One building in Metter connects two chapters of local history: Built in 1928, the Metter Commissary served as a supply building for timber workers in the 1930s. Today, it houses the local Welcome Center and Chamber of Commerce. Its former function and current use make the building’s transformation tangible. The Welcome Center is on the Woodpecker Trail near I-16 Exit 104.
Local History in Buildings and Collections
The Candler County Historical Society transformed the 1921 Metter High School building into a regional museum. The museum illustrates the agricultural, architectural and cultural ways of life of several generations of Candler County residents. Visits are by appointment only, so plan your visit with this access requirement in mind.
The Old Lake Church offers a different historical perspective: Built in 1839, it is the oldest church in Candler County. The South Metter Residential Historic District, meanwhile, includes numerous homes from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Here, a specific construction year and an entire residential district spanning several decades offer two different ways to view the architectural past.
The Parrish Mill Complex in George L. Smith State Park also tells a story of historic technology and infrastructure. It includes a gristmill, sawmill, covered bridge and dam built in 1880. The collection brings together different structures in one place; the dam also gives the complex a specific historical anchor.
Nature Between Preserve and Garden
Charles Harrold Preserve protects 73 acres of ecologically significant land in Candler County. Its habitats include a sandhill community, flatwoods and a floodplain swamp. The plant life is also notable: the preserve is home to silky camellia and Georgia plume, which is endangered in the state of Georgia. In April 2026, the preserve was temporarily closed to visitors while restoration work was underway following damage from Hurricane Helene. If you’re planning a visit, check current access arrangements in advance.
Guido Gardens offers a different kind of nature experience, with waterfalls, fountains and streams, as well as a prayer chapel. It is also the production site for the television programs of The Sower. Gardens and television production coexist here—a distinctive blend of landscaped grounds and religious media.
Experiences, Local Products and Special Events
Wild Georgia Safari Park offers a petting zoo and a safari adventure year-round. At the petting zoo, visitors can touch and feed domesticated farm animals. On the safari, an experienced guide drives a rugged safari vehicle. The animal encounters at the petting zoo and the guided drive are distinct parts of the experience. If the safari is what interests you most, the guide is a defining part of the experience.
For more than 21 years, Another Bloomin' Festival has drawn visitors to Metter’s downtown park. The program includes a bike ride, a 5K run, a one-mile fun run or walk, and a community Easter egg hunt. If you’d like to attend, check the dates for that year’s event. Metter Farm Market brings a different focus to the local offerings: It carries seasonal fruit and vegetables, freshly cut meat, and locally made pies and other treats. The fruit and vegetables are seasonal; the other products mentioned are also part of the market’s selection.
Routes and Sporting History
The Woodpecker Trail is a scenic and historic route along State Routes 25 and 121. Its Georgia section extends 204 miles from Augusta to Folkston. Metter Welcome Center is on the trail near I-16 Exit 104. This describes both the route’s broader scale and a specific landmark without reducing the entire route to a single place to visit.
Willow Lake Golf Club also has a long history of development: It was expanded into a full 18-hole course in 1989. Its name comes from a series of willow-lined lakes in the center of the grounds. The National Long Drivers Association’s long-drive competition is held every year on a 575-yard par-5 hole. The 1989 expansion describes the course, while the competition marks a recurring event on a single hole.
Discover more destinations: Metter, Hart County, Gilmer County, Gordon, Pickens, Rabun County, Richmond, Catoosa.
For the broader travel overview: Georgia.
