Cumberland Island's exquisite wild beauty ranks it among some of
the world's most prized natural treasures. Accessible only by boat,
Cumberland Island was once the home of the
Carnegie Family, builders of the illustrious Dungeness Mansion that now stands in
ruins. Here the Carnegies held extravagant galas to
entertain their high society guests, like the Vanderbilts and the
Duponts, who frequented the island. Decades later, the
late John F. Kennedy Jr. and his fiancee Carolyn Bessette chose to have
their secret wedding amid the grandeur and natural beauty of this
majestic isle.
Today, most of Cumberland Island is a National Park. The island, made up of
salt marshes, dune fields, tidal creeks and maritime forests, is home to
an abundance of wildlife, including wild horses, wild turkeys,
armadillos, a variety of shore birds, sea turtles and more. Visitors
are welcome to spend a relaxing day at the beach or encouraged to explore the
island's various historic structures and exhibits. Anyone wishing to
visit the island must make reservations in advance by contacting
the Mainland Visitor Information Center in St. Marys, Georgia,
open all year from 8:15 am.to 4:30 pm. When you visit the island, plan to
bring all the supplies you'll need with you, including food, water and
trash bags. Visitors to the island are expected to adhere to its
stringent restrictions and regulations, and although the restrictions
may seem cumbersome at times, they have been instrumental in keeping
the island the natural, unspoiled treasure it is today. Here is a list
of Cumberland Island's various points of interest:
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