Discover Ringgold

If you’re planning a stay in Ringgold, a range of interests may shape your plans: railroad history, the memory of the Civil War, nature experiences, or events at particular times of year. The city offers something to connect with each of these interests. The following places and dates can help you plan your trip around the topics that interest you most.

Railroads and History

Built in 1849, the Historic Ringgold Train Depot now serves as the city’s main event and community venue. The Ringgold Depot Opry has also brought live music to the depot for more than 30 years. In this way, the venue connects the city’s railroad history with a long-standing musical tradition.

The Old Stone Church Museum preserves the original altar and pews. During the American Civil War, the building served as a hospital; today, it houses a Civil War museum. Those interested in the history of the Atlanta Campaign can find a memorial to the 1863 Battle of Ringgold Gap at Ringgold Gap Park. A plaque, additional interpretive panels and markers, and a statue of General Cleburne provide information about the battle and the campaign. The Battle of Ringgold Gap - Atlanta Campaign Pavilion features a relief map of the battle.

Watching rail traffic is another possible theme for a stay: From the Ringgold Rail Viewing Platform, visitors can watch about 20 trains over a 24-hour period. This approximate figure gives rail enthusiasts an idea of how much train-watching is possible there.

Trails, Water, and Nature

The Chief Richard Taylor Nature Trail passes through extensive hardwood forests and by a beaver pond before reaching a waterfall near historic Ringgold Gap. Creekside Park offers walking trails and access to this nature trail; it also has facilities for pickleball, soccer, and basketball. Along with a walk through the landscape, visitors can choose from several sports activities.

At the Dragging Canoe Launch, you can launch your own canoe or kayak on South Chickamauga Creek. For a visit by the water, Elsie A. Holmes Nature Park offers a different focus: It borders the same creek and has trails, opportunities for fishing and picnicking, and peaceful nature experiences. These different options can help you plan according to whether you’d rather be on the water, hike, fish, or make time for a picnic.

Events Throughout the Year

The 1890's Days Festival has been held for more than 40 years on the Friday and Saturday before Memorial Day in downtown Ringgold. The program includes music, food, arts and crafts, and games. If you’re traveling to Ringgold that weekend, you can plan to attend the festival. The Historic Ringgold Depot also hosts a haunted house annually on Friday and Saturday evenings during the last three weeks of October, starting at 7 p.m. Check the event dates before your trip if you’d like to plan your stay around one of these events.

Wine, Harvests, and Local Food

The Georgia Winery specializes in wines made from locally grown Muscadine grapes and offers more than 20 wines. Guided wine tours are offered on Saturdays and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.; confirm the times before your visit. This information is especially useful if you’d like to make a tour a set part of your day.

Sims Family Farm offers strawberries, along with other fruits and vegetables, for picking yourself or having picked for you. The experience is seasonal; availability depends on the harvest and the season. Rabbit Valley Farmers Market focuses on local food and offers a way to support growers and producers from Georgia. The selection may vary.

The Ringgold Welcome Center is located at Doc Steve's Place in historic downtown Ringgold. It complements the various historical, cultural, and natural points of interest you can consider when planning your stay.

Discover more destinations: Fort Oglethorpe, Lakeview.

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