b'DISCOVER SOUTHWEST GALAKELAND Established as a National Wildlife Refuge in 1985, Named Georgias Historical Mural City, the small townmore than 20,000 people visit Banks Lake each of Lakeland has more than 80 murals throughout theyear. A popular location for kayakers, cancers, and downtown. Commissioned by a local resident, thefishermen wanting to view great blue herons, sandhill murals provide a glimpse into the communitys historycranes, osprey, wood storks, and alligators that inhabit when it was once known as Milltown. the area.A self-guided tour provides the real-life storiesLakelands waterway experience continues with the behind each painting. In addition, visitors can optAlapaha River Watershed that joins Bank Lakes with for a printed map, available at the Lakeland-LanierGrand Bay in Lowndes County and the Carolina Bays County Chamber of Commerce office, or use theirin Atkinson County. This blackwater river flows below smartphone to scan a QR code. bald cypress trees along with longleaf, slash and loblolly pines, and oak trees.bald cypress trees along On the first Saturday in April, Lakeland hosts thewith longleaf, slash and loblolly pines, and oak trees. THE GEORGIA PHOTOGRAPHY FANATICWaterways: Lakeland is home to Banks Lake, featuring open water, marsh, hardwood swamp, and uplands. Milltown Motorcade, where car enthusiasts show off antique vehicles.Banks Lake is located at the edge of Lakelands western city limits on GA 122 (ED Rivers Memorial Highway) and is open seven days a week. The concession store, boat rental, and tackle shop are open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.Part of a natural basin, Banks Lake formed when a stream was dammed to make a sawmill. Of the 4,049 acres, approximately 1,000 acres is open water. ThePictorial Tour: More than 80 murals line Lakelands remainder consists of marsh, hardwood swamp, anddowntown streets, with each hand-painted mural uplands.telling the citys history.48 SG MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2021'