Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Statesboro, GA

Although its name may not be widely recognized, Statesboro serves as the largest city and the administrative center of Bulloch County in Georgia.

Located in the southeastern region of the state, approximately 100 kilometers from the Atlantic coast, it received its city charter in 1803.

Originally established as a trading post for nearby cotton plantations, by the mid-19th century, it was so modest that its courthouse also functioned as a barn.

Statesboro experienced significant growth following the American Civil War, as many freed slaves decided to remain in the region. This expansion was further bolstered by the founding of Georgia Southern University in 1906.

The university’s campus contributes to a vibrant and innovative atmosphere in Statesboro, which has been acknowledged by the Georgia Municipal Association as one of nine state “live, work, play” cities due to its diverse attractions.

Here are our recommendations for the 15 premier activities to engage in within and around Statesboro, Georgia.

1. Georgia Southern University Museum

While integrated into Georgia Southern University, this museum focuses on the state’s natural history and is anything but a dull place for several hours of exploration.

Its galleries are filled with family-friendly interactive displays, notably featuring the 78-million-year-old eight-meter skeleton of a Mosasaur, often referred to as the T-Rex of the Sea, which is likely to captivate your attention for the longest duration.

Running a close second is the 42-million-year-old Vogtle whale fossil, recognized as North America’s oldest. The museum additionally showcases a complete skeleton of a Bryde’s whale, along with various maritime treasures such as sawfish bills and shark teeth.

2. Georgia Southern Botanical Gardens

Located just a few blocks from the main campus, the 4.5-hectare gardens are dedicated to the preservation of rare and endangered plant species native to the state, situated around Bland Cottage.

Although the name may seem unremarkable, it belies the vibrant colors and natural beauty surrounding this early 20th-century farmstead, which now serves as a visitor center.

The gardens consist of various subsections, including a heritage garden, bog garden, rose collection, and numerous wooded trails with benches for relaxation.

This nature sanctuary is a short walk from downtown Statesboro, hosting several native butterfly species, birds such as mockingbirds and red-feathered cardinals, along with a healthy squirrel population.

3. Splash in the Boro! Water Park

For those seeking a more exhilarating activity, look no further than the Splash in the Boro! water park.

It boasts nine primary attractions spread across more than 600,000 square meters, including a 240-meter lazy river that winds around the leisure pools.

Additional offerings comprise a wave pool and a Flow Rider surfing simulator, while families with younger children will appreciate the dedicated play area designed for poolside fun.

Under the vigilant supervision of lifeguards, this area features nursery pools along with child-friendly slides and amenities to keep the younger audience amused.

Moreover, it includes a 25-meter lap pool catering to serious swimmers and is conveniently located within Mill Creek Regional Park.

4. Averitt Center for the Arts

A perfect starting point for any excursion in downtown Statesboro is the Averitt Center for the Arts.

This vibrant cultural center comprises two distinct buildings. The first is characterized by its striking off-white facade adorned with Greek-style columns, originally part of the Bank of Statesboro before its closure during the Great Depression.

The second structure houses the Georgia Theatre, now recognized as the Emma Kelly Theatre in tribute to a notable local artist. Its art deco aesthetics were preserved during renovation, offering visitors a glimpse into Statesboro’s ambiance during the 1930s.

Together, these buildings host a myriad of events throughout the year, ranging from art exhibitions to bluegrass performances.

5. Blind Willie McTell Trail

This brief four-kilometer trail may not satisfy serious hikers, but it offers a unique glimpse into everyday life in Statesboro.

Linking Memorial Park with Triangle Park in the city’s downtown area, it traverses the kind of American scenery often overlooked by news media and guidebooks.

In summary, the trail serves as an idyllic setting for an alfresco lunch when the weather permits, which is most of the year in this region of southeastern Georgia.

A plaque along the path commemorates the trail’s namesake, the blind composer of the song “Statesboro Blues,” who spent much of his life in the city.

6. Museum on Main

While the museum at Georgia Southern emphasizes the region’s natural history, the Museum on Main Street instead focuses on the area’s cultural and human history.

Although Statesboro is relatively old by U.S. standards, this museum delves even deeper, exploring the lives of Native Americans prior to European arrival.

The exhibits extend to British and Spanish colonial exploration, while also acknowledging the harsh realities faced by many African-American slaves who worked the nearby cotton plantations.

Furthermore, it does not shy away from discussing the ramifications of the Civil War as Confederate states, including Georgia, distanced themselves from the burgeoning Union.

7. Statesboro Farmers Market

Another notable destination on Main Street is Statesboro’s Farmers Market.

Every Saturday, local farmers converge in downtown Statesboro to offer residents and visitors high-quality regional produce.

Primarily sourced from small family farms, the stalls feature an array of products, including premium cuts of meat and farm-fresh eggs.

Amidst these stalls, you will also encounter ready-to-eat options and beverages, such as lemonade and coffee, which you can savor while enjoying live music and browsing handicrafts from local artisans.

