25 Best & Fun Things to Do in Dahlonega (GA)

Dahlonega is a small but beautiful city located in the Blue Ridge Mountains’ foothills in the Northern part of Georgia.

With a population of over seven thousand, the city is known as the Wine city of Georgia, consisting of a large collection of vineyards.

Dahlonega is a city for everyone, especially history enthusiasts, as there are several historical landmarks and facts to uncover.

There are several places to visit in Dahlonega, such as Chestatee Wildlife Preserve & Zoo, Dahlonega Wine Walk, Montaluce Winery & Restaurant, Cane Creek Falls, and more.

This is a comprehensive list of some of the top things to do in Dahlonega, GA.

Things to Do in Dahlonega

1. University of North Georgia

The university was officially given its status in 1996, and later on, in 2012, a coalition was formed by the State College of Gainesville as a whole new branch of the University of North Georgia.

The University of North Georgia is widely recognized as the sixth largest public learning institution in Georgia, with a capacity of over nineteen thousand students.

It offers more than one hundred degree programs, including a doctoral degree program, and 13 master’s degrees.

The University of North Georgia, being part of the country’s six military universities, is authorized as Georgie’s military college.

Address: 82 College Cir, Dahlonega, GA 30597, United States

2. Cane Creek Falls

Cane Creek Falls is the largest waterfall in the Dahlonega, formed where two different creeks meet, the Rockhouse & Fall Creeks.

This 85-foot waterfall offers amazing views with a carved gorge that extends to the forested area, the main point of all the waterfalls.

Cane Creek Falls offers breathtaking views from the top of Cane Creek Cascades, easily accessible by a bridge with a well-paved trail going through the Cane Creek Falls.

Take a brief walk or go biking on the nature trail, which will give you a clearer view of the waterfalls in the center.

Address: Dahlonega, GA 30533 United States

3. Lumpkin County Park

Lumpkin County Park is a gorgeous twenty-six-acre park featuring several essential amenities making it a great place to hang out in Dahlonega.

There is a community center of 24-000 square-foot open to the public for various important functions.

Lumpkin County Park has a sixty-acre sports plaza featuring softball fields, a recreation center, baseball fields, and more.

There is a basketball court and numerous event rooms available for rental for different kinds of special occasions.

Lumpkin County Park consists of picnic pavilions where you and your loved ones can hang out and create new memories.

Address: Lumpkin Co Park Rd, Dahlonega, GA 30533, United States

4. The Historic Holly Theatre

At the Historic Holly Theatre in Dahlonega, just get ready to have a mind-blowing entertainment experience with your friends and family.

The Historic Holly Theatre began in 1915 when a theater known as the Fox Film Company was founded, and hundreds of residents visited to watch silent movies.

After a while, the city of Dahlonega decided to amass its theatre where residents could watch the latest movies in the Price hall on the lower floor.

The Historic Holly Theatre officially opened in 1948 after several negotiations. The theatre had to face thorough renovations due to misuse of the theatre to bring it back to life as an entertainment center for movies and shows.

Do well to check their website before you visit, so you will know what to expect and when to visit because the theatre is not open throughout the year.

Address: 61 Enota Street, Dahlonega, GA 30533, 706 530 5162 United States

5. Chestatee Wildlife Preserve & Zoo

If you’re an animal lover, add a visit to Chestatee Wildlife Preserve & Zoo to your list of top things to do in Dahlonega, GA.

Chestatee Wildlife Preserve & Zoo is a beautiful nature preserve that brings you closer to nature and will make you appreciate how gracious nature truly is.

This preserve is a refuge for a wide variety of wildlife such as African lions, emus, Siberian tigers, zebras, grizzly bears, and more.

 Chestatee Wildlife Preserve & Zoo serves as a sanctuary where different species of animals can dwell and be protected.

You also have a chance to see animals like tortoises, cockatoos, alligators, breaded dragons, pythons, and more.

Chestatee Wildlife Preserve & Zoo is open for several field trips, custom-tours ideal for everyone, as well as a venue for special events.

Address: 469 Old Dahlonega Hwy, Dahlonega, GA 30533, United States

6. Yahoola Creek Park

For an amazing day out with your friends and family, add a visit to Yahoola Creek Park to your bucket list of fun things to do in Dahlonega, GA.

