Located in Flovilla, Indian Springs is not only the oldest state park in Georgia, but thought to be the oldest in the nation. The Creek Indians lived here for hundreds of years, believing the springs to be healing waters. After many treaties giving the land to the US government, people started coming from all over to have some of the water. This park is so rich in history and is one of the most beautiful parks we have stayed at.
There are many historical buildings on this property, including Idlewilde, the Visitor Center. You can come enjoy the creek, fish, canoe, kayak, play putt putt, play on the playground, hike, camp, stay in a cabin and more. We enjoyed taking a dip in the creek on the really hot days. We found a spot that was all sandy and was perfect for playing in. The main part of the creek at the very front of the park is where most people go, but it is very rocky. The kids found a ton of tadpoles and itty bitty frogs. Besides the creek, there is nowhere to swim at this park. The lake area is for fishing and boating only. There are 2 play grounds in the main part and another in the camping area. There are picnic tables all over the place as well as a few pavilions and shelters. We played putt putt and really enjoyed the course because it had fun obstacles, but it was so hot. We walked over to the creek and jumped in fully clothed. We tried to hike the Overland Nature Trail, and according to the map, it should just be a short 3/4 mile loop, with an extra loop if you choose. We followed all of the trail markers and somehow zigzagged all around and ended up coming out to the right of the trail. Either the markers are not right or the trail map was not right. People come from all over to get the spring water. We were very surprised at the amount of people that came to just get water. Every time we went down there with bottles, we would have to wait for several people with a lot of jugs. There are signs that say to fill up a certain amount and then let the next person go, so you don't have to wait forever.
On Saturdays, from 1-3 pm, the Museum is open. It was interesting to go into and see some of the history. It was a bit small but was still interesting. Across the street is the Indian Springs Hotel/Museum, and I highly recommend going in for a tour. It's only open Saturdays and Sundays, but the men from the historical society who give the tours were really awesome and made the tour a lot of fun. We learned a lot about the history of the area. Right by the park is the Village At Indian Springs with a few really cool things to do. They have a restaurant and a few little shops, and they have a beautiful botanical garden with a really awesome play area for the kids. There was a life-sized dollhouse playhouse thing for the kids that was a replica of the Wigwam hotel. Exploring the village was one of our favorite things while we were there. Nearby is also High Falls State Park and Juliette for any Fried Green Tomatoes lovers. High Falls used to have a pool, but it is closed now. There is a small waterpark called High Falls Water Park if you want a day to swim and have fun. About 5 minutes away is Dauset Trails Nature Center. We did not go the first year because we thought it was just hiking trails, but it is so much more! There were beautiful flowers and trails, a lake with lots of turtles, lots of animal exhibits, a reptile room, and even a playground and Visitor Center. It's completely free and is pretty much just a free, beautiful zoo to explore.
There was an abundance of wildlife, and we actually got really freaked out our first night because we were sitting outside on the porch with our light on, so we couldn't see out but anything could see in. We kept hearing the leaves rustling, like something walking and this went on for about 2 hours. It was continuous, unlike a squirrel who would stop and move occasionally. We finally found out the next day that it was armadillos! We have armadillos back home but have never seen one that wasn't roadkill. It was awesome to see. We also saw multiple deer, baby frogs, and 3-4 foot long black snake, and although we didn't see them, there are turtles there also.
Cabins:
The cabins have been newly renovated as Georgia has gone through renovating their cabins. I am not sure what they looked like before. There are 10 cabins and they are secluded down a gated road, so you will have plenty of privacy. Ours was a 2 bedroom, with 3 beds, a TV in each room and in the living room, a full kitchen, dining table, living room, AC, full bathroom, screened porch, picnic table, grill and fire pit. They were nice and the beds were really comfortable. A couple of times we would run a bath and find the tub all yellow where the water had something in it. But it would later go away and then come back again. On the weekend, most of the cabins were booked, but during the week, they were empty for the most part. One of the nights, we were the only ones there. We enjoy having other people around but some people enjoy the quiet and privacy. Cabin 10 is next to the lake and has a good view of it, but the others do not. Our first stay, we stayed in Cabin 7, and we loved it. The screened porch was decently private as well as the fire pit/ picnic table being in the shade. This past stay, we stayed in Cabin 1. It is also a handicap cabin. We didn't like this one as much because the screen porch overlooks the neighbor's cabin and the picnic table, grill and firepit are all out front where everyone can see. But during the day, the sun is beating down on it, and it didn't get any shade til about 6 pm.
Life-sized dollhouse/playhouse for the kids at the botanical gardens. Replica of the Wigwam Hotel
Indian Springs Hotel/Museum
