YOUR LOCAL FIELD GUIDE
Cordele is a starting point for Lake Blackshear outings and scheduled SAM Shortline train excursions. Find local places and events with dates, prices and official-source links.
Cordele
Adult coach $43.99 + tax & handling · Board 9am; depart 9:30am; return 4:15pm
Ride vintage, air-conditioned rail cars from Georgia Veterans State Park across Lake Blackshear to Plains and Americus. Town layovers make this a full-day excursion with time off the train.
SAM Shortline Excursion Train · Checked 2026-10-12
Cordele
$10 daily vehicle entrance · Park 7am–10pm; museum hours vary
Lake Blackshear scenery, walking trails and military-history displays share this large park west of Cordele. Picnic by the lake, view outdoor aircraft and vehicles, and ask about indoor museum access.
Lake Blackshear Resort / Georgia Veterans State Park · Checked 2026-10-12
Cordele
Menu prices vary · Wed–Thu 5:30–8pm; Fri–Sat 5:30–9pm
Reserve an evening table at this Cordele restaurant for seafood, steaks and other American dishes. It offers a sit-down dinner option to build around a Lake Blackshear area day trip.
Daphne Lodge Restaurant · Checked 2026-10-12
Cordele
Free entry; produce purchases extra · Retail hours vary by season and vendor
Visit a working produce market known for summer watermelon trading. Retail vendors sell fruit and vegetables, with fewer off-season sellers and a selection that changes with the harvest.
Georgia Department of Agriculture · Checked 2026-10-12