Yahoola Creek Park offers many families an incredible experience by providing several fun amenities.

The park has many sports facilities such as tennis courts, softball fields, basketball courts, and soccer fields.

Yahoola Creek Park features a large community garden with a wide array of plant life and a playground for the little ones with play equipment.

The park is home to numerous hiking trails perfect for hikers of various skill levels, with two pavilions where individuals can sit and relax.

The Yahoola Creek Park consists of four separate outdoor classrooms, a kiosk beside the wildflower garden, and a fantastic pond used by students for academic findings.

Address: 1166 Captain McDonald Road, Dahlonega, GA 30533 United States

7. Dahlonega Gold Museum Historic Site

In a city like Dahlonega, which is immensely rich in history, get ready to explore many historic sites, including the Dahlonega Gold Museum Historic Site.

Dahlonega Gold Museum Historic Site is a fantastic museum enlightening the public about Lumpkin County’s mining history.

The Museum is located right in the center of Dahlonega, commemorating the first gold rush in America.

Dahlonega Gold Museum Historic Site is found in the oldest remaining courthouse in Georgia, known as the historic old Lumpkin County Courthouse.

The Museum showcases an outstanding selection of artifacts and memorabilia dating back to 1836, such as gold machinery, nuggets, equipment, and more.

Dahlonega Gold Museum Historic Site features a fully packed gift shop where you can shop for different gifts and souvenirs.

Address: 1 Public Square N, Dahlonega, GA 30533, United States

8. Chestatee River Adventures

A perfect way to explore the coastal area of Dahlonega is by adding a visit to Chestatee River Adventures to your list of fun things to do in Dahlonega, GA.

Chestatee River Adventures assures visitors an exceptional experience by offering tubing trips and kayaking on the Chestatee River.

Chestatee River Adventures provides a shuttle bus that transports visitors from the company’s headquarters to the destination and back.

There are tons of equipment available for visitors to use as well as life jackets; the tours are guided by experienced tour guides.

Address: 2718 South Chestatee Street/Highway 60 North, Dahlonega, GA 30533, United States

9. Dahlonega Wine Walk

Dahlonega Wine Walk will be one of the major highlights of your vacation in Dahlonega, known as the Wine tasting City in Georgia.

During the course of this walk, visitors visit a large number of tasting rooms, wine stores, and vineyards that produces the best wines.

The Dahlonega Wine Walk is one of the best ways to explore the city, find out some of the best drinks, and visit the Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Visitors Center for a wine glass.

Some of the places you visit during the Dahlonega Wine Walk include Taste Wine & Gourmet Foods, Canvas & Cork, the Dahlonega Tasting Room, Georgia Winery of Dahlonega Tasting Room, and more.

 Address: 13 South Park Street | Dahlonega, GA 30533 United States

Georgia holds some cool attractions and activities, check out our guides on things to do in Canton, things to do in Tifton as well as things to do in Dawsonville for a memorable time in Georgia.

10. Dahlonega Farmers Market

Are you in need of a place to shop for fresh foodstuff? Add shopping at Dahlonega Farmers Market to your list of things to do in Dahlonega, GA.

Dahlonega Farmers Market is a market that encourages the people to cultivate a lifestyle of eating healthy diets.

The market offers nothing but fresh and locally sourced farm produce as a way of offering local farmers opportunities to grow their small businesses.

Dahlonega Farmers Market is a seasonal market open from May to October on Tuesdays (2-6pm) and Saturdays (8am-1pm).

There are a wide variety of fresh jams, vegetables, baked goods, herbs, fruits, jellies, flowers, honey, and traditional meals.

Address: 52 North Park Street, Dahlonega, GA 30533 United States

11. North Georgia Astronomical Observatory

The North Georgia Astronomical Observatory is a paradise for every astronomer, both amateurs and professionals will love to visit in Dahlonega.

This astronomical observatory was founded by the University of North Georgia, featuring NASA All-Sky Fireball Network Camera built for detecting, tracking, and analyzing fireballs.

The North Georgia Astronomical Observatory is open from Monday to Friday for students of the University, as long as weather permits.

Students come in while classes are still on to observe the sky, which is part of their curriculum, and usually, on Friday nights, it is open to the students and public for the viewing of astronomical sky.

