The Jekyll Island Club was the idyllic private kingdom of many of the
nation's elite from 1886 until 1942. Founded by a group of millionaires
who bought the entire island, the Jekyll Island Club was a closed social
unit with a strictly limited membership. During the height of its operation,
Jekyll Island played host to many of the nation's most influential financiers,
industrialists, and politicians. Members that included the Rockefeller,
Crane, Gould and Vanderbilit families built grand "cottages"
on the west end of the island around a massive clubhouse (pictured below).
During the winter months members cherished Jekyll's beauty and peace as
the perfect retreat from the pressures of their busy business and social
schedules.
In 1942 the U.S. government ordered the area evacuated. The state of
Georgia purchased the island from the club in 1947 and turned it into a
state park. Most of the cottages have been preserved and are open to the
public. Among them are San Souci, owned in part by J.P, Morgan and one
of the first condominiums in the U.S.; Indian Mound, the twenty-five room
home of the Rockefeller family; the Goodyear Cottage completed in 1906
from designs by the firm of Carrére and Hastings; Crane Cottage,
circa 1917, the largest and most lavish of the cottages; the original Club
House, a wood and brick Victorian structure with towers and manicured lawns;
and Faith Chapel (pictured above), built in 1904 in the Gothic style with
copies of the Notre Dame de Paris gargoyles. The chapel also has a large
signed Tiffany stained glass window.
LOCATION
Jekyll Island is 10 miles east of I-95 at exit 6, near Brunswick, GA.
ADDRESS
Jekyll Island Museum
375 Riverview Dr.
Jekyll Island, GA 31527
TELEPHONE
(912) 635-2119 (administrative office)
OPERATING HOURS
Open year-round
Memorial Day - Labor Day: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Labor Day - Nov 15: 9:30 am - 4:00 pm
Nov. 16 - Feb 28: 9:30 am - 3 pm
March 1 - Memorial Day: 9:30 am - 4:00 pm
CLIMATE, RECOMMENDED CLOTHING
Summers are hot and humid. Winters are generally short and mild with
variable precipitation and occasional "northeasters." Recommend
layers of clothing, especially in spring and fall, and good walking shoes.
DIRECTIONS
Exit I-95 at exit 6. Head north on U.S. Highway 17, following signs
to Jekyll Island. The Jekyll Island Causeway is on the right. The causeway
leads directly onto the island. Island entry toll is $2 per vehicle.
This map was created using MapQuest
TRANSPORTATION
Trolley Service provides transportation in Historic District.
Water Taxi available from St.Simons Island.
FEES, COSTS, RATES
Guided tours aboard trams are available seven days a week departing
from the Museum Orientation Center, which is open daily from 9:30 a.m.
- 4:00 p.m.
Admission:
Adults: $7
Students (ages 6-18): $5
Children under 6: free
The Museum Orintation Center is located on Stable Road. Admission is
also charged for house tours. Children under 6 free.
FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES
Visitor Center/Exhibits:
Orientation Center open daily . A free audio-visual presentation is
also provided.
Trails, Roadways:
A Bike/walking path allows bike access around the island
Programs, activities:
Guided Tours lasting 1 - 1 1/2 hours are offered daily from the Orientation
Center. A free audio-visual presentation is also provided.
Curriculum-related school programs and special rates are available by
reservation. Rental of some historic structures for weddings and social
functions may be arranged.
Lodging and Camping Facilities:
200 site campground with tent sites, and full RV sites. Showers, restrooms,
electricity.
(912) 635-3021
Food, Supplies:
Small convenience stores on island
Other Concessions, Managed Visitor Facilities and Opportunities:
Golf, Water Park, Tennis.
Accessibility:
Most facilities are fully accessible.
BASIC VISIT RECOMMENDATIONS
With more than 30 structures, the 240-acre Jekyll Island Historic District
is one of the largest restoration projects in the Southeastern U.S. Visitors
to the can step back in time while touring selected mansion-sized "cottages,"
restored and furnished as if their wealthy owners had just departed. Buildings
on tour house a collection of period furnishings, decorative arts, historical
photographs and documents related to the Jekyll Island Club and its members.
In addition to the historic district, Jekyll Island offers miles of
beaches and bike paths, three 18 hole golf courses, and one 9 hole course,
tennis, miniature golf, fishing and a waterpark. For more information,
call the Jekyll Island Convention and Visitors Bureau at 1-800-841-6586.
ADJACENT VISITOR ACTIVITIES
St. Simons Island; Fort Frederica; Historic
Brunswick; Horton House ruins; Sea
Island; Hamilton Plantation Slave Cabins;
Cumberland Island.
SPECIAL EVENTS/PROGRAMS
Special events are held through out the year, including concerts, art
festivals, triathlons, distance runs. Contact Welcome Center for specifics.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
For more information about Jekyll Island, including lodging, call the
Jekyll Island Convention and Visitors Bureau at 1-800-841-6586.
The Jekyll Island Club House is currently a Radisson resort. Call 1
(800) 333-3333 or 912-635-2600 for more information.
