Autrey Mill Nature Preserve & Hertiage Center (Travel Piece)

Have you ever wondered what it was like to live as a Native American? Well, drive just a few miles outside of Atlanta to the Autrey Mill Nature Preserve and you will have the opportunity to see what used to be — a place where new life is put back into 400 years of local history. The Autrey Mill Nature Preserve began as a grassroots endeavor during the 1980s by what is now known as the Autrey Mill Nature Preserve Association. The goal was to preserve 46-acres of wooded lands, rich with local history, as a place where preservationists, environmentalists and those who enjoy history could come together. “This is a place where we strive on allowing the community to experience what it was like to live as a Native American in Georgia,” says Ben Team, Director of the preserve.

The preserve contains more than two miles of interesting things such as: nature trails, native animal exhibits, Native American hunting lodge and tepee. Also contains the Heritage Village, which has become the new home for hundreds of historic artifacts and restored buildings from throughout the local area. Visitors can come for the day to tour historic homes, explore the walking trails or attend a class such as the Nighttime Owl Prowl or Messy Science (where children create concoctions and conduct science experiments). The epicenter of the activities at the preserve is the Heritage Village, made up of historic buildings and furnishings donated to the preserve by area residents in order to retain the history of local lands. The preserve also offers camps in the summer for kids 3 to 12 year olds. Each camp offers different and exciting aspect.

Overall this is a great place to experience what it was like for the Native Americans that lived in Georgia. Therefore, you don’t have to just read about it in your history class anymore. Come to Autrey Mill Nature and Preserve and get a hands-on experience.