Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Bulloch County, GA

  • Published 2023/02/23

Bulloch County is a remarkable travel destination in Georgia that’s mostly in touch with nature.

Known for its high-quality agriculture and education, it’s also a central hub for outdoor recreation.

Its hillside landscapes and waterway attractions make this county a notable wildlife discovery area.

Its cities include Statesboro, Register, Portal, and Brooklet, with Statesboro as its county seat.

This county runs along the Ogeechee River basin.

Established in 1796, the county got its name from the Revolutionary War leader and the state’s Liberty Party leader, Archibald Bulloch.

In its early years, the county was famous for its livestock and turpentine industry, but it soon saw a boost in tourism.

Here are the best things to do in Bulloch County, Georgia.

Swim at Splash in the Boro Waterpark and Aquatics Center

Visitors enjoying the water slide at Splash in the Boro Waterpark and Aquatics Center

Jillian Cain Photography / Shutterstock.com

When you’re in Bulloch County during summer, drop by Splash in the Boro Waterpark and Aquatics Center at least once.

This water park has a collection of fun attractions and facilities that everyone of all ages can enjoy.

One of its newest and most sought-after pools is the Wave Pool, which has its spray playground.

For your little ones, a wading pool comes with an age-appropriate slide.

If you are more of a daredevil, come by the Mat Racer or the Lily Pad to test your speed and balance.

Splash in the Boro Waterpark and Aquatics Center also offers swimming lessons and rented pavilions.

Find this aquatic park on Highway 24 East in the city of Statesboro.

Taste Quality Craft Beer at Eagle Creek Brewing Company

Eagle Creek Brewing Company is one must-see site you shouldn’t miss in Statesboro.

Since 2013, this brewing production company has transformed into a brewpub, the first of its kind.

In 2017, it also expanded its menu to serve lunch.

Whether or not you come by during mealtimes, you will enjoy a delicious locally-sourced craft beer to accompany your time.

Try local favorites, such as Spot Tail and River Street Praline.

If you prefer a mix to your usual order, go for featured beers or new drink concoctions.

There are a lot of beer options to choose from!

Eagle Creek Brewing Company is on Savannah Avenue.

Go Kayaking at Blackwater Preserve

Get a taste of unbridled nature at Blackwater Preserve.

Once a mill site property, this preserve went by McElveen Pond.

Several years later, the nature site offers pristine wetland vistas that you can access by boat.

Learn more about the wildlife and plant species in this unique habitat with a kayak ride along the cypress swamp.

On land, make your way across paved trails and listen to the birds singing on treetops.

For a more hands-on experience, try out fishing or camping!

Blackwater Preserve is one of Register’s best treasures.

You can find this nature preserve on McElveen Pond Road.

Let Your Kids Have Fun at the Explorseum

Make your child’s trip to Bulloch County more memorable with a stop at the Explorseum in the city of Statesboro.

This attraction is located on Northside Drive West, an indoor children’s activity center and museum.

It offers a variety of subject-specific classes, including language lessons and STEAM activities.

It also excels in helping improve creativity and curiosity among young learners.

Its one-of-a-kind exhibits are also most enjoyable for children, regardless of age range and interests.

Watch your little ones immerse themselves in play-pretend situations modeled after real-life professions.

The Explorseum opens its doors for you and your kid, so keep this site in mind when planning your itinerary.

See the Animals at the Center for Wildlife Education

The Center for Wildlife Education is a first-time favorite for those interested in animals and their habitat.

In 1997, this center opened because of a school supporter named Harry Matthews.

His desire to have a bald eagle within campus grounds started after a misidentification of a fowl during a football championship match.

Matthews pushed the university to create a “wildlife encounters” museum known as the Center for Wildlife Education.

Experience an interactive learning session with a walk down its exhibits.

From snakes and birds to the more rare animal species, like opossums and skunks, you will see a portion of Georgia’s animal population.

You can find this animal-themed center at Georgia Southern University on Forest Drive in Statesboro.

Spend the Day with the Family at Mill Creek Regional Park

Mill Creek Regional Park on Highway 24 East is one of Bulloch County’s most treasured parks.

Spanning 155 acres of parkland, this tourist site features about 15 baseball diamonds and seven football fields.

Its 1.25-mile walking trails are ideal for beginner and expert hikers.

The park also has two playgrounds.

Its vast courts and play spaces are a hit among families and group travelers looking to have a relaxed time with each other.

Best of all, this park is free for the public to use!

Mill Creek Regional Park is in the city of Statesboro.

Learn about African-American Heritage at Willow Hill Heritage & Renaissance Center

The city of Portal offers a gateway to history through Willow Hill Heritage & Renaissance Center.

This museum, conceptualized in 2005, stands where the 1954 Willow Hill School once served the community.

From its inception in 1874, this school acted as the learning ground for many African-Americans.

Moreover, former African-American slaves started and kept this school running.

Now, as you explore the exhibits presented at this museum, you’ll get an insight into their faith, culture, and education in the past.

Look at photographs and archived documents of families and people within Bulloch County.

Willow Hill Heritage & Renaissance Center is on Willow Hill Road.

