BLAIRSVILLE, Ga. – Vogel State Park, Georgia’s second-oldest state park, has opened a new visitor center, marking another milestone in the park’s storied history. The 6,500-square-foot facility, funded in part by a $4.67 million Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program grant, officially debuted during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on August 7.
The ceremony brought together state and local leaders, Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) officials, Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund Board members, and community supporters.
Honoring history; expanding services
Located beside Lake Trahlyta, the building honors the park’s Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) roots with rustic design elements that reflect its 1930s origins.
The center serves as the main hub for Vogel’s more than 350,000 annual visitors, offering expanded retail space with souvenirs, books, apparel, hiking and camping gear, and grab-and-go meals. It also includes dedicated ranger offices, a modern check-in area for campers and cottage guests, and a multipurpose event room with a catering kitchen for private gatherings.
“Vogel State Park welcomes more than 350,000 visitors each year and remains one of Georgia’s most beloved destinations,” said DNR Parks and Historic Sites Division Director Angie Johnson. “For generations, families have returned year after year, making Vogel a treasured tradition. We’re proud to open these doors just in time for fall—one of the most magical seasons in the North Georgia mountains.”
A commitment to preservation
DNR Commissioner Walter Rabon, who also chairs the Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund Board of Trustees, emphasized the project’s long-term impact.
“This new visitor center reflects the importance of Vogel’s legacy and our commitment to preserving it,” Rabon said. “The updated facilities will enhance the experience for every visitor, support our staff in delivering the highest level of service, and prepare Vogel for another century of unforgettable memories.”
The Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program has also previously invested $2.2 million in campground renovations and the dredging of Lake Trahlyta to address erosion and sedimentation. According to the DNR, these improvements have modernized camping facilities, increased accessibility, and reinforced Vogel’s standing as one of Georgia’s premier outdoor recreation destinations.
The park is located at 405 Vogel State Park Road near Blairsville.
