Lake Blackshear

Lake Blackshear is an 8,700-acre (3,521ha) man-made lake created in 1930. When the lake was first flooded, people thought the cypress trees would die, but they survived and can still be found in the middle of the lake. Today, swimming is a top activity, but at the marina, there is the option to rent jet skis or ski boats. Take a kayak out to get up close to the birdlife and turtles. Go on a train, too; Cordele is the main depot of the Historic Sam Shortline Railroad, a 1949 air-conditioned vintage train. All the excursions go over a portion of the lake, which makes for great photo-op views.