Bulloch: Nature, Art and History

A paved trail along a former railroad line, a botanical garden featuring plants of the southeastern Coastal Plain, and exhibitions on regional history give Bulloch a varied character. Each destination has its own focus: nature and outdoor activities are just as central as history, art and events. You can tailor your stay to the topics that interest you most.

Nature, Trails and Wildlife

The Georgia Southern University Botanical Garden is in Statesboro and spans 11.5 acres. Landscaped areas, historic structures and contemplative spaces complement the plants of the southeastern Coastal Plain. The garden thus combines nature-focused themes with landscaped grounds and historic elements.

The S&S Greenway follows the former Savannah & Statesboro Railroad line for 2.75 miles. The paved trail is designed for walking and cycling. Facilities at the access points include restrooms, paved parking, information boards, drinking fountains, benches and a picnic area. Mill Creek Regional Park has a 1.25-mile walking trail with fitness stations. The 155-acre park is a recreation hub for tournaments and family outings. The two trail lengths offer a practical guide for planning without specifying a walking time.

The Center for Wildlife Education combines field trips with close encounters with native and exotic animals. Together with the Lamar Q Ball Jr. Raptor Center, it gives visitors the opportunity to watch a flying eagle and explore habitats for birds of prey, reptiles and mammals; animal presentations may vary. The center also includes a 12-acre wetland preserve with a small pond, a beaver lodge, a cypress pond and a waterfowl pond. If you are planning a field trip, it is worth checking the current registration requirements in advance.

The Splash in the Boro Aquatic Center offers a different focus. It is open year-round and offers swimming lessons, aquatic sports training and swim team activities. Programs may vary by season.

History, Exhibitions and Art

The Georgia Southern University Museum presents the natural and cultural history of Georgia’s Coastal Plain through dynamic exhibitions. Topics range from prehistoric times to modern developments. Museum on Main offers a different regional focus, with free annual exhibitions on the history and culture of Bulloch County and South Georgia.

In Willow Hill, school history and contemporary cultural work come together. Formerly enslaved people founded Willow Hill School in 1874; the Willow Hill Heritage and Renaissance Center opened on the site of the former school in 2011. One exhibition explores the history of Black Primitive Baptists in Bulloch County. Museum tours are available by prior appointment only; confirm your appointment before traveling. The annual Willow Hill Heritage Festival takes place at the historic center. The 2026 edition featured live music, local food, demonstrations of history and traditions, children’s activities, museum tours and special presentations. Offerings may vary from year to year.

In Portal, several historic buildings tell different parts of the town’s story. Carter’s Turpentine Still was built in the 1930s and is considered Georgia’s last operating turpentine still at its original location. The Portal Heritage Society preserved the site to inform the public about the importance of the turpentine industry in Georgia’s history. If you are planning to see a demonstration, confirm that the still is operational beforehand. The Heritage House at the still site houses historic and antique artifacts. The Dr. Stewart House belonged to Dr. James Stewart, Portal’s first physician; the Portal Drug Store served as Dr. J. A. Stewart’s office and pharmacy.

In Statesboro, you will find more cultural attractions: the Averitt Center for the Arts is housed in buildings that include two historic downtown landmarks. It offers painting, pottery, dance and music classes for children, teens and adults with no prior experience; class offerings may change. The historic Old Bank of Statesboro houses a rotating fine art gallery. The Statesboro Art Park combines sculptures along its walking trail with an analemmatic sundial that tells the time using the sun and shadows. Reservations are required on weekdays for fulldome presentations at the Georgia Southern University Planetarium; the program is for public, private and homeschool groups, as well as adults. Here, too, it is a good idea to check reservation options before making plans.

Events and Getting Around

The Statesboro Main Street Farmers Market is held weekly from spring through fall. It features local produce and handmade goods, as well as live music. The Bulloch County Recreation and Parks Department hosts free community events throughout the year, including ArtsFest and Firecracker Fest. If you want to plan your stay around a market or festival visit, check the dates for the event.

For getting around the city, Statesboro Area Transit serves more than 30 stops, providing access to shopping, healthcare and community events. The service has two fixed routes: Blue Route and Red Route. If bus connections are important to your plans, check the current route information and the stops relevant to you in advance.

Discover more destinations: Register, Statesboro, Fayette, Screven, Cook, Houston, Camden, Upson.

Back to the regional travel overview: Georgia.