Georgia Visitor Information Center - Sylvania

The Sylvania Historic Welcome Center located on U.S. Highway 301 was the very first built in Georgia and is the oldest operating state visitor center in the country. Built in 1961 and officially dedicated on January 20, 1962, the center was the result of the efforts of Governor Ernest Vandiver who believed that tourism could be used to improve the image of Georgia and become a catalyst for economic growth. The center predates the interstate highway system in Georgia. It was built when U.S. Highway 301 was known as the “short route” to Florida by visitors from the Atlantic coastal states and Canadian provinces.

Still favored by visitors who choose not to travel the interstates, this historic center is located on 6 acres of land half a mile away from the South Carolina border. Sylvania is the only remaining original visitor center designed by Statesboro architect Edwin C. Eckles. With a midcentury modern design, the center has barrel vault ceilings and an aluminum and glass façade that stand out in the surrounding natural setting. Native Georgia materials such as Etowah pink marble and pecan wood were used in the details.

Behind the building is a park with 10 picnic tables and two grills. The Sylvania Visitor Center is the only visitor center in the state that still gives out free Coca-Cola products as well as Georgia peanuts.

The center is open Tuesday-Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. for information services. Closed Sunday and Monday.