Address: 3000 Dawsonville Hwy, Dahlonega, GA 30533, United States

12. Dahlonega Magic Theatre

Dahlonega Magic Theatre is a location that offers you a sensational entertainment moment in Dahlonega, where you get to laugh and have a great time.

They offer you an amazing comedy magic show hosted by an experienced individual, Jeffrey N. Knight.

Jeffrey has been part of a family of entertainers for over forty years. He is a ventriloquist, a narrator, a musician, and a storyteller.

Dahlonega Magic Theatre has been offering children and youths a wide variety of shows under the platform known as Empower Kids Program.

Although Jeffrey is popularly known as The favorite kids’ magician of Atlanta as well as the Great Jeffini, his shows are also loved by adults.

Address: Crown Mountain Place, Dahlonega, GA 30533, United States

13. Shenanigans Irish Pub

A perfect addition to your list of things to do in Dahlonega, GA is a visit to Shenanigans Irish Pub, a place dedicated to offering visitors the best Irish experience.

Shenanigans Irish Pub is a wonderful Irish pub that serves meals prepared on-site from scratch using the best ingredients.

They take pride in being the largest supplier of beers and other kinds of drinks in the city; you will find something you like.

Shenanigans Irish Pub offers a comprehensive food menu, including Fish and Chips, Bangers and Mash, Irish Nachos, Quesadilla, Chicken Tenders, Chicken and Broccoli, Steak & Spuds, Guinness Chocolate Cake with Raspberry, and many more.

The pub offers a large selection of vodka, gin, rum, bourbon, tequila, mocktails, rye, scotch, craft beers, red, white & sparkling wines, ciders, imported & domestic beers, seltzers, and more.

Shenanigans Irish Pub offers visitors an eclectic and energetic environment with live music for them to party all night.

Address: 87 N. Chestatee Street, Dahlonega, GA 30533, United States

14. Picnic Café and Dessertery

Every city has one restaurant that serves the most delicious breakfast; add dining at Picnic Café and Dessertery to your list of fun things to do in Dahlonega, GA.

The Picnic Café and Dessertery is located in the middle of Dahlonega, a unique combination of a bakery and cafe.

They are known for serving a diverse selection of delicious meals, and the cafe has been doing this for over eighteen years.

The Picnic Café and Dessertery is a number one stop for breakfast and lunch, offering vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.

They offer fresh and healthy homemade bread, pastries, sweets, and cakes for different kinds of events; there is an extensive list of drinks to go with them.

The Picnic Café and Dessertery also serve egg salad & bagel, fresh fruit plate, mushrooms & wild rice soup, brunswick soups, and more.

You can request drinks like vanilla chai, mocha, raspberry, hot chocolate, and more, plus ice cream of different flavors.

Address: 30 Public Square N, Dahlonega, GA 30533, United States

15. Crisson Mine

A place that educates you about the history of mining in Georgia should be on your list of things to do in Dahlonega, GA.

Crisson Mine is a public gold mine open to everyone who wishes to explore the mining industry and its history.

The gold mine was founded in 1847, making it the oldest gold mining establishment in North Georgia, and it was still functioning until the early 1980s.

Crisson Mine consists of a rock crusher of one hundred and thirty years old known as a stamp mill, currently used for breaking down quartz rock of gold.

There are numerous antique gold mining machines, including jaw crushers, rod mills, and more, which are used once in a while.

Crisson Mine staff is friendly and helpful, always willing to answer every question and ensure the visitors have a good time.

Address: 2736 Morrison Moore Pkwy E, Dahlonega, GA 30533, United States

16. Historic Smith House Inn

Add a visit to Historic Smith House Inn to your list of fun things to do in Dahlonega, GA, a place that offers you a home away from home experience.

Historic Smith House Inn was built in 1899, offering visitors an extremely comfortable environment to reside and a chance to have great fun.

The resort features elegant guest rooms inside the main building with private bathrooms and other essential amenities in a carriage house, just adjacent to the building.

Historic Smith House Inn features a charming southern-inspired-style restaurant serving delicious homemade cuisines.

There is a local store that offers homemade jams with a variety of local art and craft works; Historic Smith House Inn provides spa services, private dinners, and more.

Address: 84 South Chestatee Street, Dahlonega, GA 30533, United States

Also check out our checklist of fun things to do in Lawrenceville, things to do in Clayton, and fun things to do in Pooler, if you are planning a Georgia road trip.

