In Ringgold, Civil War memorial sites meet waterfront trails, parks, and events at the historic depot. Built in 1849, the Historic Ringgold Train Depot now serves as the city’s main event and community venue. Those interested in the area’s history and cultural life will find a distinctive starting point here for exploring a variety of themes.
Depot History and Memorial Sites
For more than 30 years, the Ringgold Depot Opry has brought live music to the stage at the Historic Ringgold Depot. The 1890’s Days Festival is also connected with the city: It has been held downtown for more than 40 years on the Friday and Saturday before Memorial Day. Music, food, arts and crafts, and games are part of the program. The depot also hosts an annual haunted house in October, open Friday and Saturday evenings from 7 p.m. during the last three weeks of October.
Ringgold Gap Park commemorates the 1863 Battle of Ringgold Gap. A plaque, additional information panels and markers, and a statue of General Cleburne share information about the battle and the Atlanta Campaign. A relief map in the Battle of Ringgold Gap – Atlanta Campaign Pavilion adds to this historical perspective. At this memorial site, different ways of presenting the history stand side by side: explanatory text, markers, a statue, and the map.
The Old Stone Church Museum also tells its story through preserved parts of the interior: the original altar and pews have been preserved. During the American Civil War, the building served as a hospital; today it houses a Civil War museum. The Ringgold Rail Viewing Platform offers a different glimpse of the city’s history: Visitors can watch about 20 trains pass within 24 hours.
For an introduction to the historic downtown, Doc Steve’s Place is home to the Ringgold Welcome Center. The depot, museum, and memorial sites appeal to different interests—from preserved furnishings to an account of the battle and its place in the campaign.
Trails, Water, and Outdoor Activities
The Chief Richard Taylor Nature Trail winds through extensive hardwood forests and past a beaver pond before reaching a waterfall near historic Ringgold Gap. Creekside Park provides access to this trail and combines walking paths with pickleball, soccer, and basketball. Those who prefer exploring a route with natural features can enjoy a different kind of outdoor experience on the trail than on the park’s sports courts.
At South Chickamauga Creek, visitors can launch their own canoe or kayak at the Dragging Canoe Launch. Elsie A. Holmes Nature Park also borders the creek and offers trails as well as opportunities for fishing and picnicking. It is another place to enjoy a peaceful natural setting. There are several ways to spend time outdoors: walking the trails, playing sports at Creekside Park, relaxing by the water, or paddling your own boat.
Wine, Harvests, and Local Producers
The Georgia Winery specializes in wines made from locally grown Muscadine grapes and offers more than 20 wines. Guided wine tours are held Saturdays and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. If you want to include a tour in your visit, check the times in advance.
At Sims Family Farm, you can pick strawberries and other fruits and vegetables yourself, or have them picked for you. Offerings are seasonal and depend on the harvest and the type of fruit. Rabbit Valley Farmers Market offers local food and supports Georgia growers and producers; its selection may vary. The farm and market add local produce to the cultural and nature experiences, but each is subject to different conditions: At the farm, the season matters; at the market, the selection of vendors may change.
Plan Your Stay Around Your Interests
When choosing dates, it helps to distinguish set event dates from seasonal offerings: The 1890’s Days Festival and the haunted house take place during specific weeks of the year, while the harvest determines what is available at Sims Family Farm. The wine tours have designated weekend times, which you should check before your visit. If you’re looking for a hotel in Ringgold, start by deciding when you want to travel and what you’re most interested in—for example, history, outdoor activities, or local products.
Discover more destinations: Lakeview, Fort Oglethorpe
For the main travel overview: Catoosa.
