McIntosh Reserve facts for kids
McIntosh Reserve is an awesome outdoor park located in Carroll County, Georgia. It sits right along the beautiful Chattahoochee River. This big park is about 527 acres, which is like 400 football fields! It's managed by the Carroll County Recreation Department and offers tons of fun outdoor activities. You can go camping, hiking, fishing, and much more. The park is open almost all year, closing only on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. McIntosh Reserve is named after William McIntosh, Jr., who was an important leader of the Creek Indian people.
A Look Back in Time
McIntosh Reserve gets its name from William McIntosh, Jr.. He was a well-known leader of the Creek Indian nation and also a farmer. His home here was called Lochau Talofau, which means "Acorn Bluff" in English. It was right next to Acorn Creek.
William McIntosh lived in a simple, two-story log house. It had an open space in the middle, like a hallway, on both floors. This house also served as an inn for people traveling through the area. Today, you can visit a rebuilt version of his house in the park.
In 1825, William McIntosh signed a paper called the second Treaty of Indian Springs. This treaty basically sold all the Creek lands in Georgia and Alabama to the United States government. McIntosh was allowed to keep his own land in exchange for signing the treaty. However, the Creek National Council did not agree with this treaty. It went against their laws. Because he signed the treaty, McIntosh was killed at his home in 1825. You can find his grave right across the road from the rebuilt house.
Carroll County bought the land, including Lochau Talofau, in 1978. This area is now part of McIntosh Reserve. The park had to close for several months in 2009 and 2010 because of big floods on the Chattahoochee River. It reopened for Memorial Day weekend in 2010.
Fun Things to Do
McIntosh Reserve has over 14 miles of trails! You can explore these trails on foot, by bicycle, or even on horseback. There's a large, flat grassy area that's perfect for model airplane hobbyists. It's also a great spot for groups to gather. The park also has several basic campsites where you can stay overnight.
Water Fun
The park also has a cool splash pad! It comes with covered areas, grills, and tables. There's also a great view of the river. The splash pad has water sprinklers and colorful play stations. It's a perfect place for kids of all ages to cool off on hot summer days.
The park has two ponds and is located along the Chattahoochee River. You are allowed to go fishing in the park. The nearby town of Whitesburg, Georgia is a good place to start if you want to go rafting or canoeing on the river.
Events and Activities
McIntosh Reserve hosts many exciting events throughout the year. These include the Easter Festival, Halloween Carnival, and a Santa Program around Christmas. An annual Fall Festival features a "Native American Pow-Wow." This is a traditional Native American music and dance performance. Other events like the Chattahoochee Challenge Car Show and various club or scouting activities also happen at the park.
You might also see Polocrosse being played. This is a fun game played on horseback. It's great for many different ages. They usually practice on most Sunday afternoons if the weather is good.
