Savannah Ogeechee Canal Museum and Nature Center — Attraction in Richmond Hill

My husband went to throw some trash away in a trash can so as not to litter. The crazy lady that works there came running out yelling and ranting that we can’t use those trash cans. Husband tried to apologize and she just kept ranting. We tried to walk away to our car and she proceeded to follow us- still lecturing! It’s was crazy! Such a disappointment. Do not recommend unless you want to be spoken to like a toddler and yelled at. Edit: Just saw on their website that the lady who freaked out on us was “Connie the Canoe Lady”. (Should be “Crazy Connie”) and other people have written negative reviews about her. Whoever runs this park needs to know how poorly she represents the place. We literally thought she was a crazy homeless lady at first by the way she was carrying on and yelling from across the parking lot. Wish I could give 0 stars.

In response to the owners comment- my husband wasn’t dumping garbage. It was one water can that he was trying to throw away before we went to pay to walk the trail. We weren’t trying to enter the wrong way or do anything malicious. He saw a trash can, threw away the can, and proceeded to the entrance. I’m glad it is on camera that the staff member followed us while we tried to walk away and leave after being yelled at. My husband repeatedly told her he didn’t want to argue and to have a nice day, but she kept coming at us! There are several reviews about the scary, bizarre behavior- people were followed to their car and how the staff member wouldn’t leave them alone. In one review a veteran said he was told by a staff member that he was a disgrace to the military and a bad parent- more than once! Just leaving an honest review. People should know what they are getting into when they visit this place. Look up the reviews on...

I would first like to point out that I enjoyed the historical relevance of the park. This was my first time to the park as I am new to the area. Apon entering there is a sign that shows admission prices. So we walked into the park to find a ticket stand, which is non-existant. After enjoying the park, I was stopped by an employee. She said I never paid to get in. I explained my confusion, apologized and paid my due. She proceeded to tell me that I am a bad example to my kids for not paying upfront and a disappointment to the military. I again apologized for my confusion and asked her not to bring my kids into our discussion. She told me to leave the park. I agreed that it was probably for the best. My wife and kids get to our car and I allow my kids to sit and eat our picnic sandwiches. After a few minutes, the woman returns to tell me I am purposefully antagonizing her by still being there. I protested by telling her I was just letting my kids eat. The woman again told my wife and I that we were bad parents. Which set my wife off. As we were trying to leave, the woman stood behind our car to try and get a picture of our license plate. She threatened to call the police, which I assured her wasn't necessary as were were trying to leave. The woman then walked to the other side of the parking lot to get infront of my car. Once she moved we left the part as she yelled the cops were going to "get" us. Its a shame. I did enjoy the park. Only to have our family day out ruined by a horrid employee. We will not...

Chartered in 1824, this historic 16.5 mile canal was completed in 1830, joining the Ogeechee and Savannah Rivers to expedite the movement of goods. From the 1840's to the 1860's, the canal prospered and became an important element of the South Georgia economy.

Mother Nature was always one of its biggest obstacles, causing the parent company to go bankrupt from the constant repair expenses caused by deterioration and inclement weather conditions. By 1876, weather once again caused serious problems by damaging the structures and canal banks. In addition, a yellow fever epidemic fatally inflicted more than 1,000 individuals working with the canal.

By the early 1890s, the railroad had grown and controlled much of the movement of goods forcing the canal to cease operations.

The museum at Lock 5 displays the history of the canal and of the local area. Keeping the canal presentable to the public is a continuing labor of love.

Again, the museum has been damaged from flooding, and is currently under renovation. However, the outside displays, the portion of Lock 5 and the trails are still accessible and worth the visit.

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