Discover 7 hidden attractions, cool sights, and unusual things to do in Dahlonega (United States). Don't miss out on these must-see attractions: Dahlonega Gold Museum Historic Site, Consolidated Gold Mine, and Holly Theatre. Also, be sure to include Chestatee Wildlife Preserve & Zoo in your itinerary.
Below, you can find the list of the most amazing places you should visit in Dahlonega (Georgia).
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Dahlonega Gold Museum Historic Site
Museum in Dahlonega, Georgia. The Dahlonega Gold Museum Historic Site is a Georgia state historic site located in Dahlonega that commemorates America's first gold rush and the mining history of Lumpkin County. The museum is housed in the historic Old Lumpkin County Courthouse built in 1836 and located in the center of the town square. It is the oldest surviving county courthouse in the state. The museum houses many artifacts from the gold rush of 1836, including gold nuggets, gold coins, and gold panning equipment, as well as an educational film and gift shop.[1]
Address: 1 Public Sq, 30533-1210 Dahlonega
Consolidated Gold Mine
Tourist attraction in Dahlonega, Georgia. The Consolidated Mine was a gold mine in Lumpkin County, Georgia, United States, just east of Dahlonega. Like most of the area around Dahlonega, the placer mining on the land on which the mine is located probably started during the Georgia Gold Rush. By 1880, the placer deposits were exhausted and the land was down to hard rock. Gold was soon discovered in a huge quartz vein system, and mined. "The richest acre" was mined deep into the ground, and the resulting shaft became known as the "Glory Hole.”
After an interruption of operations at the mine, a group of investors purchased about 7,000 acres (28 km²) of land around the discovery site and formed the Dahlonega Consolidated Gold Mining Co. in 1895. After constructing the largest stamp mill east of the Mississippi River at the Consolidated Mine property, the Mining Co. folded in 1906. The mine's lower workings became flooded and lay dormant until seventy-five years later, when the site came under new ownership.
There is still gold to be mined here – but the cost of extracting the gold from the mine exceeds the value of the gold, at least for the time being. Today, a part of the upper level of the mine remains open for tourists, who can tour portions of the "Glory Hole" underground and pan for gold. Original cart rails, electrical lines and even an operational pneumatic drill recovered from the mine may be viewed. This mine and Crisson Mine are the two mines in the Dahlonega area that remain open for tourists. The Consolidated Mine remains the only mine in the area safe enough to take tourists into.[2]
Address: 185 Consolidated Gold Mine Rd, 30533-0805 Dahlonega
Holly Theatre
Theater in Dahlonega, Georgia. Holly Theatre is a historic theater in Dahlonega, Lumpkin County, Georgia, US, which was constructed as a movie theater in 1948, and is currently operated as a non-profit theatrical venue. It puts on performances of musicals and straight plays, generally five mainstage productions a season, and a varying number of children's shows.
Between shows, it hosts concerts and community events, and can be rented for events. Additionally, it provides acting and dance classes for children and adults. It seats 256 on the main level and an additional 50 in the balcony. The building listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2002.[3]
Address: 69 W Main St, 30533-1000 Dahlonega
Chestatee Wildlife Preserve & Zoo
Nature and wildlife, Park, Outdoor activities, Zoo
Address: 469 Old Dahlonega Hwy, 30533-5745 Dahlonega
Fields Place-Vickery House
Building. Fields Place-Vickery House is a historic building located in Dahlonega, Georgia. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The house is currently owned by the University of North Georgia and houses the university's Georgia Appalachian Studies Center in keeping with the historic significance of the building.
Its fireplace and mantel seem to have been built c.1860 but most of the extant building dates from 1890 to 1908.[4]
Lumpkin County Library
Historical place in Dahlonega, Georgia. The Old Lumpkin County Jail is a historic jail building in Dahlonega, Georgia. The two-story brick jail was built in 1884. The first floor is now used by the Lumpkin County Historical Society and the second floor has been largely maintained in historic condition. Tours are given during Gold Rush Days in October. Bill Miner a.k.a. the Gentleman Bandit and Grey Fox were held in the jail. The county build a newer jail in 1964. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on September 13, 1985. It is located on Clarksville Street.[5]
Address: 342 Courthouse Hl, Dahlonega
Price Memorial Hall
Building in Dahlonega, Georgia. Price Memorial Hall, also known as the Price Memorial Building, is a historic site in Dahlonega, Georgia. The hall was built on the site of the U.S. government's federal branch mint built in 1836. It burned down in 1878 and the university, one of the first Federal Land Grant Colleges, had its hall built on the foundation. A historical marker is located on the site.
It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on January 20, 1972. It is located on 82 College Circle.[6]