Blakely and Early County Attractions
Whether you are a history buff, outdoor enthusiast, or just passing through, Blakely
and Early County will have something to catch your interest.
From state and county parks to churches and community festivals, Blakely and Early
County continue to promote the wholesome, closely-knit environment of a slower-paced
Southern town where people still know and take time for each other. Although the
people of Blakely and Early County do not boast multi-plex theaters, hundreds of
restaurants, or enormous theme parks, they are proud of their culture and attitude
towards each other. Like many rural towns throughout the region, the people of Early
County exude a genuine interest in their neighbors’ well-being, and ‘Southern Hospitality’
is alive and well.
The western border of Early County is shared with Alabama and is formed by the murky
waters of the Chattahoochee River. Riverboats and cotton barges
fought rolling currents between the overhanging oak and pine forests on their journeys
to and from Columbus, Georgia in times gone by. Today, several county-maintained
boat ramps provide access to fishing, skiing, and sight-seeing along this iconic
waterway.
One such boat ramp is located within the Early County-maintained Coheelee Creek
Park. The southernmost covered bridge in the United States is also
located here and spans 96 feet across the park’s namesake, the idyllic Coheelee
Creek, which is rimmed with ancient Magnolias and has, through the centuries, gouged
out its own miniature canyon from the underlying limestone. Picnic and camping areas
offer illustrious western views from cliffs overlooking the slow-rolling Chattahoochee
River just downstream from the terminus of Coheelee Creek. To see a sunset from
this park is a wonder not to be missed.
Kolomoki Mounds State Park is located a few miles north of Blakely,
and has remained a steadfast attraction in the area for decades. The main appeal
of this park is the Kolomoki Mounds, earthen embankments created centuries ago by
a segment of the Swift Creek and Weeden Island Indians. These huge mounds were used
for ceremonial and burial purposes and mark the site of a community which may have
been one of the largest civilizations north of Mexico between 300 and 600 A.D. The
park is a great place for picnicking, camping, fishing and hiking. There are two
small lakes perfect for canoeing, with canoes and seasonal paddleboats for rent
through the park office. Kolomoki Mounds State Park also hosts many interesting
festivals throughout the year and offers a great chance to see wildlife from deer
and turkeys to turtles and alligators. If traveling to or through Early County,
this park is a must-see.
Perhaps the main attraction to Blakely and Early County cannot be pin-pointed to
one location. The small town court square adorned with flower beds and oak trees
themselves contained within a perimeter of old-time stores, shops, and restaurants
constantly draws warm remarks from out-of-towners. The smell of fried chicken on
North Main Street and the drums from Early County High School’s Standifer Field
on Friday nights in the fall produce a feeling of home and simplicity. People visiting
Blakely comment on how everyone knows each other, and how they speak and shake hands
in the grocery and hardware stores. The annual Kolomoki Mounds Indian Festival and
Christmas on the Square in Blakely, along with parades before each home game for
the Early County Bobcats provide wonderful opportunities to meet Early County’s
greatest attraction, its people.
Area Schools and Colleges
Early County is home to some of the finest schools in South Georgia. Several have
been named Georgia Schools of Excellence. Whatever your educational needs, Blakely
and Early County are equipped to fulfill them. In Blakely and Early County, "every mind succeeds
Early County Schools
Superintendents Office
503 Columbia Street
Blakely, GA 39823
(229)723-4337
www.early.k12.ga.us
Early County Elementary School
283 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd
Blakely, GA 39823
(229)723-4101
*This school has been named a “Georgia School of Excellence”
Early County Middle School
413 Columbia Street
Blakely, GA 39823
(229)723-5832
*This school has been named a “Georgia School of Excellence”
Early County High School
420 Columbia Street
Blakely, GA 39823
(229)723-5503
www.early.k12.ga.us/ECHS
*This school has been named a “Georgia School of Excellence”
Early County Alternative School
544 Howell Street
Blakely, GA 39823
(229)723-3943
Southwest Georgia Academy
14105 GA Hwy 200
Damascus, GA 39841
(229)725-1888
www.sgawarriors.com
Bainbridge College, Early County Site
40 Harold Regan Blvd
Blakely, GA 39823
(229)724-2100
More Information
Listings on the National Historic Register
Blakely and Early County are home to several listings on the National Historic Register.
These include the Early County Courthouse, Coheelee Creek Covered Bridge, the Kolomoki
Indian Mounds and Museum, and the Echodell 1840 Historic Home. These treasures add
to the culture an rich heritage of the area.
Recreational Opportunities
There is plenty to do in Early County for the active. From hiking, camping, golf,
fishing, swimming, hunting, you name it, we've got it. The nearby river and
lakes provide plenty of "fun in the sun" for water sports fans, with ample
opportunities for boating, fishing, skiing, sailing and swimming. The local recreational
department offers a full slate of planned activities for youth and adults.
- Kolomoki State Historic Park (229)724-2150 or Email:kolomoki@alltel.net
- Chattahoochee River (Public Boat Landings)
- Local Recreational Department (229)723-3197
- 9-Hole Golf Course, Blakely Town & Country Club (229)723-4737
- Birding - over 200 species of birds, with approximately 20 rare, endangered species.
(229)723-3741
Regional Attractions
Early County and the surrounding area boast several regional attractions. These
locations are within an hour of Blakely, which makes them perfect destinations for
day trips.
- Lake Walter F. George/Bagby State Park
- Swamp Gravy Folklife Play
- Seminole State Park
- The Parks at Chehaw
- Providence Canyon
- Westville 1850's Living History Village
- Farley Nuclear Plant Visitors Center
And, two hours away, the pristine beaches of Panama City, FL.
Civic Clubs
Blakely boasts many civic and social clubs. For more information, please contact
the Chamber.
- Lions Club
- Rotary Club
- Early County Historical Society
- Court Square Arts Council
- Court Square Players
- Daughters of the American Revolution
- Blakely Shriners Club
- Masons
- Pilot Club
- Garden Club
- Eastern Star
- Boy Scouts
- Habitat for Humanity
- Arlington Kiwanis Club