About This Event
Experience Fort McAllister’s premier event of the year at the 47th Annual Candle Lantern Tour. This fall tradition, first held in 1979, takes guests on a candlelit, 30-minute guided journey through the fort at night. Along the way, visitors will encounter dramatic scenes at the blacksmith’s shop, hospital, powder magazine, barracks, and jail, with the evening highlighted by exclusive nighttime cannon firings. Groups of 25 are led by tour guides who provide an entertaining experience rather than a formal history lesson. While not intended to be frightening, some scenes may be intense for younger children. Pets are not permitted due to the movement, noise, and cannon fire.
Tickets are $25 per person (children two and under are free) and must be reserved in advance, as this event typically sells out. Tours begin at 6:30 p.m. and last about 30 minutes each. The last tour ends at 10 p.m. Guests should arrive at least 15 minutes before their tour start time. Tours leave promptly and cannot wait for you if you are late. All sales are final unless Fort McAllister cancels due to weather or unforeseen circumstances. Guests will walk approximately 0.6 miles over uneven, unpaved surfaces with some stairs; the 6:30 p.m. tour is ADA-accessible by cart and must be requested at the time of registration. To reserve your spot, call 912-727-2339.
Please visit https://gastateparks.org/FortMcAllister or call the Fort at 912-727-2339 for additional information.
ABOUT FORT MCALLISTER STATE HISTORIC PARK:
Located close to I-95 south of Savannah on the banks of the Ogeechee River, this scenic park showcases the best-preserved earthwork fortification of the Confederacy. The earthworks were attacked seven times by Union ironclads but did not fall until 1864—ending General William T. Sherman’s “March to the Sea.” Visitors can explore the grounds with cannons, a hot shot furnace, bombproof barracks, palisades and more, while a Civil War museum contains artifacts, a video and gift shop.
Nestled among giant live oaks, Spanish moss and salt marsh, this park is a beautiful location for camping, fishing, boating and picnicking. Seven cabins sit on stilts near the marsh, surrounded by palm trees and palmettos. The shaded campground is bordered by tidal Redbird Creek, a boat ramp, fishing dock and nature trail. A large picnic area offers river views and playgrounds, while another boat ramp provides access to the Ogeechee River.
For more information, visit gastateparks.org/FortMcAllister.