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Indian Springs State Park is a 528 acre (2.14 km²) Georgia state park located near Jackson and Flovilla. The park is named for its several springs, which the Creek Indians used for centuries to heal the sick. The water from these springs is said to have a sulfur smell and taste. Indian Springs is thought to be the oldest state park in the nation. It was acquired from the Creek Indians by the state through the Treaty of Indian Springs (1825) and the Treaty of Washington (1826). Thereafter, Indian Springs has been operated continuously by the state as a public park, although it did not gain the title "State Park" until 1931. The area became a resort town in the 19th century. It became an official "State Forest Park" in 1927. In 1931, along with Vogel State Park, it became a founding unit of Georgia's state park system.

Visitors are still allowed to sample the park's spring water, all the while enjoying swimming, fishing, and boating. Several structures within the park were built during the Great Depression by members of the Civilian Conservation Corps. The park also contains a 105 acre (0.42 km²) lake consistently stocked with fish, as well as a 3/4 mile (1.21 km) nature trail.

The park features a small museum that is open seasonally. Exhibits include the park's natural history, the resort era, activities of the CCC, and the history and culture of the Creek Indians.

Facilities

• 88 Tent/Trailer/RV Sites
• 10 Cottages
• 7 Picnic Shelters
• Group Shelter
• Group Camp
• Miniature Golf Course
• Boat Rental
• Pioneer Camping

Dauset Trails Nature Center

In the early 1980s, Dauset Trails was primarily a rehabilitation center for injured and orphaned wildlife. The animals were mainly native to the area and could not be released due to the severity of injuries. These animals were given exhibits for protection and display and gradually grew to become the Animal Trail.

The Animal Trail winds about half a mile through the woods rounding a small lake. It is easily accessible by foot, strollers, and wheelchairs. These animals are used to teach students of all ages the importance of each species and its role in the world.

The nature center contains exhibits of birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, ducks, geese, and farm animals.

There are also camping facilities, with turkey roosts available as well.

Biking and hiking

There are 17 + miles of trails for mountain biking and hiking. These trails offer beautiful, scenic experiences for hikers and mountain bike enthusiasts of all skill levels. The trails are routed into 3 categories: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced.

Annual events

• Southeastern Indian Celebration (June)
• Astronomy Program (August)
• Christmas at Idelwilde (December)

References

1. Georgia Department of Natural Resources. "Indian Springs State Park". Retrieved July 27, 2006.
2. Sandy's Grafix. "Dauset Trails Nature Center". Retrieved April 24, 2010.
3. Dauset Trails. "Hike and Bike". Retrieved April 24, 2010.

External links

• Indian Springs State Park, official website

33°14′38″N 83°55′52″W / 33.24389°N 83.93111°W / 33.24389; -83.93111

• 1825 establishments in the United States
• State parks of Georgia (U.S. state)
• Natural history museums in Georgia (U.S. state)
• Museums in Butts County, Georgia
• Civilian Conservation Corps in Georgia (U.S. state)
• Nature centers in Georgia (U.S. state)
• Protected areas established in the 19th century
• Protected areas of Butts County, Georgia