Grand Bay WMA

Welcome to Idlewilde Event Center at Indian Springs State Park

Conveniently located near I-75 in middle Georgia, Indian Springs is one of the oldest state parks in the United States and a popular spot for outdoor recreation.

Idlewilde Event Center at Indian Springs State Park is available for reservations. The name is derived from the majestic house on the property that serves as the park office and visitor center; and is on the National Historic Register. With another nod to past, the individual rooms in the center are even named after the historic hotels that once thrived in the village of Indian Springs. Idlewilde has 20,000 square feet of event space including a massive lake side porch with beautiful views of the water. With a capacity of 500 people, Idlewilde can accommodate a variety of events, from birthday parties and family reunions, to weddings and corporate retreats. Additional features include a catering kitchen and audio visual capabilities in every room.

For inquiries or to join the Idlewilde Event Center waiting list, please contact us on 470-707-8071.

Operated by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources

Available event hours: 8:00AM – 10:00PM

Total footprint 19,557 square feet

Opened September 2018

Grand Bay WMA

The Grand Bay Wildlife Management Area (WMA) encompasses 2,623 acres of state-owned property and 5,874 acres of land under license from the U.S. Air Force. The WMA consists of approximately 3,059 acres of upland pine and hardwood forest and 5,438 acres of cypress/gum wetlands. There are two main access points: the check station/education center entrance on Knight’s Academy Road. and the federal land entrance off U.S. Highway 221. This WMA offers hunting opportunities for deer, turkey, small game and waterfowl. No ATVs or motorcycles allowed on the property. Grand Bay Wildlife Management Area gives visitors an opportunity to learn more about a wetland habitat from the Grand Bay Wetland Education Center.

Alerts

The automatic gate to the Grand Bay WMA boardwalk and lookout tower is open from 6 a.m.–8 p.m. daily and during classes at the Education Center. Anyone in that area after 8 p.m. may be locked in and is subject to being ticketed by the GADNR Law Enforcement Division.

Due to military training needs on the federally owned portion (U.S. Highway 221 tract) of Grand Bay WMA, that section will be closed to public access periodically.