, cabins, Lake Blackshear Resort, golf and boating.