8. Centre for Wildlife Education

Transitioning from the Appalachian Mountains to the Atlantic coast via Georgia’s humid interior, the state hosts an impressive variety of native wildlife.

Many of these animals can be observed up close at the Centre for Wildlife Education. Here, bird of prey demonstrations showcase the magnificence of America’s national bird, the Bald Eagle. Vivariums provide an opportunity for visitors to observe the state’s various snake species closely.

Additionally, there is a small section of preserved wetland featuring its own beaver dam and lodge.

A dedicated children’s trail and distinct self-guided nature paths encourage further exploration. The exhibition on invasive species also highlights several non-native species that have taken root in the area.

9. Eagle Creek Brewing Company

Emanating the southern charm for which Georgia is famous, the Eagle Creek Brewing Company in downtown Statesboro is not solely a craft brewery; it also operates as a brewpub with an extensive restaurant menu paired with its selection of beers, wines, and cocktails.

Visitors can enjoy their drinks alongside regular live music events, creating a delightful ambiance for sampling offerings like the Tea Party Amber, River Street Praline American Brown Ale, and Spot Tail blends.

Although some of these beverages can be found elsewhere, Eagle Creek reserves certain brews exclusively for its brewpub taproom, ensuring that an authentic craft beer experience necessitates a visit to the brewery itself.

10. The Jumping Place

For an adrenaline rush that exceeds even that offered by Splash in the Boro!, visit The Jumping Place.

This facility specializes in skydiving, providing both tandem and solo jumps for novices and seasoned jumpers alike.

Offering not only an exhilarating thrill but also an unmatched perspective of Statesboro and southeastern Georgia, this experience is one you will recount for years to come.

Alternatively, consider visiting Jumpshot, an indoor activity center featuring three paintball fields, trampolines, and a wipeout machine, among other attractions.

11. Bulloch County Courthouse

As the administrative center for Bulloch County, Statesboro’s downtown area is home to the Bulloch County Courthouse. Constructed in 1894, it combines classical revival and Queen Anne architectural styles and was included in the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1980.

At the time of its construction, the courthouse cost $20,000 and remains one of Statesboro’s most impressive buildings.

Often regarded as the heart of Statesboro, the adjoining Courthouse Square showcases monuments commemorating various periods in the city’s history.

Cinephiles may also recognize this structure from the film “1969,” featuring actors Robert Downey Jr., Kiefer Sutherland, and Winona Ryder, where it served as a stand-in for Culloch County Courthouse in multiple scenes.

12. Savannah

Located just shy of the Atlantic Ocean amid a network of winding rivers, islands, and wildlife refuges, the city of Savannah is situated 93 kilometers from Statesboro.

Regarded as the oldest city in Georgia, Savannah was established in 1733, during a time when the United States existed as North American colonies under British rule. The city played a significant role in both the War of Independence and the American Civil War.

Notably unaltered from its original city layout, Savannah’s cobblestone streets and park-like squares constitute one of the largest National Historic Landmark Districts in the nation.

Highlights include numerous historic residences featuring the region’s characteristic exterior verandas, as well as the Fort Jackson Maritime Museum.

Located approximately 1.2 kilometers from downtown Savannah, the 19th-century fort was built as a maritime defense against potential sea attacks and served as a city defense during the civil conflict.

13. S&S Greenway

The S&S Greenway is a paved walking trail that extends 4.5 kilometers along sections of the former Savannah & Statesboro Railroad, which became operational in 1897.

This trail begins at Gentilly Road, traverses through tunnels under bypasses, and winds through areas abundant with mature trees before concluding at Pretoria-Rushing and Burkhalter Roads. As development continues, the greenway is set to eventually reach the city of Brooklet, approximately 13 kilometers away.

Both ends of the trail provide designated parking areas and spaces for relaxing or enjoying a picnic lunch.

14. Blackwater Preserve

Located fifteen minutes south of Statesboro, Blackwater Preserve occupies a historic property spanning 170 hectares, providing access to pristine wetlands ideal for kayaking, canoeing, and camping expeditions.

Adjacent to a cypress swamp, there exists no better way to navigate Georgia’s wetlands than by exploring from the water’s surface.

This preserve offers a refreshing retreat for those wishing to escape the busy downtown atmosphere of Statesboro, where the sounds of flowing water and dappled sunlight filtering through the trees create an idyllic setting, complemented by the rich birdlife and wildlife inhabiting the area.

15. Tybee Island

Situated back on the Atlantic Coast, Tybee Island lies approximately 115 kilometers, or a 1.5-hour drive from Statesboro, and can be effortlessly combined with a visit to Savannah.

Positioned at Georgia’s easternmost point, bordering South Carolina, Tybee Island was officially known as Savannah Beach for many years, emphasizing one of its primary attractions.

In addition to its beautiful beaches, the island boasts the distinctively black-and-white striped Tybee Island Light Station lighthouse and the Fort Screven Historic District.

Commissioned in 1898, this site served as a critical coastal defense until 1947, with various military installations still visible, including six gun batteries and a guardhouse.