Explore Dougherty County

Nature and culture come together in Dougherty County: springs and the Flint River offer a different focus from exhibits on civil rights, art and science. When planning your stay, you can follow these varied interests—from a walk along the river to a museum visit.

Springs, River and Trails

Radium Springs Gardens is one of Georgia’s Seven Natural Wonders. The spring at Radium Springs releases 70,000 gallons of water per minute from an underwater cave. If you’re interested in river landscapes, the Flint River offers more to explore: the six-acre RiverFront Park stretches along the river and includes the Turtle Grove Playground. The RiverFront Park Visitor Center is located in the Historic Bridge House.

The Riverfront Greenway Trail also has several overlooks along the Flint River. The approximately half-mile-long Oxford Environmental Park Nature Trail has a different character and is described as a natural, undeveloped trail. The Flint River offers opportunities to get around on foot and by paddle boat. These are recreational opportunities on the Flint River; the river is considered a canoeing and kayaking destination and spans 220 river miles in total.

Wildlife and Water to Explore

At Chehaw Park & Zoo, the zoo is home to 209 animals representing more than 72 different species. The Splash Park offers water fun for all ages; its seasonal operating details may change. Chehaw Park’s fishing options also include a catfish-stocked pond, open from April through October. The Joshua W. Franklin Memorial Disc Golf Course offers another clearly defined activity: it has 18 holes and a par of 54.

The Flint RiverQuarium uses the Flint River, its animals and its diverse ecosystems to illustrate the importance of water. Hands-on, interactive exhibits in the Discovery Caverns invite visitors to learn about water, river systems and the aquifer. The Blue Hole Spring is an exhibit tank with a capacity of 175,000 gallons and a depth of 22 feet. The exhibit is home to more than 120 species of fish, turtles, alligators, snapping turtles and other animals. The RiverQuarium therefore focuses on both water systems and wildlife.

Civil Rights, Art and History

The Albany Civil Rights Institute tells the story of the struggle for civil rights through oral accounts from eyewitnesses, photographs, documents, artifacts and educational exhibits. Its offerings include school tours, programs and lectures. The Albany Museum of Art has a different focus: admission is free for all visitors; check the latest information before your visit. The museum offers free tours, including art projects, for school groups and other organizations. It’s worth checking the latest schedule details when planning your visit.

Ray Charles Plaza features a lifelike bronze statue of the musician and a walkway designed to resemble piano keys. Albany’s railroad past is another window into history: Union Depot was built in 1913, used by five railroad companies, and served as the point where seven railroad lines originating in Albany converged. A collection includes more than 100 surveying and mapping instruments and tools dating back to the 18th century.

Planetarium, Events and Local Products

The Wetherbee Planetarium in Albany screens full-dome educational films and produces live presentations on a wide range of astronomy topics. It offers a distinct way to explore science, different from the natural history exhibits at the RiverQuarium.

Recurring events include the Flint RiverQuarium’s annual Water, Wings & Wildlife Festival. It is scheduled for the last Saturday in September; check the specific date and program before your trip. The HeART of Albany Festival is also held annually, is free, and features professional chalk art. If you’re interested in local brewing, the Pretoria Fields Collective’s tasting room offers beer tastings and brewery tours. The Collective uses locally grown products in its flagship beer.

Discover more destinations: Albany, Monroe, Rockdale, Screven, Paulding County, Walker County, Putnam, Bryan.

For the broader travel overview: Georgia.