The Georgia World War II Heritage Trail (The Trail) today announced its official feature listing on Explore Georgia, signaling a new phase of growth and visibility as a statewide heritage tourism asset. The announcement reflects both the Trail’s continued expansion and broader positioning. The Trail invites Georgians and visitors alike to rediscover the state’s World War II story through a connected travel experience.
According to Georgia Department of Economic Development tourism data, Georgia’s tourism industry generates over $82 billion in annual economic impact, with heritage and cultural travel playing a central role. Nearly 9 million users visit ExploreGeorgia.org annually. Families are increasingly seeking educational, experience-driven summer trips, making the Trail a timely and compelling option.
Since its launch in 2021, the Trail has grown into a network of 12 Trail Partners and four Affiliate Partners, with additional historic locations under consideration. The Trail’s digital footprint continues to expand, with more than 15,000 website visitors since its launch in 2024 and over 4,000 Facebook and Instagram followers.
The timing is especially significant as 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the United States. Many Trail Partners are planning special commemorative events. Notably, the National Prisoner of War Museum and the Andersonville National Historic Site will host events connecting World War II history to the broader American story.
“This marks a milestone in the maturity of the Trail,” said Ed Coleman, Chair, Georgia World War II Heritage Trail. “Being featured on Explore Georgia affirms the collaborative work of our partners. It strengthens our ability to connect with Georgians and visitors. To paraphrase a Trail Partner, “The Trail is where Georgia’s WWII history is not only preserved but experienced.”
A Statewide Experience: From Mountains to Coast
The Trail offers a geographically diverse journey across the state:
- North Georgia: Camp Toccoa at Currahee, Currahee Military Museum, and Fort Oglethorpe Welcome Center
- Atlanta Metro: Commemorative Air Force Airbase Georgia
- Central Georgia: Georgia Aviation Hall of Fame, Museum of Aviation, National Infantry Museum, National Prisoner of War Museum and Thomaston Goes to War.
- Coastal Georgia: National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, St. Marys Submarine Museum, and World War II Home Front Museum.
- South Georgia: World War II Flight Training Museum
Sample Family Travel Plans
North Georgia Itinerary (Toccoa)
Day 1 – Toccoa
Currahee Military Museum and Camp Toccoa at Currahee visitors can explore WWII paratroopers training grounds and experience the legacy of Currahee Mountain.
Atlanta Metro Itinerary (Peachtree City)
Day 1 – Peachtree City
Visit Commemorative Air Force Airbase Georgia to see operational WWII aircraft at one of the largest flying WWII collections in the Southeast.
Central Georgia Itinerary (Warner Robins, Thomaston, Andersonville, Columbus)
Day 1 – Warner Robins
Visit the second largest Air Force Museum in the Country at the Museum of Aviation. Learn about Georgia’s contribution to aviation in the Georgia Aviation Hall of Fame.
Day 2- Thomaston
Spend the day being inspired at “Thomaston Goes to War” with the Upson County Historical Society and Thomaston Upson Archives. Witness one rural community contribution to Victory.
Day 3 – Andersonville
On the grounds of the Andersonville National Historic Site, the National Prisoner of War museum provides a glimpse into life after capture and an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices made by prisoners and their families.
Day 4 – Columbus
See 250 years of US Army Infantry history on display at the National Infantry Museum. Visit the WWII Company Street and see how soldiers lived during training for combat at Fort Benning.
Coastal Georgia Itinerary (Pooler, St. Simons, St. Marys)
Day 1 – Pooler
Start at National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force. Experience the air war over Europe and the legacy of the Mighty Eighth Air Force.
Day 2 – St. Simons Island
Visit the World War II Home Front Museum – highlights wartime homelife, industrial mobilization, military training, and coastal defense.
Day 3 – St. Marys
Continue to the St. Marys Submarine Museum which showcases the U.S. Navy’s silent service and its wartime role. Peer through a Class II periscope like the ones used in WWII.
South Georgia Itinerary (Douglas)
Day 1 – Douglas
Conclude your trip along the coast with a short drive inland to the World War II Flight Training Base and Museum. Visit where young men learned to fly before they were heroes.
All these routes combine destination travel, family-friendly exploration, and powerful storytelling, making it ideal for extended summer trips. Nowhere in Georgia is more than two hours from a Trail Partner.
For Aviation History Enthusiasts: A Focused Trail Experience
- Commemorative Air Force Airbase Georgia
- Georgia Aviation Hall of Frame
- Museum of Aviation
- National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force
- World War II Flight Training Museum
- World War II Home Front Museum
As interest in heritage tourism continues to grow, the Trail offers a compelling way to explore Georgia’s role in World War II through immersive, place-based experiences.
To learn more, visit the Georgia World War II Heritage Trail website or follow the Trail on Facebook or Instagram to discover events, programs, and travel ideas across the state.
Explore Georgia listing: https://exploregeorgia.org/douglas/arts-culture/cultural-trails-tours/georgia-world-war-ii-heritage-trail