Magnolia Springs State Park near Millen, Ga. is the perfect location for a wildlife photographer, bird watcher, history buff or someone simply looking for a place that the family would enjoy. Spanish Moss dancing with the wind in the tall pines, a lake lined with colorful lily pads, a few alligators, turtles and lots of wading birds make great photos. The family can utilize the nice campsites, a splash pad for the kids and many trails.
The park also has a lot of War Between the States history due to its location on an old rail line. It was home to Camp Lawton, which once served as the largest Confederate prisoner-of-war camp … much like Andersonville. The on-site museum offers a glimpse into the past with its artifacts and stories of the soldiers who lived and perished here. It’s a bit depressing, but also extremely interesting.
This prison was built to alleviate the overcrowding and dysentery at Andersonville, because Lawton didn’t have that worry with the natural spring providing plenty of clean drinking water. This prison was only in operation for six weeks due to the knowledge that General Sherman was on his way to Millen, so they evacuated everyone days before he arrived. When he got there, Sherman burned the prison down but some remnants remained.
Nevertheless, Magnolia Springs State Park is mostly known for its crystal springs that flow an estimated 7 million gallons of water each day. The spring pool is circular with an obvious boil near the center, and the water in and around the spring is crystal clear with bluish-green tint. A boardwalk is available around the spring pool, which is 18 feet in the middle, but appears much shallower. Several species of fish are found in the pool, as well as turtles and alligators at different times.
A small lake is available for the fishing crowd with rental options of kayaks, canoes and paddleboats to enjoy the water. Overnight guests can choose between rental cottages and a campground.
Though it is located in Middle Georgia, Magnolia Springs State Park has all the unique scenery of South Georgia, such as live oaks draped in Spanish moss, vibrant wildflowers and expansive, sandy green spaces. Despite being around 1,000 acres, it does not draw in the same numbers of visitors as Amicalola or Unicoi State Parks. Magnolia Springs State Park is a relatively quiet park and certainly one of the more underrated parks in the Georgia State Parks system. It might lack the mountain beauty and huge forests of the northern part of Georgia, but for most who visit here, they will find it to be a very pleasant surprise!
Photos: by Bill Vanderford
