Several stories meet in Douglas: a former railroad depot houses the Heritage Station Museum, another museum focuses on World War II flight training, and the Douglas Greenway Trail follows former railroad tracks. The city also has historic buildings, a local market and events throughout the year. You can make cultural history, walks and local produce different focal points of your stay.
Railroad History and Museums
The Heritage Station Museum is housed in a historic railroad depot built in 1905 by the Wadley and Mt. Vernon Railroad. The depot was restored and reopened as a museum in 1999. Permanent exhibits cover military topics, agriculture, African American history and local businesses. The museum is open weekly when volunteers are available; call before visiting.
Another focus is flight training during World War II. The World War II Flight Training Museum features exhibits on the training, aircraft and equipment of the 63rd Army Air Forces Flying Training Detachment. Visitors can take a self-guided walking tour of the air base. The 63rd Army Air Forces Contract Pilot School (Primary) Air Base in Douglas is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Douglas Cemetery also offers a historical perspective, with tall Italian cypress trees and historic monuments. These different places provide several thematic points of interest, from museum artifacts and aviation history to historic sites.
Getting Around and Culture
The Douglas Greenway Trail tells the railroad’s story in a different way: it uses former tracks as a walking and biking trail and runs between Douglas Square and J.C. Adams Municipal Park. Along the way, the route passes through the landscaped campus of South Georgia College. The trail offers a different way to explore Douglas than a museum visit—on foot or by bike, along a former rail line.
The Martin Centre is also part of the cultural scene. Plans for its construction were announced in 1939, and it opened in 1940. In 1999, it reopened as a performing arts theater and conference venue. The Centre can be used for concerts, conferences and weddings. Its construction history and the types of events held there give the venue a range of historical and cultural connections.
Events and Local Produce
The recurring events have different dates and focuses: the Gopher Tortoise Festival is an arts and crafts festival with food and live entertainment. It takes place in downtown Douglas on the first weekend in October. Taste of the Town is a restaurant and bar tour in August, when participating downtown restaurants offer tastings or appetizers. October is about arts and crafts and live entertainment, while August offers a culinary tour. Check the specific event days, as well as dates, prices and participating restaurants, before your trip.
The Douglas-Coffee County Farmer’s Market connects buyers directly with local growers and vendors. It offers seasonal fruit and vegetables as well as homemade goods. Since vendors and products may vary, it’s worth checking the current market offerings before your visit. This lets you factor in a market visit or an event, alongside museum and trail attractions, when planning your stay.
For an overview of the wider area: Coffee County.
