by BLAIRSVILLE, GA – Vogel State Park, the second-oldest state park in Georgia, has celebrated another significant event in its long history with the opening of a new visitor center. At a ribbon-cutting ceremony on August 7, the 6,500-square-foot facility—which was partially financed by a $4.67 million Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program grant—officially made its debut.
State and local authorities, representatives from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR), members of the Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund Board, and community members attended the ceremony.Aerial image of the new visitor center across the parking lot from the 1930s original, located beside the lake. (Photo by DNR)On Thursday, August 7, 2025, park rangers, employees, and state DNR representatives officially opened Vogel State Park’s new multi-million dollar visitor center near Blairsville. (Photo courtesy of Georgia DNR)
Honoring history; expanding services
The facility, which is next to Lake Trahlyta, features rustic design elements that pay homage to the park’s Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) roots and its 1930s beginnings.
With its increased store space featuring souvenirs, books, clothing, hiking and camping equipment, and grab-and-go meals, the center acts as the primary gathering place for Vogel’s more than 350,000 tourists each year. A modern check-in center for campers and cottage visitors, a multifunctional event room with a catering kitchen for private meetings, and dedicated ranger offices are also included.Angie Johnson, director of the DNR Parks and Historic Sites Division, talks at the ribbon-cutting event on Thursday, August 7, 2025.
Vogel State Park continues to be one of Georgia’s most popular tourist locations, with over 350,000 visitors annually, according to DNR Parks and Historic Sites Division Director Angie Johnson. Families have been coming back year after year for centuries, making Vogel a beloved custom. Fall is one of the most spectacular seasons in the North Georgia highlands, and we are honored to open these doors in time for it.
A commitment to preservation
The long-term effects of the project were highlighted by DNR Commissioner Walter Rabon, who also serves as the chair of the Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund Board of Trustees.Walter Rabon, Commissioner of the Georgia DNR (Georgia DNR photo)
According to Rabon, the significance of Vogel’s legacy and our dedication to its preservation are reflected in this new tourist center. Every visitor’s experience will be improved by the renovated facilities, which will also help our employees provide the best possible service and set Vogel up for another century of treasured memories.
In order to combat erosion and sedimentation, the Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program has also previously spent $2.2 million on dredging Lake Trahlyta and renovating campgrounds. The DNR claims that these upgrades have improved accessibility, updated camping amenities, and strengthened Vogel’s reputation as one of Georgia’s top outdoor recreation spots.
The park is close to Blairsville at 405 Vogel State Park Road.
