Prior to the establishment of Bainbridge, the Oak City Cemetery site had long been home to an Indian Village. It was established as a cemetery in 1852 when William H. Peabody was buried there. His grave is located next to the powder house, where gun powder was stored during the Civil War. In 1878, the west section of the cemetery was deeded to Temple Beth-El and became one of the first Jewish Cemeteries in South Georgia. Miriam Hopkins, a famous Broadway, movie and television star from the 1920s-1950s is buried there. Hopkins was nominated for an Oscar and has a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Marvin S. Griffin, the 72nd Governor of Georgia is also buried in the cemetery, along with numerous unknown Confederate soldiers.
Bainbridge Heritage Tour
This self guided tour features 41 of Bainbridge's historic buildings and homes, many of which have been restored to their original stately glory. So many of them are full of stories just waiting to be told, like the Callahan-Penhallegon house, built by a steamboat captain and modeled after one of his ships. Heritage Tour Guides can be picked up at City Hall or the Bainbridge CVB.
Lake Seminole
In 2008, the Georgia State Legislature declared Bainbridge the Bass Capital of Georgia. It's no secret that Lake Seminole is one of the main reasons why. Both the Flint River and Lake Seminole offer abundant fishing and water sports, attracting thousands of amateur and professional fishermen with many top bass tournaments throughout the year. In fact, Bainbridge was home to the very first B.A.S.S. tournament.
Seminole State Park
Located 23 miles west of Bainbridge on Hwy. 253, Seminole State Park covers 604 acres. It is a complete park with cottages, campsites, picnic facilities, swimming and ski areas, miniature golf, fishing docks and ramps. The threatened gopher tortoise, the only tortoise native to Georgia, makes its home along a 2.2 mile nature trail located in the park. The park also offers swimming, boating, waterskiing, bicycle and canoe rentals, summer nature programs and weekend hayrides.
Silver Lake Wildlife Management Area
Silver Lake WMA is a state-owned property that consists of 9,800 acres and is one of Georgia's largest WMAs. Bordered by both the Flint River and Lake Seminole, the site offers its visitors a chance to enjoy the outdoors by bird watching, hiking, horseback riding, hunting or fishing.
Earle May Boat Basin Park
Launch into the Flint River from Earle May Boat Basin Park! With brand new Mega Ramps, a walking trail, petting zoo, picnic pavilions, swimming area, campground and park, there's something for everyone. The City's Amphitheater is also located at the Park. Here, many community events happen throughout the year, including River Town Days, July 4, and numerous bass fishing tournaments.
Bainbridge Little Theatre
Established in 1974, the Bainbridge Little Theatre (BLT) is a staple of downtown Bainbridge. The Little Theatre has four productions each year, plus a children's summer camp every summer, where youth and teens put on productions at the end of camp. Visit their website: www.bainbridgelittletheatre.com.
The Decatur County Historical & Genealogical Society Museum
The Decatur County Historical and Genealogical Society Museum is located at 110 Broughton Street in Downtown Bainbridge.. Artifacts from all over Decatur County are on display and many new items currently being cagaloged will soon join them. The items in this museum give a balanced history of Decatur County and the surrounding areas. Hours of operation are Tuesday 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m., Thursday 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. and Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. They are also open by appointment. For more information call 229-515-5761.
The Springhill Christmas Tree Farm
Located just south of Bainbridge, Georgia, is the Springhill Christmas Tree Farm. An area attraction for many years, owner Dan Provence has made his farm a place to visit for year round family fun! Not only is it a beautiful place for weddings, birthdays, photography venue, and reunions, the Springhill Tree Farm is the site of Church Fall Festivals, you pick Christmas trees, Company parties, and Cross County Races and Octoberfest. Octoberfest is a month long time of fun with a you-pick pumpkin patch, 4 acre crop maze, pumpkin chuckin, hay rides, bouncy house, food and more! There always is that one night when the crop maze is haunted and comes alive with spirts! This is free every weekend in October and available during the week for groups of 20 or more! For more information call 229-246-2231 or visit www.springhilltreefarm.com.
If you're looking for fun for the entire family,you're sure to find it in Bainbridge at one of our annual events. Whether you are looking to get outdoors, want to do a little shopping or just want to relax and try something new, we've got the perfect thing for you!
MOTHER'S DAY WEEKEND
RIVER TOWN DAYS
Location: Earle May Boat Basin
Contact Information: Bainbridge-Decatur County Chamber of Commerce at 229-246-4774
Friday night concert and Saturday events include activities for all ages: kids rides and activities, exhibits, kayak race,, river raft race, and the Great River Rummage
JULY 4
JULY 4 CELEBRATION
Location:Earle May Boat Basin
Contact Information:City of Bainbridge at 229-248-2000
Concerts, games, vendors and of course lots of bikes!