Check Out the Artwork at Averitt Center for the Arts

Exterior view of Averitt Center for the Arts

Joe Lafoon / Shutterstock.com

The Averitt Center for the Arts can get you the art experience you’ve been looking for in Statesboro, Bulloch County.

This art center occupies two historical buildings: the old Bank of Statesboro and the Georgia Theater, which now goes by the name Emma Kelly Theater.

Founded in 2004, this center is home to various art exhibits and collections.

Get your dose of art by exploring the fine arts gallery or watching a theater performance.

The Averitt Center for the Arts is on East Main Street.

Ride a Bike around the S&S Greenway

The S&S Greenway is a nature trail paradise that runs along the former 1897 Savannah & Statesboro Railway.

Known for its flat route, this trail is best for those who are only just beginners in the field of biking.

It spans over two miles.

Along the route, the trail welcomes you to an aesthetic mix of nature haven and urban modernity.

Get scenic vistas of dense woodlands, marsh landscapes, and the occasional wildlife visitors.

Start your refreshing bike ride along the S&S Greenway on Gentilly Road and Pretoria Rushing Road, opposite trailheads.

This trail is within Statesboro.

Watch Tractor Races at the Brooklet Peanut Festival

Bulloch County is full of pleasant surprises; one is the Brooklet Peanut Festival, located in Brooklet.

This annual festival is a part of the city’s community tradition, with its first one celebrated in 1989.

This festival was initially intended to raise money for community Christmas decorations.

Over the years, it has evolved into a nationwide phenomenon, with more and more tourists coming by to celebrate local peanut produce.

One of the anticipated parts of the program is the parade, which features tractor vehicles and peanut mascots.

There are also live bands and tractor races you can watch.

The Brooklet Peanut Festival is commonly held in the streets of downtown Brooklet, including Railroad Street, every September.

Tee Up at Forest Heights Country Club

Regarding golfing and events in southeastern Georgia, Forest Heights Country Club is on top of the list.

Established in 1947, it is the first golf course facility within Bulloch County.

Its two-set nine-hole layout is the masterpiece of architect George Cobb.

There’s a clubhouse with a ballroom added in the 70s and a pro shop for golfing attire and equipment.

If you’re not into golf, you might like pitching a tennis ball back and forth with a loved one at the tennis courts.

Forest Heights Country Club also has a pool open from May to September.

Get active and practice your swinging skills at this golf facility on Country Club Road in Statesboro.

Explore the Trails at the Botanic Garden at Georgia Southern University

The Botanic Garden at Georgia Southern University is an 11-acre floral attraction.

Once owned and managed by Dan and Catharine Bland, this 20th-century garden features heritage plants exclusive to southeastern Georgia.

The property also refers to rural farm living during the early 1910s and 1920s.

Admire longleaf pines and native azaleas in their specific garden sections.

Also within the gardens are courtyards and trails that sit on coastal plains.

If you prefer to stay indoors, there’s a Rural Life Museum that might pique your interest.

Wherever you wish to spend time in these gardens, there is always something to learn about the flora and plants.

The gardens are also available for event rentals.

Get started on your floral excursion at the Botanic Garden on Bland Avenue in Statesboro.

Celebrate Milestones at Brooklet Park

Brooklet Park may be your best choice for a break.

Extending up to ten acres, this park is a family-friendly site with sports courts and facilities.

Its amenities include two lighted tennis courts, two baseball diamonds, and a community building.

Are you traveling with your kids?

They’ll find amusement within the multi-faceted playground.

Brooklet Park is also a great gathering place for special family and personal events.

With six picnic areas and a rentable pavilion, this park can make reunions and birthday celebrations more memorable.

Are you ready to spend time outdoors with the people dearest to your heart?

This park is on North Cromley Road in the city of Brooklet.

Use Your Logic and Creativity to Escape Statesboro Unlocked

Do you need a unique change to your usual entertainment choices?

Why not have a go at Statesboro Unlocked?

This escape room facility houses three themed interactive rooms that let you exercise your creative thinking skills.

Team up with your loved ones and family to solve puzzles and games.

This entertainment center is also suitable for special occasions, whether personal or corporate.

Put on your thinking cap as you elude serial killers, break free from handcuffs, and find your way to safety after a memorable escape.

Statesboro Unlocked is on Highway 24 East in Statesboro, across from Mill Creek Regional Park.

Admire the Scenery at Blind Willie McTell Trail

Add a bit of activity to your Bulloch County itinerary with Blind Willie McTell Trail.

This trail spans over 7,000 square yards of asphalt.

Scattered along the route are student-designed benches that serve as picnic areas for regular visitors and locals.

Strike a pose and take photos while at the landscaped islands.

This route is also dog-friendly, so better pack your pet’s leash for an immersive nature walk.

Starting from Fair Road Memorial Park, this trail’s route runs around downtown Statesboro before ending at Triangle Park.

To find the trailhead of Blind Willie McTell Trail, head over to Fair Road in the city of Statesboro.

Final Thoughts

Recognized for its natural terrain and urban cityscapes, Bulloch County has proven itself as a worthy destination spot.

Have you taken note of the best things to do in Bulloch County, Georgia?

Start planning your trip today!

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