JENNINGS, FLORIDA

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Jennings is a small town in Hamilton County in north Florida whose northern city limit touches the Georgia state line. It is located on US-41 just east of where I-75 crosses from Florida into Georgia.

The Alapaha River flows just to the east of the town, eventually joining the Suwannee River. The population of Jennings is about 772.

North Florida was home to tribes such as the Timucua, Apalachee, and other smaller groups prior to European contact. The town of Jennings grew out of early 19th-century settlement and frontier transport routes.

It is named for George Jennings, an early settler born in England in 1790, whose family lived in the area near the Alapaha River in the 1820s and 1830s.

The community began as a trading point and river crossing where settlers interacted with local Native groups and early traders before Florida became a U.S. territory in 1821 and later a state in 1845.

Jennings was later incorporated in 1891, with agriculture and the railroad playing important roles in its growth.

There was a time when Georgia was a dry state and people from South Georgia came across the state line to Jennings for a drink. The postcard above shows the last bar before leaving Florida.

Jennings is a tight-knit rural community that retains a slow-paced, small-town character. With such a small population, the town doesn’t have the commercial density of larger cities.

It serves as a gateway to Florida and north Florida’s natural landscapes. Local businesses cater to travelers and area residents alike.

There is a Family Dollar, a taco restaurant, a post office, schools, churches, and some modest residential neighborhoods. Jennings is not a major shopping destination with galleries and antique shops like you’d find in larger Florida towns.

Out along the I-75 intersection you will find an EconoLodge and a KOA Holiday RV park.  There is a Shell service station out there but it's a pretty lonely interchange compared to most on I-75.

A big attraction at this interchange is the new Florida Welcome Center.  It's the first place many travelers going south on I-75 stop when they get to Florida.

For amenities such as extensive shopping or fine dining, residents typically travel 43 miles south to Lake City or 25 miles north into Valdosta, Georgia, which offer bigger retail centers, antique malls, and a broader variety of restaurants.

Jasper, Florida is 12 miles south and has some restaurants, doctors, and other services available along with it being the county seat of Hamilton County.

Within Jennings itself, the focus is more on quiet family living, local services, parks, and outdoor recreation rather than galleries, boutiques, or specialty shopping districts.

Here are interesting places and attractions in and near Jennings, including addresses and phone numbers where available:

Florida Welcome Center – 1247 Interstate 75, Jennings, FL 32053 • (386) 938-2981
Mentioned earlier, it's great first stop for visitors to Florida with travel info and free Florida citrus juice.

Cunningham Park – 981 Berry St Ext, Jennings, FL 32053 • (386) 938-4131
Quiet community park ideal for picnics, walking, and relaxing.

Wild Adventures Theme Park – 3766 Old Clyattville Rd, Valdosta, GA 31601 • (229) 219-7080
A larger amusement and animal park about 20 min north in Valdosta.

Georgia Visitor's Center – 5584 Mill Store Rd, Lake Park, GA 31636 • (229) 559-5828
Travel info and rest stop for visitors crossing the state line.

Jennings KOA Holiday - 2039 Hamilton Avenue, Jennings, FL 32053 • (386) 938-3321
Location of many events open to the public.  It is the winner of RV Life 2025 Best of the Campground Award.

Big Shoals State Park – 11330 SE County Rd 135, White Springs, FL 32096 (386) 397-4331
Known for Florida’s highest whitewater and scenic hiking along the Suwannee River.

Stephen Foster Folk Culture State Park – 11016 Lillian Sanders Dr, White Springs, FL 32096 • (386) 397-2733
Offers camping, hiking, and cultural exhibits celebrating Stephen Foster.

Suwannee Springs – 3210 93rd Dr, Live Oak, FL 32060
Historic springs and natural swimming holes in the Suwannee River region.

Downtown Valdosta, GA – Valdosta, GA 31601
Historic downtown with shops, restaurants, and events.

Suwannee River Jam Festival – 3076 95th Dr, Live Oak, FL 32060 • (386) 364-1683
Annual festival featuring music and camping (seasonal event).

Local Scenic Drive — Alapaha River – Explore rural backroads and river views around Jennings.

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