HALLOWEEN
PUMPKINS IN THE PARK
Location: Willis Park
Contact Information: City of Bainbridge at 229-248-2000
Kid, Teen, and Adult costume contests and Pumpkin carving contests
SUNDAY BEFORE THANKSGIVING
HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE
Location: Downtown Bainbridge
Contact Information: City of Bainbridge at 229-248-2000
Downtown Shops open and offering great sales for holiday shopping, Mary Barber Cox signs special Bainbridge-themed Christmas ornaments in Willis Park, Poinsetta sale, door prizes and much more
FIRST THURSDAY IN DECEMBER
CHRISTMAS ON THE RIVER
Location: Earle May Boat Basin
Contact Information: City of Bainbridge at 229-248-2000
Lighting of the Community Christmas Tree, singing at the Performing Arts Center, Marshmallow roasts, hayrides and a special visit from Santa Claus!
FIRST SATURDAY IN DECEMBER
BAINBRIDGE BOAT PARADE
Location: Flint River from the Chamber of Commerce to Calhoun St. Bridge
Contact Information: City of Bainbridge at 229-248-2000
See lighted boats parade along the Flint River, decorated with Christmas lights gallore!
SECOND THURSDAY IN DECEMBER
BAINRIDGE CHRISTMAS PARADE
Location: Downtown Bainbridge
Contact Information: Hundreds of floats parade through downtown Bainbridge with candy, dance routines, cheers, and more
THIRD THURSDAY IN DECEMBER
CHRISTMAS ON THESQUARE
Location: Willis Park
Contact Information: City of Bainbridge at 229-248-2000
Hayrides, Hot Cocoa, Marshmallow roasts and singing by area school music groups. Don't miss your chance for last minute shopping! Merchants will be open late.
SUMMER TIME - Let's get our swim on! The Aquatic Center is located at 601 Potter Street. Beginning Friday, May 24th the Aquatic Center will be open daily from 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Family Nights are Thursday with hours from 1:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. For group rates and private parties call Leisure Services at 248-2010 or 248-2013.
$ 1 Swim Days - Aquatic Park
The Bainbridge Aquatic Center located at 601 Potter Street is holding $1 SWIM DAYS this summer on the following days: Memorial Day (May 27), June 2, Father's Day (June 16), July 7, August 11, and Labor Day (September 2). Everyone gains entry to the Aquatic Center for only $1 all day long! Operating hours are daily 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.
Slip, Slide & Serve Tennis Camp
For ages 5 - 12, includes tennis instruction, games and activities. Session 1 begins on June 10 - 13, Session 2 begins June 17 - 20, Session 3 - will be from July 8 - 11. Camps are Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. For further details call the Tennis Center at 248-2020 or register online at www.bainbridgetennis.com.
Aquatic Center - Swimming Lessons
Everyone needs to know how to swim! Now is your chance....Session 1: June 3 - 14, Session 2: June 17 - 28, Session 3: July 8 - 19. Monday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. until 12 noon. $35.00 per session. Ages range from 2 - 17. Advanced registration is required. Space is limited to 30 children per session. Register by calling Bainbridge Leisure Services at 248-2010 or the Aquatic Center at 248-2013.
Jack Wingate Outdoor Summer Camp
Monday, June 17 until Friday, June 21, 2013 from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. For ages 7 - 12 at $125 per child. Campers will be involved in an outdoor classroom, boater and water safety, archery, native American history, gun safety classes, fishing, environmental awareness and much more! It will be an action packed week of adventure and fun. To register, please contact Bainbridge CVB or City Hall. You may also download the registration form from the website at www.bainbridgecity.com or call for more details 229-243-8555.
Family Night At The Aquatic Center
Thursday nights are family nights at the Aquatic Center! Children 10 and under get in free (from 6:30 - 9:00 p.m.) with a parent or guardian. Limit, three children per adult. For more details contact the Aquatic Center at 248-2013.
Prior to the establishment of Bainbridge, the Oak City Cemetery site had long been home to an Indian Village. It was established as a cemetery in 1852 when William H. Peabody was buried there. His grave is located next to the powder house, where gun powder was stored during the Civil War. In 1878, the west section of the cemetery was deeded to Temple Beth-El and became one of the first Jewish Cemeteries in South Georgia. Miriam Hopkins, a famous Broadway, movie and television star from the 1920s-1950s is buried there. Hopkins was nominated for an Oscar and has a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Marvin S. Griffin, the 72nd Governor of Georgia is also buried in the cemetery, along with numerous unknown Confederate soldiers.
This self guided tour features 41 of Bainbridge's historic buildings and homes, many of which have been restored to their original stately glory. So many of them are full of stories just waiting to be told, like the Callahan-Penhallegon house, built by a steamboat captain and modeled after one of his ships. Heritage Tour Guides can be picked up at City Hall or the Bainbridge CVB.
ate Legislature declared Bainbridge the Bass Capital of Georgia. It's no secret that Lake Seminole is one of the main reasons why. Both the Flint River and Lake Seminole offer abundant fishing and water sports, attracting thousands of amateur and professional fishermen with many top bass tournaments throughout the year. In fact, Bainbridge was home to the very first B.A.S.S. tournament.
Launch into the Flint River from Earle May Boat Basin Park! With brand new Mega Ramps, a walking trail, petting zoo, picnic pavilions, swimming area, campground and park, there's something for everyone. The City's Amphitheater is also located at the Park. Here, many community events happen throughout the year, including River Town Days, July 4, and numerous bass fishing tournaments.
