Gwinnett County, Georgia has quickly become one of the most sought-after places to live in the Southeast, and it’s not hard to see why. This culturally rich area contains everything from festivals celebrating Georgia’s music scene to gorgeous parks and outdoor activities like horseback riding and canoeing. And all of that’s just the beginning! If you’re looking for things to do in Gwinnett County, here are 10 can’t-miss attractions to add to your list.
1) The Old Slicer
If you’re into history and a slice of Americana you’ll want to stop by The Old Slicer. This museum serves as the home for a 1948 meat slicer which was originally used for the H.E. Holmes & Sons Meat Packing Company in Gwinnett County. In addition to viewing the slicer, visitors will find butchering demonstrations where they can see what it takes to cut up a cow! Located at 875 Lawrenceville Highway, Norcross, GA 30071.
2) Gwinnett Gladiators Arena
Gwinnett Gladiators Arena is one of the many attractions that make the county of Gwinnett a premier destination for entertainment. From this location, attendees can watch professional ice hockey games and enjoy concerts from some of their favorite stars. It also hosts wrestling matches as well as other sporting events like judo and boxing competitions. Located on 146 Lilburn Drive, it was constructed for 54 million dollars with funding provided by the county government.
3) Historic Downtown Duluth
Duluth is the county seat of Gwinnett County. With its rich heritage and ties to Atlanta’s history, the city has a long tradition as a retail and agricultural hub for metro Atlanta. Visit historic downtown Duluth at 8 p.m. on Saturdays for First Saturday Arts Walk when galleries open their doors and artists exhibit work outdoors at Big Shanty Art Village from 6–9 p.m.
4) Streamwood Park
In 1882, a thousand acres of forest in rural Duluth was purchased for $1.00 by a group of Chattahoochee entrepreneurs and turned into a shady respite for mill workers on lunch break. The result was Streamwood Park – and what was then the largest acreage of parkland per capita in the nation. Today it is home to one of Gwinnett’s only botanical gardens, including a rose garden with over 100 varieties.
5) Discover Center at Sugar Hill Mountain
In the heart of one of Atlanta’s fastest-growing counties is a fascinating destination that is both educational and entertaining for all ages. At the Discover Center at Sugar Hill Mountain, more than 50 interactive exhibits make learning about environmental issues fun for the whole family. For example, visitors learn how air quality impacts climate change or explore water quality through a hands-on rain garden. The center also hosts popular events like the annual firefly festival or Earth Day Celebration every April.
6) Snap fingers and it’s done
Gwinnett County is a medium-sized county located just northeast of Atlanta and houses almost 1.4 million people. There are a ton of great restaurants, events, and activities that all types of people can enjoy when they visit this city within a city. Whether you’re looking for something adventurous or relaxing we’ve got you covered. Here are the top 10 things to do in Gwinnett.
7) Chateau Elan Winery & Resort
Many people come from all over the world to visit Chateau Elan Winery & Resort. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway with that special someone or a fun experience with friends, then Chateau Elan is just what you’re looking for. There are two hotels on-site and lots of fun ways to explore this destination.
8) Crooked River State Park & Campground (summer only)
Crooked River State Park and Campground are located on the Crooked River at the foothills of Cheaha Mountain. The campground offers a variety of camping sites from primitive tent campsites to full hookup RV camping. There are also walk-in campsites along the river as well as backcountry camping with no facilities. The park offers a beautiful waterfall that visitors can explore with many different scenic hiking trails which meander through forests and traverse over mountain summits.
9) Stone Mountain Park (up close is incredible, you’ll understand how they carved the faces into the stone.)
Stone Mountain Park offers both a historical and fun experience. Hiking through the trails is lovely, but even more fantastic is seeing how the mountain was created by carving out the granite with hammers and chisels. Climb one of the towers for an awe-inspiring panoramic view of Atlanta as well.
Watching fireworks shows has always been a Fourth of July tradition, but Stone Mountain celebrates year round with live music events and stargazing.
10) More than Just an Apple Store
The Mall of Georgia is known for more than just its Apple Store. It’s also home to a Bloomingdale’s and its very own IMAX theater – which you might have seen at AMC showings before. But this mall isn’t just about department stores and movie theaters: it also offers an amusement park, two petting zoos, two aquariums, and over 60 places to eat.
Wrapping Up
Gwinnett County is a great place to live, work, and play. Its wide variety of attractions and shopping areas are only matched by its affordability. If you’re considering relocating or want a new hobby, it’s worth checking out some of the activities this county has to offer.
