Attractions in Valdosta, Georgia

Outdoor Attractions

Much of the outdoor activity in the Valdosta area is focused on hunting, shooting and sport fishing. Good Hope Plantation is a private 2,000-acre area open to businessmen and sportsmen for recreation and hunting. Grand Bay Wildlife Management Area, just 10 miles from Valdosta, is part of a protected wetland area offering many opportunities for fishing, biking, boating, camping and hiking. Explore the area by canoe to really get the feel of the swampland. More than 85 varieties of birds make their home in Grand Bay Wildlife Management Area. See more flora and fauna at Banks Lake National Wildlife Refuge, part of a larger black-water system. There you can fish, boat or walk the boardwalk through the refuge.

Historic Attractions

Formerly a mill town itself, Valdosta offers several historic attractions where you can see what life was like in an early 20th-century mill town. Check out the Milltown Murals made to represent life in the 1920s. Visit nearby Remerton to see an old mill village currently used to house local businesses and quaint shops. You will notice that many of the place names conjure up biblical stories as you visit Macedonia Baptist Church in Antioch. Valdosta's most famous historic attraction is the Crescent House and Gardens, former home of U.S. Sen. William S. West. The building's 13 columns are said to represent the original 13 colonies.

Family Attractions

The biggest family attraction in the area is Wild Adventures Water and Theme Park. With more than 50 animal species, 30 rides that includ nine different roller coasters, water rides and a concert venue to host big-name musicians, Wild Adventures draws many tourists to Valdosta. In the past the park has hosted Keith Urban, Chris Tomlin, Vince Gill and Amy Grant. You can also check out Jungle Jym's Family Fun Center, which boasts a skating rink, jungle gym, arcade and mini-golf course. There are two movie theaters in Valdosta and several large shopping centers.