Suwannee River
The Suwannee originates in the Okefenokee Swamp and runs through Fargo’s Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge—mossy cypress trees, black swamp water, alligators, turtles, raccoon, black bear, deer, 223 species of birds can be seen from the park’s elevated boardwalk or on a guided boat trip. Rent a motorized boat or canoe to explore the swamp with 25 miles of Day-use waterways.
Suwannee River Visitors Center
Adjacent to the Highway 441 bridge and backed by Spanish-moss draped trees, the visitor center overlooks a bend in the black water river where people can fish and launch boats. Inside, visitors learn that tannic acid produced by decaying vegetation is what gives the river its tea color and that unlike other reptiles, mother alligators actively care for their babies. Animal displays include a black bear, bobcat, fox squirrel, otter, snakes, fish and numerous birds, including an endangered wood stork. The Suwannee River Visitor Center is administratively linked to Stephen C. Foster State Park near Fargo, the western gateway to the Okefenokee Swamp. The center will be open Wednesday – Sunday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. For more information, call (912) 637-5274 or visit www.gastateparks.org
Stephen C. Foster State Park
Named after songwriter Stephen Foster, this remote park is a primary entrance to the famed Okefenokee Swamp and is one of the most intriguing areas in Georgia. Moss-laced cypress trees reflect off the black swamp waters, providing breathtaking scenery. Visitors can look for alligators, turtles, raccoon, black bear, deer, birds and numerous other creatures while on the park’s elevated boardwalk trail or on a guided pontoon boat trip. More adventurous visitors may wish to rent motorized boats, canoes or kayaks for further exploration of the swamp, including a trip to historic Billy’s Island. Because the park is located within a National Wildlife Refuge, gates lock at closing and a $5 refuge fee is charged. The park also offers cabin and campsite (RV and tent) rentals, as well as, boat rentals. Furthermore, the park is located 18 miles from Fargo and 50 miles from a major grocery store. Visitors should bring all supplies with them and have plenty of gasoline in their vehicle. The park office sells drinks, snacks, ice, books, gifts and t-shirts. For more information, call (912) 637-5274 or visit www.gastateparks.org
Fargo Golf Course
The 9-hole "Fargo" course at the Fargo Golf Course facility in Fargo, Georgia features 3,009 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 36 .Fargo Golf Course is located on the west side of the Okefenokee Swamp in beautiful Fargo, Georgia. The golf course became part of the Okefenokee State Park in 2002 when the existing Stephen C. Foster State Park was expanded to include the addition of a Suwannee River Section. The course is open Monday through Thursday from March through June and Monday through Sunday from July through February. For more information call (912) 637-5261.
Huxford Genealogical Library
The Huxford Genealogical Society was organized in Homerville in November of 1972 to collect, preserve, and publish the genealogical information of the wiregrass area of South Georgia and North Florida. The Huxford Genealogical Society maintains a genealogical library located in the Homerville Municipal Complex located in downtown Homerville. The genealogical collection of the Huxford Library consists of a basic book collection with emphasis on the eastern United States and includes a microfilm and CD collection of the United States Census schedules, state and local histories, lineage books of several patriotic societies, marriage and death records, cemetery records, tax lists, ship passenger lists, Quaker records, military and pension records, family histories, and many genealogical periodicals. The Library also serves as the depository for the life-long genealogical collection of the late Judge Folks Huxford, F.A.S.G.; including his card files, notebooks, correspondence, old newspapers, other papers which he acquired throughout his busy life, and varied reports which he had collected as a storehouse of treasured family and local history. Library hours are from 9am to 5pm, Monday thru Friday, except for holidays. Two full time staff members are on duty to assist with research and answer your questions. For more information call (912) 487-2310 or visit their website.
Clinch County Senior Center
The neighborhood activity and resource center provides recreational activities, hobbies and crafts, exercise, hot lunches, educational programs, health screenings and transportation, as well as, home delivered meals five days a week to home bound seniors. The center is located at 313 West Dame Ave adjacent to the Clinch County Board of Education building. The center is opened Monday through Friday from 8am until 4pm. For more information call (912) 487-2893.
Dr. John Homer Mattox House Welcome Center and Museum
The Mattox House was originally built in 1853 when Dr. Homer Mattox moved his wife and twelve children to the area. The Chamber of Commerce was awarded a grant to preserve and relocate the house to be used as the office of the Chamber. The home has undergone extensive restoration and now holds the administrative officers of the chamber and a museum dedicated to the early days of Clinch County.
Cogdell Spook Light
In a tiny settlement on the fringe of the Okefenokee swamp called Cogdell a mysterious light, known as the "Cogdell Spook Light," often appears. Young couples are especially drawn to drive into the woods on one of the deserted roads, turn off the car, and flash the headlights a few times to conjure up the "ghost." If their visit is timed just right, an eerie greenish yellow glow coming from out of nowhere may be seen making its way slowly toward them in the darkness. Some say it's the ghost of an unknown man whose head was severed in a train accident. He swings a lantern in a futile search for his missing part.
Birthplace of Actor Ossie Davis
An actor, playwright, and director born December 18, 1917, in Cogdell, Georgia. Interested in literature from an early age, he finished school at the height of the Depression, and although offered scholarships to Savannah State College and Tuskegee Institute in Alabama he was unable to accept. Later he was able to take up a place at Howard University in Washington (1935) where he began acting with a Harlem theatre company and also became an active lifelong campaigner for civil rights.
During World War II, Davis worked in an army hospital in Liberia, spending his free time writing and producing plays to entertain troops and local people. He made his Broadway debut in 1946 in Jeb, where he met his future wife, Ruby Dee. They co-starred in many stage productions and films, and during the 1970s had their own radio show The Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee Story Hour. Among his best-known film roles are The Joe Louis Story (1953) and Purlie Victorious (1963), and his directorial debut was a comedy-action film Cotton Comes to Harlem (1970).
Home of Judge Folks Huxford
Judge Folks Huxford began the Huxford Genealogical Society to preserve his personal collection of genealogical materials. Judge Huxford had genealogy from six states in memory, which he wrote and published after retirement.
Home of Virginia Lanier
The author who penned the popular "Bloodhound" series of mystery books, including "The House on Bloodhound Lane", "A Brace of Bloodhounds", "Blind Bloodhound Justice" and "A Bloodhound to Die For." Lanier, who published her first book at age 65, died on Oct. 27, 2003, in Fargo, GA after a long illness at age 72.
Home of Kenneth Bennett
Author of “A Chronicle of Clinch County”
Home of James Martin Rhodes
Author of “In My Father’s Generation”
Home of Len Robbins
Author of “The Greatest Book Ever Written about Cheese”
Home of Joseph W. McClaine
Compiler of “Cemeteries of Clinch County Georgia”
Home of Linda Faye Wright
Author of “Welfare and a Dream”
Home of Annette Pickren Chamberlin
Author of “Sunshine in a Shady Place”
Home of Nancy Fouracre Morgan
Author of “Out of the Pocket”
Find other nearby points of interest at Explore Georgia, the state's official tourism and travel website.