Located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Dahlonega is a city with a beautiful backdrop and a rich history. Known particularly for its own gold rush 20 years before the one in California, the city offers a number of attractions dedicated to this period in Dahlonega history. A number of other attractions are available as well, including those that cater to animal-lovers, art appreciators and wine aficionados.
With the "largest hard-rock gold mine east of the Mississippi," Consolidated Gold Mines offers a unique and memorable experience to visitors. Guests can tour the gold mines year-round, with 40-minute underground tours. A Consolidated Gold staff member guides each tour, sharing stories and the history of the mine throughout. Tours are $13 per adult, and $9 for children ages 4-14 (children younger than this are free). Group tours for 25 guests or more are also available. Additionally, Consolidated Gold Mines offers gold-panning lessons and sessions, with a free sampler gold-panning experience for all paid mine tour participants.
Consolidated Gold Mines
185 Consolidated Gold Mine Rd.
Dahlonega, GA 30533
706-864-8473
consolidatedgoldmine.com/
The Dahlonega Courthouse and Gold Museum chronicles the history of the 1829 gold rush in Dahlonega. Beginning with Benjamin Parks' first discovery of gold in 1828 while hunting deer, the museum tells the history of the Dahlonega Gold Rush with artifacts, exhibits, and a 23-minute film featuring interviews with the families of prospectors. The building itself was once the Lumpkin County Courthouse, and is listed among the 132 historic courthouses in Georgia.
Dahlonega Courthouse Gold Museum
State Historic Site
Public Square
Dahlonega, Georgia 30533
706-864-2257
dahlonega.org/
This nonprofit rescue and wildlife preserve is home to more than 100 natural and exotic animals spread out over 20 acres of land. Guests are allowed to stroll throughout the Preserve as they examine exhibits and observe the different animals. A typical self-guided tour takes about an hour, but guests may stay as long as they like. Some of the animals featured at Chestatee Wildlife Preserve include a rare zedonk (which is a cross between a donkey and a zebra), a grizzly bear cub named Gus, and two white Siberian tigers.
Chestatee Wildlife Preserve
469 Old Dahlonega Highway
Dahlonega, GA 30533
678-537-6765
chestateewildlife.com/
Housed in an elegant, Tuscan-style 25,000 square-foot winery building, the Montaluce Winery offers tours and tastings to visitors. The $45 Deluxe Tour allows guests to learn directly from the wine-makers about the specific wines, and to experience the growing conditions and the wine-making process first hand. At the end of this 90-minute educational tour, guests are also allowed to taste wines straight from the barrel. There is also a complimentary tour Tuesday through Sunday at 2 p.m. Additionally, guests simply wishing to taste the wines may do so in the Montaluce Winery tasting room. Most wines are made in the old-world Italian tradition, including notable varietals like Merlot, Pinot Grigio, and Chardonnay. Wine classes are also held on site every Saturday.
Montaluce Winery & Estates
501 Hightower Church Road
Dahlonega, GA 30533
706-867-4060
montaluce.com/
Located in the center of Dahlonega, the Holly Theatre is the area's premiere live-show venue. Offering classic plays and lively musicals, 10 to 12 productions grace the Main Stage every year. There is also a Lower Level offering smaller productions, as well as an attached movie theater playing blockbuster films. The Holly Theatre also hosts music concerts on the Main Stage, and tickets and showtimes can be found on the theater website.
The Historic Holly Theater
69 West Main Street
Dahlonega, GA 30533
706-864-3759
hollytheater.com/