17. Dahlonega Consolidated Gold Mine

Dahlonega Consolidated Gold Mine was a functional gold mine up until the late 1800s, located east of Dahlonega.

This gold mine is popularly known as a consolidated mine used in gold production for at least thirty years.

Dahlonega Consolidated Gold Mine was later abandoned for numerous years after it became flooded by water.

Presently, it is open as a tourist attraction for visitors to come in and get a clear insight into the world of gold mining in Dahlonega.

Dahlonega Consolidated Gold Mine enlightens visitors about how gold is found and mined and the processes after these.

You will also find gold in the mine, with its upper part always open to visitors to explore and have fun while searching for gold.

Dahlonega Consolidated Gold Mine offers tours that are guided by well-informed individuals who tells stories about the early days of gold mining in the region

Address: 185 Consolidated Gold Mine Rd, Dahlonega, GA 30533 United States

18. Scenic Drives

In a beautiful city like Dahlonega, you are offered two different scenic drives starting from the mountains in North Georgia with gorgeous landscapes all year round.

The two drives include the Lumpkin-Union Loop and the Brasstown Bald Loop. The Lumpkin-Union Loop is a 101.4 kilometers(63 miles) drive that goes through the Appalachian Mountains featuring lovely spots like Yahoola Valley, Helton Creek Falls, Cane Creek Falls, and more.

You will find other points like Vogel State Park, the Suches Valley, Lake Winfield Scott, Dicks Creek Falls, the Woody Gap, Dicks Creek Falls, and more.

Other spectacular sights along the way include Dicks Creek Falls, Lake Winfield Scott, DeSoto Falls, and Turners Corner.

19. Bratzeit

For an incredible dining experience with your family and friends, visiting Bratzeit is one of the best things to do in Dahlonega, GA.

Bratzeit is a renowned German and Swiss restaurant which offers a wide variety of local German and Swiss dishes.

This is a family-owned and operated restaurant that offers a homey and lively ambiance which attracts visitors to come in and enjoy.

Bratzeit serves meals like Jägerschnitzel and Sausage Sampler with Saurkraut, Giant Pretzel Spatzle Currywurst Fried pickles, Sausage Sampler Platter, Jägerschnitzel with Spatzle, potato salad, grilled onions, and more.

They offer flavorful meads made locally using the best ingredients, including mead-ahh-rita, omg mango guava, strawberry rhubarb, and more, including a variety of German beers like Warsteiner Pilsner, Koenig Ludwig Hefeweizen, and so on.

Bratzeit provides comfortable indoor and outdoor seating and a host for a large number of events held all year round.

Address: 77A Memorial Drive, Dahlonega, GA 30533, United States

20. Lake Zwerner Trail

Are you ready to go out for a hike? Add a visit to Lake Zwerner Trail to your list of fun things to do in Dahlonega, GA for an awesome experience.

The Lake Zwerner Trail is a 3.5-mile trail excellent for hiking and biking, which runs around the Dahlonega Reservoir border.

This trail is a favorite place for outdoor lovers offering them an opportunity to go cycling and jogging while also enjoying the beautiful scenery.

The Lake Zwerner Trail is open to everyone, both adults and children, irrespective of their different skill levels; the trail goes across a stunning creek right from the lake’s shoreline.

Along the trail, you will find a wide variety of fauna and flora, which offers beautiful views of the environment.

Address: 1687 Morrison Moore Pkwy E, Dahlonega, GA 30533, United States

21. Wolf Mountain Vineyards and Winery

When you feel like hanging out with friends, add a visit to Wolf Mountain Vineyards and Winery to your Dahlonega to-do list.

Wolf Mountain Vineyards and Winery is a family-owned and operated business in which its vineyards were first sowed back in 2000.

In that same year(2000), the company produced its first one thousand cases of wines through locally grown grapes.

Wolf Mountain Vineyards and Winery produced wines in 2003 with grapes grown in their vineyards, winning several awards for their production of unique wines.

Some of the award-winning wines include Howling Wolf Red, Instinct, Claret, Reserve Cuvée, Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Blanc de Blancs Brut, and more.

Wolf Mountain Vineyards and Winery offer a light food menu including Burrata & Prosciutto, Seasonal House Salad, Housemade Mini Cheesecakes, the Harvest Pie, Logan Turnpike Grit Fries, Pimento Cheese Bechamel, and more.

