After much anticipation, Fort Yargo State Park today hosted a ribbon cutting for its new visitor center. Georgia House Appropriations Chairman Terry England and Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Mark Williams spoke during the ceremony.

The 5,859-square-foot center is now the first stop for visitors to the popular Georgia State Park, providing a view of the lake and namesake fort. It includes a reception area for check-in, meeting space, snacks and beverages. A relaxing patio offers a fire pit and lake view, and the gift shop is filled with souvenirs, nature-themed toys and books, camping supplies, decorative items, jewelry, local foods and more. Additionally, the park’s main entrance has been moved a half-mile south on Hwy. 81 to improve safety and access.

Fort Yargo is Georgia’s seventh most-visited state park, offering hiking, biking, fishing, lake swimming, camping, cabin rental, disc golf and numerous other outdoor activities. It generates $41 million in economic impact for the community and is Winder’s top tourist attraction. More information can be found on gastateparks.org/FortYargo.