Short answer
The Sylvania Historic Welcome Center is a Georgia information center on U.S. 301 in Screven County, built in 1961 and the oldest operating state visitor center in the country. It is open Tuesday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and closed Sunday and Monday. Checked on gastateparks.org.
Built in 1961 when U.S. 301 was the short route to Florida, the first welcome center in Georgia and the oldest operating state visitor center in the country. It sits near Magnolia Springs and George L. Smith state parks and the Savannah River.
Sylvania Historic Welcome Center hours
- Tuesday-Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Closed Sunday & Monday
What it costs
- The state page lists no admission fee for the welcome center.
Where it is and how to get in touch
- Address: 8463 Burton’s Ferry Hwy., Sylvania, GA 30467
- County: Screven (Southeast Georgia region)
- Approximate map point: 32.89675, -81.58459 (from the Explore Georgia listing’s directions link; directions in Google Maps by address)
- Office: 912-829-3331
- Explore Georgia listing: exploregeorgia.org/sylvania/visitors-services/services/georgia-visitor-information-center-sylvania
- Official page: gastateparks.org/Sylvania
Dogs and strollers
- Dogs: Georgia State Parks welcomes pets on a leash no longer than six feet, with the owner at all times. Pets are not allowed in park and historic site buildings, lodges, yurts, group camps, swimming areas or beaches (park rules).
- Strollers: the park does not publish stroller rules. Paths range from paved walks to rough trails, so call ahead (912-829-3331) if you need a stroller-friendly route.
Events coming up near Sylvania Historic Welcome Center
- On now through Feb 7, 2027: A Southern Perspective: America 250, Augusta (about 46 miles away)
- On now through Oct 25: Georgia-Carolina State Fair, Augusta (about 45 miles away)
- On now through Oct 24: Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair, Statesboro (about 34 miles away, from $15)
- On now through Oct 30: Fright & Delight: Augusta’s 11 Days of Halloween, Augusta (about 46 miles away, free)
- Oct 24: Fall into Family Fun Festival at Bath Gardens, Blythe (about 46 miles away, from $10)
- Oct 24 – Oct 25: Walk with the Spirits, Augusta (about 48 miles away, from $10)
Events within 50 miles in the next 90 days from our Georgia event calendar, as of ; distances are straight-line from the site’s GPS point. The park’s own ranger programs and events are on the Georgia State Parks events calendar.
Nearby state parks and historic sites
- Magnolia Springs State Park (state park, Jenkins County), about 22 miles away
- George L. Smith State Park (state park, Emanuel County), about 39 miles away
- Jack Hill State Park (state park, Tattnall County), about 64 miles away
- Mistletoe State Park (state park, Columbia County), about 69 miles away
More on It’s Georgia
- All Georgia state parks and historic sites, by region
- Southeast Georgia state parks
- Southeast Georgia: more places to go in the region
Source: the Sylvania Historic Welcome Center page on gastateparks.org (Georgia Department of Natural Resources), checked . Hours and fees change, so check the official page before a long drive. Spot something out of date? Tell us and we will re-check it.
Cite this page: It's Georgia, “Sylvania Historic Welcome Center”, itsgeorgia.com/places/sylvania-historic-welcome-center/ (updated ). Free to quote with attribution and a link to this page.