Dec 30, 2021

dahlonegaKnown by locals as “The Heart of the Georgia Mountains”, the city of Dahlonega, GA, is located in the northern part of the state, sitting in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountain Range. Featuring expansive vineyards, scenic waterfalls, and historical buildings, the city and its surroundings offer plenty of local landmarks that make it a great destination for anyone wanting to get away from the routine and breathe some fresh air in a charming town.

 

1. Dahlonega Gold Museum State Historic Site

Housed in one of the oldest standing courthouse buildings in the entire state of Georgia, Dahlonega Gold Museum is the first place you should visit if you want to learn about the history of the area and check out some ancient artifacts. This historic site commemorates the first gold rush in the country and is divided into different exhibition rooms. Some of the objects you can find here include ancient gold nuggets, gold coins, and gold panning instruments.

Dahlonega Gold Museum is open Monday through Saturday between 9 am and 4:45 pm, and on Sundays between 10 am and 4:45. Guided tours must be booked in advance and visitors must pay an admission fee ranging between $6 for seniors and $8.50 for adults. This museum is located right in the historical downtown area of the city, making it possible to reach it on foot from most of the other local attractions.

2. Consolidated Gold Mine

Located a little under a mile northeast of Dahlonega’s historical downtown, the Consolidated Gold Mine is another great place to visit for those wanting to learn more about the gold rush that once took place in the region. Built in 1875 and managed by the Dahlonega Consolidated Gold Mining Company, this mine still holds significant amounts of gold to be extracted, particularly in the Glory Hole area, but extraction costs currently overweight the potential benefits.

Nowadays, the Consolidated Gold Mine is one of Dahlonega’s top-rated tourist attractions. A part of the mine’s upper level is open for visitors, who can take guided tours, pan for gold, and check out original artifacts including cart rails and a pneumatic drill. Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980, this mine is open for tourists Monday through Friday between 10 am and 4 pm, and on Saturdays and Sundays between 10 am and 5 pm.

3. Historic Downtown

Featuring charming streets lined with small cafés and restaurants, shops, art galleries, and entertainment venues, Dahlonega’s historic downtown is one of the reasons tourists from all over the country come to visit this small mountain city. Once you are done exploring the Dahlonega Gold Museum and one of the nearby gold mines, the best thing to do is go for a walk around this charming part of the city and try the local cuisine at a local restaurant.

Are you looking for the best dealership in the Dahlonega area? Before you leave, visit us at Chestatee Ford. We have an extensive inventory of new and used vehicles, as well as a team of knowledgeable sales agents who will be happy to help you find a model that adapts to your needs.