Attractions
Historic Sites
Camp Lawton
The tale of Camp Lawton, the world's largest prisoner of war camp of its time, unfolds through the Confederate earthworks, two sizable timbers retrieved from the stream, and historical markers positioned both within and outside the confines of Magnolia Springs State Park. This historic site witnessed conception, construction, utilization, and eventual abandonment within a fleeting four-month period. In October 1864, the initial contingent of Union prisoners arrived, swelling to a staggering 10,299 by November. As the late months of 1864 approached, the camp was vacated in anticipation of Sherman's March to the Sea. Today, Camp Lawton stands recognized on the National Register of Historic Places.
Millen Historic District
Millen Historic District boasts a collection of commercial buildings along Cotton Avenue and adjacent streets that have earned a place on the National Register of Historic Places. Primarily constructed between 1880 and 1930, these buildings, including the 1910 Jenkins County Courthouse, showcase the rich architectural and historical heritage of the area.
Train Watching
Train Watching is a popular activity in Millen, where up to 15 trains traverse the town daily past a train viewing platform. The terminal functions as a pivotal switching station, orchestrating the assembly of trains. Along Cotton Avenue, two significant depots built in the early 1900s underscore the importance of rail transportation in Millen. One is currently used by Norfolk Southern, while the other serves as the Millen-Jenkins County Museum and Chamber of Commerce headquarters.
Jenkins County Museum
Inside one of Millen’s two train depots, the free museum serves as a repository of local history, featuring exhibits on Native American artifacts, tools, and cotton mill equipment. Open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, the museum offers a glimpse into the cultural and industrial heritage of the region.
Big Buckhead Church
Big Buckhead Church, established in 1774, stands as the third oldest Baptist church in Georgia. Its present Greek Revival structure was completed in 1855. The church has witnessed historical events such as the organization of the Hephzibah Association in 1794 and the 1831 meeting of the Georgia Baptist Convention, which played a role in the founding of Mercer University. Notably, the church was a site of a Confederate victory during Sherman's March to the Sea.
Carswell Grove Church
Carswell Grove Church, organized in 1867, emerged from Big Buckhead Baptist Church and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Founded by African Americans after the Civil War, the church and cemetery bear witness to an important chapter in local history. Fire destroyed the church building in 2014.
Millen-Jenkins County Scenic Byway
The 35-mile loop begins along Cotton Avenue in Millen’s Historic District and heads north along State Route 23. From there, it passes west along a network of county roadways before leading to State Route 17 and back to Millen, passing Magnolia Springs State Park and Camp Lawton along the way. The route is rich in history and natural scenery. The character of the byway is evident by the pastoral beauty of woodlands, pasture lands and historic farmhouses around every curve.
recreation
Magnolia Springs State Park
Magnolia Springs State Park is known for the crystal-clear springs flowing at an estimated 9 million gallons of water per day and the interpretive boardwalk that spans the cool water along the natural spring. Visitors may watch for alligators, turtles and other wildlife during warmer months. The park includes a number of hiking/biking trails. Private boats are allowed and fishing boats and canoes are available for rent. The park is home to Camp Lawton, a National Register of Historic Places site.
Dukes Pond
Big Dukes Pond Heritage Preserve (BDPHP) is a Carolina Bay, a wetland found along the Atlantic Coastal Plain that has an oval shape and a raised sand rim along the south and east margins. Dukes Pond provides habitat for one of Georgia's largest breeding colonies of wood stork, a federally listed rare species, as well as the rare black-crowned night-heron and yellow-crowned night-heron, and the state-protected spotted turtle.
Ogeechee River
The Ogeechee River, Georgia's longest river to maintain its name throughout its course, provides opportunities for canoeing, fishing, baptisms, and natural swimming holes. Find public access to the river at the Bull Hole in the Herndon Community, Scarboro Landing in the Scarboro Community, the Old Highway 80 Ramp and the Highway 25 boat landing on the south side of Highway 25. Drop by the Millen/Jenkins County Chamber of Commerce for directions and a map.
Bike Trails
Cyclists can explore the 314-mile State Bicycle Route #85, "The Savannah River Run," passing through Jenkins County from the Burke County line to the Screven County line. Magnolia Springs State Park has a two-mile, easy-to-moderate bike trail is open to hikers as well (so bikers should yield to hikers). Helmets are encouraged for all riders; children 16 and younger are required by law to wear helmets. Ask park staff about the Muddy Spokes Club sponsored by Georgia’s State Park System. This trail is one of 11 required to earn a “mud-splattered” t-shirt.
Hiking Trails
Magnolia Springs State Park is the place to go for hiking in Jenkins County, with easy-to-moderate trails up to two miles in length. The half-mile Woodpecker Woods Nature Trail includes the boardwalk that spans the spring. The Fort Lawton Historic Trail is a one-mile walk where hikers will pass what was the Civil War prison hospital, stockade and burial ground (now removed). Walk 1.5 miles along the Beaver Trail, stopping at an observation deck above a pretty wetland, a good place to look for wildlife, including great blue herons and little green herons. Lucky visitors may spot beaver near their lodge home during late or early hours. A two-mile shared hiking/biking trail is described in the Bike Trails entry.