Crisp County: Railroad History, Museums, and Lake Blackshear

A Titan I rocket has welcomed travelers to Cordele since 1969 and is a local landmark. It offers a first glimpse of the history and distinctive themes that can shape a stay in Crisp County: railroads, heritage, and experiences at Lake Blackshear.

Cordele’s History and Railroad

At the Cordele Historic Museum & Welcome Center, you’ll find artifacts and archives about Cordele’s history. The building also serves as an art gallery and event venue. The Cordele Commercial Historic District offers a broader view of downtown history: it includes historic commercial, institutional, and transportation-related buildings and structures in the business district. The Carnegie Free Library, which opened in 1915, is another historic site. It was the first library in the state of Georgia to offer library services to the entire county.

Railroads are also a visible part of Cordele’s identity. More than 80 trains travel through the Diamond Crossing every day. The route for a ride on the Historic SAM Shortline Railroad takes you to Plains, Americus, or Archery; individual excursion routes may change. So check the tour route if you’re planning your trip around it. Weekly Division Trials are held at Cordele Motor Speedway. The program includes INEX-sanctioned Bandolero and Legends races, as well as races in the Go-Karts, Mini Stock, Enduro, Pure Stock, Super Street/Sportsman, and Outlaw Late Model classes. Race schedules can change, so it’s a good idea to check the dates in advance.

Lake Blackshear and Its Recreational Activities

Lake Blackshear was created in 1930 by damming the Flint River to provide Crisp County residents with low-cost energy. Today, the lake offers boating, water skiing, trophy fishing, swimming, and other water sports. Water conditions and providers may vary. The marina rents pontoon boats, one of which can accommodate up to twelve guests. The lake also hosts an annual national bass fishing tournament. If you’d like to coordinate your stay with the tournament, check the current event dates.

Veterans’ Memorial and Park Activities

Georgia Veterans State Park & Resort was established as a memorial to U.S. veterans. Its museum displays aircraft, including a Boeing B-29A, armored vehicles, uniforms, weapons, and medals. The collection spans the period from the American Revolutionary War to the Gulf War. Alongside this historical focus, the park has an Archery & Air Gun Range and an 18-hole golf course. The golf course’s operating schedule may vary seasonally, so take that into account when planning.

Seasonal Produce and Planning Your Stay

In summer, the Cordele State Farmers Market offers all kinds of Georgia-grown fruit and vegetables; seasonal availability may vary. You can shape your stay around different interests: railroad history and historic sites offer a different focus from water sports, the park, or a visit to the speedway. For plans tied to specific dates, the speedway schedule and the SAM Shortline tour route are especially relevant; conditions and offerings at the lake may vary.

Discover more destinations: Cordele, Candler County, Cook, Laurens County, Coweta, Greene, Pike County, Coffee County

For the main travel overview: Georgia.