Get Outside and Play at Winder’s Fort Yargo

As the Bradford Pear trees and azaleas bloom, signaling spring is indeed on its way, the desire to get outside and play becomes almost overwhelming for kids of all ages.

If you really long for adventure, why not head out to play in one of Barrow County’s biggest backyards?

Winder’s comes complete with 1,816 beautiful acres for exploring, a 260-acre lake for boating and fishing and an historic log fort built by settlers for protection against Creek and Cherokee Indians, circa 1792. 

As if the history and scenery alone weren’t enough to draw visitors from all over North Georgia and beyond, the staff at the park, along with Friends of Fort Yargo and the Fort Yargo Living History Society, have planned a veritable treasure trove of activities to make every visit to the park seem exciting and new. Here is just a sampling from Fort Yargo’s calendar of events for March 2012.

• Fun at the Fort — 7 to 9 p.m. Fridays March 16, 23 and 30. Experience a picturesque and fascinating historic site within the state park. Your family can partake in fun antique methods of candle dipping and bread baking in a brick oven. You'll also have the delightful opportunity to work with a card loom. Cost is just $3 plus $5 for parking.For more information, call 770-867-3489.
• Wildlife Show — 6 to 7 p.m. Saturday, March 24. Enjoy a live wildlife demonstration featuring native and exotic animals. Sponsored by Friends of Fort Yargo and presented by Earthen Excursions. Located at the amphitheater in Campground 1. Cost is just $3 plus $5 for parking.For more information, call 678-963-8891.
• Fort Yargo Colonial Market Faire — 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, March 30, Saturday, March 31, and Sunday April 1. During this 18th century living-history event, tradesmen and artisans will demonstrate crafts and knowledge of the time. Guests will have a chance to enjoy frontier frybread and kettlecorn. Cost is $2 to $5 plus $5 parking. For more information, call 770-867-3489.
• First-Time Camper Program. Fort Yargo is one of six state parks selected for this pilot program geared toward families and individuals who would love to experience camping but have never tried. The First-Time Camper Program is a bona fide bargain weekend getaway. For just $45, park guests can spend two nights in a modern campground, trying out gear from REI, including a six-man tent, sleeping pads, chairs, camp stove and more. Park staff will greet campers upon arrival, giving them a lesson in Camping 101 while helping them set up their tent and make a campfire. At the end of their two nights away from home, campers return the gear to the park office, but they go home with coupons for their next adventure. Anyone who has never camped in a state park before may participate. Reservations are required, so call 800-864-7275 and mention the First-Time Camper Program to plan your adventure.

What is your favorite thing to do at Fort Yargo State Park? If you've never been, what are you waiting for? Tell us in comments.

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