Bulloch brings together a variety of discoveries: the natural and cultural history of the Coastal Plain, paths through landscaped settings and traces of regional history give a visit many different facets. Museums, parks and cultural sites each have their own focus—from prehistoric times to art and everyday life.
Nature and Landscape of the Coastal Plain
The Georgia Southern University Museum presents the natural and cultural history of Georgia’s Coastal Plain. Its dynamic exhibits trace the region’s development from prehistoric times to modern developments. The Georgia Southern University Botanical Garden offers a different perspective on the landscape: Located on 11.5 acres in Statesboro, it showcases the characteristic plant life of the southeastern Coastal Plain, complemented by landscaped areas, historic structures and contemplative spaces.
The Center for Wildlife Education also combines wildlife observation with nature themes. It offers hands-on excursions featuring encounters with native and exotic animals. At the Center and the Lamar Q Ball Jr. Raptor Center, visitors can watch a flying eagle and explore the habitats of birds of prey, reptiles and mammals. The Center’s 12-acre wetland preserve includes a small pond, a beaver lodge, a cypress pond and a waterfowl pond.
Two trails for outdoor recreation differ in length and amenities. The paved S&S Greenway runs for 2.75 miles along the former Savannah & Statesboro Railroad route and is used for walking and cycling. Access points have restrooms, paved parking, information boards, drinking fountains, benches and a picnic area. Mill Creek Regional Park is a 155-acre recreation center for tournaments and family recreation; its walking trail is 1.25 miles long and has fitness stations.
History at Sites and in Exhibits
Willow Hill School was founded in 1874 by formerly enslaved people. The Willow Hill Heritage & Renaissance Center opened on the site of the former school in 2011. One exhibit explores the history of the Black Primitive Baptists in Bulloch County. Museum tours are available by appointment. The annual Willow Hill Heritage Festival takes place at the historic center. The September 5–6, 2026 edition was set to feature live music, local food, demonstrations of history and tradition, children’s activities, museum tours and special presentations; the program may vary from year to year.
In Portal, Carter’s Turpentine Still tells the story of the turpentine industry’s importance to Georgia’s history. The still was built in the 1930s and is considered Georgia’s last functioning turpentine still at its original location. In the early 1980s, it was turned over to the Portal Heritage Society so the society could provide information about the industry’s history. If you plan to see a demonstration, confirm in advance that the still is operational. The Heritage House is located at the still site and houses historic and antique artifacts. Local heritage also includes the Dr. Stewart House, which belonged to Portal’s first physician, Dr. James Stewart, and the Portal Drug Store, which served Dr. J. A. Stewart as an office and pharmacy.
Exhibits at the Museum on Main change annually and are free; they cover the history and culture of Bulloch County and South Georgia. This gives it a different focus in time and region from the Georgia Southern University Museum, whose exhibits trace the development of the Coastal Plain from prehistory to modern times.
Art, Events and Everyday Life
The Averitt Center for the Arts is housed in buildings that include two historic landmarks in downtown Statesboro. Its classes are open to children, teenagers and adults with no prior experience, and include painting, pottery, dance and music; class offerings may change. The Emma Kelly Theater is used primarily for live events. The historic Old Bank of Statesboro also houses a rotating fine art gallery.
Sculptures line the walking path in Statesboro Art Park. An analemmatic sundial uses the sun and shadows to tell the time. The local events calendar includes free community events organized by the Bulloch County Recreation and Parks Department, including ArtsFest and Firecracker Fest. Check the dates before your visit. From spring through fall, the Statesboro Main Street Farmers Market is held weekly, offering local produce, handcrafted goods and live music. Since the schedule and offerings may change, it’s worth checking the current market day.
Statesboro Area Transit serves more than 30 stops, providing access to shopping, healthcare and community events around the city. Its two fixed routes are called the Blue Route and Red Route. Routes and stops may change, so check the information before traveling. Splash in the Boro’s Aquatic Center is open year-round and offers swimming lessons, aquatic sports training and swim team activities. Programs may vary by season.
More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Statesboro, Register, Fannin County, Mcduffie County, Burke County, Haralson County, Rockdale and Dougherty County.
For the broader travel overview: Georgia.
