Cordele, Georgia, "The Watermelon Capital of the World," is located off of Interstate 75, about halfway between Atlanta and the Florida border. Cordele served as the temporary capital of Georgia for just a few days at the end of the Civil War. Visitors to the area can enjoy a range of outdoor activities and can visit the attractions in nearby towns by taking an operational passenger train.
The main feature of this park is the 6,600-acre Lake Blackshear. Visitors can enjoy boating, water skiing and fishing or can take a dip at the swimming beach. Rental boats are available. The park also features an 18-hole golf course, playgrounds, walking trails and a disc golf course. The park museum displays aircraft, armored vehicles, uniforms, weapons, medals and other memorabilia from the Revolutionary War through the Gulf War. For those that want to camp, the park offers 77 tent and RV campsites with cable TV hookups, 10 cottages and a pioneer campground.
Georgia Veterans State Park
2459 U.S. Highway 280 W.
Cordele , GA 31015
229-276-2371
gastateparks.org
Race fans can take in the excitement of a race at the watermelon capital speedway, a 3/8-mile, medium-banked, high-speed, D-shaped, asphalt track. The speedway sponsors races in the Bandolero, Legends, Mini Stock, Pure Stock, Super Street, and Claimer divisions. Races occur usually every other Saturday, except on holidays. As of the 2010 season, tickets were $10 for grandstand seating and $20 for infield admission, with discounted children's tickets and free grandstand admission for kids under five years of age.
Watermelon Capital Speedway
385 Farmers Market Road
Cordele, GA 31015
229-273-9306
watermeloncapitalspeedway.com
The SAM Shortline Excursion Train is a passenger train, based in Cordele, that offers day-excursions to south Georgia destinations such as Americus, Plains, Archery and Leslie. Guests can purchase coach tickets, in which seats are not assigned or, for a higher fare, sit in the premium car, which includes tables and chairs for parties of two or four, ceiling fans and carpeting. The adults-only car features booth, lounger or individual seating. The SAM hosts special events such as a mystery train, Christmas with Santa, a New Year's Eve celebration and more. Private parties may also book events such as fundraisers, receptions and class reunions.
SAM Shortline Excursion Train
105 East 9th Avenue
Cordele, Georgia 31015
229-276-0755
samshortline.com
