CONSERVATION
Historic Banning Mills is a public 501(c)(3) conservation and retreat center. About 45 minutes NW from Hartsfield-Jackson airport, the facility is located in one of the most unique eco-environments in Georgia. If you would like to donate to the Conservancy at Historic Banning Mills, please click the donation button. All donations made to Historic Banning Mills are tax deductible.
We have spent countless hours researching the rich history of this historic gorge and want to share it with the world! More importantly, we want to protect it for future generations. Help us do that by visiting, spreading the word, and if you can, donate!
Since our founding in 1998, Historic Banning Mills has been dedicated to preserving both the remarkable history of Banning Mills and the unique ecosystem of Snake Creek Gorge. Working alongside the Trust for Public Land and the Upper Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, we have helped secure the permanent protection of over 1,500 pristine acres—ensuring this land will remain unspoiled for generations to come.
Today, our grounds are part of the officially recognized Banning Mills–Snake Creek Industrial Archaeological District on the National Register of Historic Places. We maintain a historic interpretive center, a comprehensive book and video documentary of the area’s past, and have preserved original town roads, trails, and building sites within the Gorge. Our commitment remains steadfast: to protect, educate, and inspire through the careful stewardship of this extraordinary place.
Our Mission:
The mission of The Lodges at Banning Mills Retreat and Conservation Center is twofold.
First, we seek to provide and develop leadership training programs that promote Christian values based on the Fruit of the Spirit, as taught in Galatians 5:22. Through camps, team building, and adventure-based experiences, we serve youth, families, churches, and organizations within a hospitality mission that offers accommodations and meeting space for personal growth, enrichment, relaxation, study, and bonding
Second, we are dedicated to preserving the unique and pristine ecosystems of the Snake Creek Gorge and the Chattahoochee Watershed, as well as researching, promoting, and safeguarding the immense historical value of the Snake Creek Gorge and the Banning Mills Township—recognized as the Banning Mills–Snake Creek Industrial Archaeological District on the National Register of Historic Places—located within the Gorge itself. We strive to increase community awareness of this special area through educational programs, publications, and conservation initiatives.
Galatians 5:22 – But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
Our Current Need:
Enclosure updates and medical care for Libby, the newest member of our feathered staff.
Libby came to us recently after her wing was broken when she unfortunately collided with a box truck. The break is at a location of her wing that will permanently affect her ability to fly long distances or hunt for food, making survival in the wild almost impossible. She is still a juvenile, approximately 2 years old and does not yet have the iconic white head, but she is huge!
She is currently recovering from her injury, and the vets think she might recover enough to fly short distances and may be able to join our nature show in the future.
Please consider donating to help us give Libby the best care and transition to her new life.
Since 2001, the following goals below were created and completed
Our staff is passionate and dedicated to our mission goals. We have had many completed and successful program creations and implementations. We look forward to successful future goals as well.
- Worked with Trust for Public lands and Chattahoochee River Keepers in preserving in perpetuity 1500 acres of the Snake Creek Gorge which is one of the main tributaries of the Chattahoochee River
- Implemented extensive historical research of the Banning Mills Township and Snake Creek Gorge with resulting production of History DVD and History book of the area.
- Acquired a master’s thesis that focused on the unique ecosystem of the Snake Creek Gorge.
- Constructed and Implemented 3 onsite teambuilding courses to aid in leadership and character development
- Constructed the largest aerial adventure park in the world to implement experiential adventure programs
- Provide yearly summer day camps for children 8 to 14 years of age
- Provide educational nature shows in our nature theater.
- Developed a small history interpretive museum.
Our Future Goals at Historic Banning Mills
With our designation as a National Register Historic District, we are more inspired than ever to share the remarkable story of Banning Mills. Our future plans include transforming the historic Cotton Mill into a museum and interpretive center, bringing the past to life for generations to come.
We envision a place where visitors can walk through a recreated Creek Indian Village, explore the unique beauty of Snake Creek Gorge from an eco tree walk bridge, and immerse themselves in educational programs that highlight both the rich history and natural wonders of the area.
Through these efforts, we aim to expand leadership and character development opportunities, deepen community connections, and ensure that the history and heritage of Banning Mills continue to inspire for years to come.
Please note that we are a 501(c)(3) and any monies donated are completely tax deductible. Please help us preserve the Beautiful Snake Creek Gorge and Banning Mills Township!