The winery is open for tasting from Thursdays through Saturdays from 11am-5pm, their cafe is open daily from 12pm-3pm and Sundays from 12:30pm-2:30pm.

Address: 180 Wolf Mountain Trail, Dahlonega, GA 30533, 706 867 9862 United States

22. Price Memorial Hall

The Price Memorial Hall is a historic building on the University of North Georgia’s Campus with its steeple coated with gold.

This hall is also known as the Price Memorial Building, erected as a form of representation of the North Georgia University.

The Price Memorial Hall is dedicated to preserving and promoting the gold mining history in Dahlonega city.

This historic building was named after the sole originator of the college of North Georgia called, William Pierce of Price. It is located on the former site of 1837, the U.S. Branch Mint, which the Confederate Army captured in the 1860s.

The Price Memorial Hall contains a new visitor center that offers essential information and exhibits about the hall’s history and its role in the origin of Dahlonega.

Address: College Cir, Dahlonega, GA 30597, United States

23. Red Oak Lavender Farm and Shop

A laid-back place where you can just relax and chill in Dahlonega is the Red Oak Lavender Farm and Shop.

Red Oak Lavender Farm and Shop is open to the public, where they can unwind in lavender fields, which offers the highest level of tranquility.

Visitors also get to learn more about lavender and purchase lots of their favorite lavender products from a place that harvests over four thousand lavender plants from various species.

When you take a walk through the farm, you will be embraced by the calmness and sweet scents offered by the tons of lavender plants.

Red Oak Lavender Farm and Shop refines the various essential oils themselves and offers patrons over one hundred lavender products to pick from.

If you want to know the perfect time to visit, it is in June when the lavender blossom and from march to December when the shop is open.

Address: 2882 Red Oak Flats Rd, Dahlonega, GA 30533, United States

24. Montaluce Winery & Restaurant

One of the best things to do in Dahlonega, GA is visiting Montaluce Winery & Restaurant, known for their overly show of hospitality.

Montaluce Winery & Restaurant was born out of the desire to grow and produce handcrafted and deliciously made wines.

The wines are produced by people who are down-to-earth and truly understand how to fend and sufficiently grow grapes.

Montaluce Winery & Restaurant offers nice meals like Cinnamon Roll, Oreo Cheesecake, Braised Rabbit, Flatbread, Cucumber Melon Gazpacho, filet bolognese, Teriyaki Chicken Sandwich, Shrimp Palapa, salmon, Tuscan Flatbread, and more.

The winery serves a wide variety of wines such as 2019 Pinot Noir, 2019 Sangiovese, 2019 Reserve Petit Verdot, Sparkling Raspberry Demi Sec, and others.

Montaluce Winery & Restaurant is open from Sunday to Thursday from 11am-9pm, and Friday & Saturday from 11am-10pm.

Address: 501 Hightower Church Rd, Dahlonega, GA 30533, United States

25. Dahlonega Walking Tours

One of the best things to do in Dahlonega, GA is going on Dahlonega Walking Tours, especially with your family and friends.

Dahlonega Walking Tours offers tourists an amazing experience through the several walking tours, taking them through lovely attractions in the city.

Visitors are taken through the community’s history, best hubs & wineries, and more, where they get to learn more about history.

Dahlonega Walking Tours offers Grapes and Ghosts Wine Tours, where visitors can visit five different wineries in the city and try out some of their wine samples.

The haunted tales and historic ghost tours include visiting the crimson moon, the historic courthouse, the haunted restaurant, and many more.

Dahlonega Walking Tours offers other exciting tours like a paranormal investigation tour, and a boos & brews pub crawl (a history tour of Dahlonega city); these tours are guided by highly knowledgeable staff are friendly and helpful.

Address: 19 E Main St, Dahlonega, GA 30533, United States

Want more of Georgia? do check out our list of things to do in Statesboro, things to do in Thomasville and things to do in Cleveland for a memorable vacation.

Plan a Trip to Dahlonega

Dahlonega is a city you should visit in Georgia State, a city that is known for its fertile soil and rich history and culture.

In an awesome city like Dahlonega, it is difficult to pick the best of all the attractions, so make sure you explore as much as you can there.