Overview
Dahlonega is in Georgia's Historic High Country. It was the site of a major gold rush, claimed the first in the US by local citizens. Gold mining continues to be an important part of cultural identity of Dahlonega and several mines remain open as tourists attractions. It is also home to the University of North Georgia.
6 sights · 2 things to do · 2 places to eat · 3 bars & cafés · 2 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Dahlonega
Dahlonega Gold Museum
The Dahlonega Gold Museum is located in the center of the historic square in the old courthouse of Dahlonega.
University of North Georgia
The state's first coeducational college, and also historically The Military College of Georgia, offers many things for a traveler to see. Price Memorial Hall is the gold topped landmark of the campus built on the foundat…
Consolidated Gold Mine
At the Consolidated Gold Mine a tour takes you underground into the mine to see what working conditions were like beneath Dahlonega during the gold rush. The tour shows the original cart rails, electrical lines and even …
Grisson's Gold Mine
At Grisson's Gold Mine there is one of the only press mines remaining and gold can be panned here.
Yahoola Creek Park
Yahoola Creek Park is home to baseball, softball, and soccer fields. It also has tennis courts. Besides basic park fixtures there is a community garden and 2 miles of hiking/walking trails.
Chestatee Wildlife Preserve & Zoo
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Mar–Nov. Summer highs reach about 88°F; winter lows dip to about 31°F. Wettest: Jan and Mar. (climate data from nearby Historic High Country)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- PDK DeKalb Peachtree Airport, Atlanta — 49 mi away. Directions
- ATL Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Atlanta — 67 mi away (major hub). Directions
From Atlanta, GA Approximately 1 1/4 hrs.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 2-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Consolidated Gold Mine, Dahlonega Gold Museum
- Lunch Gustavo's Pizzeria
- Afternoon Yahoola Creek Park, Gold Rush Days
- Dinner The Smith House
- Evening Frogtown Cellars
Day 2
- Morning University of North Georgia, Grisson's Gold Mine
- Afternoon Chestatee Wildlife Preserve & Zoo, Bear on the Square
- Evening Three Sisters Vineyards
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
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Get in
By car
From Atlanta, GA Approximately 1 1/4 hrs.
GA 400/US 19 North from Atlanta until end GA 400 ends. Left onto GA 60 after 5.5 miles GA 60 runs through the Dahlonega square.
From Athens, GA Approximately 1 3/4 hrs.
US 129/GA 15 Atl North from Athens, GA near Jefferson GA 15 Atl turn towards Commerce, GA and US 129 is joined by GA 11. In downtown Gainesville, GA US 129 turns off and heads north to Cleveland, GA. Continue to follow GA 11 called Ee Butler Parkway til it merges with GA 60 called Greene Street. GA 60 and GA 11 soon spilt Stay left onto GA 60 called Thompson Bridge Rd. 20 miles later GA 60 runs through the Dahlonega square.
From Chattanooga, TN Approximately 110 miles - 3 hrs.
I-75 South. Go South on I-75 to Dalton, GA. Take Hwy. 76 to Ellijay. From Ellijay continue south on Hwy. 52 to Dahlonega.
From Birmingham, AL Approximately 3 1/2 hrs.
I-20 E take I-20 East to Atlanta, then I-285 by-pass north toward Chattanooga. Take GA 400 North to the end. Left onto GA 60 after 5.5 miles GA 60 runs through the Dahlonega square.
Get around
Having a car would be best because there are many sites that are spread out, but central Dahlonega, along the downtown square, is navigable by foot.
Lumpkin County Transit operates with just two buses and offers door-to-door transportation on a first-come, first-served basis by appointment. "Nominal fees" are based on mileage. It's operated by Lumpkin County’s Emergency Services Department. For details call 706-864-6900.
See
See Consolidated Gold Mine
At the Consolidated Gold Mine a tour takes you underground into the mine to see what working conditions were like beneath Dahlonega during the gold rush. The tour shows the original cart rails, electrical lines and even an operational pneumatic drill. The tour also include an opportunity to pan for gold.
Do
Do Bear on the Square
Bear on the Square is a festival held each year in mid-April to preserve and celebrate the history and culture of the Southern Appalachian Mountains. It's famous for its bluegrass and old-time music shows, as well as filling the town square with musicians who've come to town to jam on the town square.
Eat
Budget
Eat Gustavo's Pizzeria
Literally a hole in the wall this pizzeria has the best quality pizza for really cheap. A slice of the kitchen sink(ultimate) is only $3.50 and it's huge. The garlic rolls are also amazing.
Mid-range
Splurge
Eat The Smith House
A traditional shared table, with rich Southern food. Excellent quality and a unique experience but comes with a higher price tag.
Drink
Dahlonega has several wineries.
Drink Frogtown Cellars
Winery has hilltop views of surrounding vineyards and mountains.
Drink Three Sisters Vineyards
Dahlonega's first family farm winery. Property is behind Frogtown Cellars.
Drink Wolf Mountain Vineyards and Winery
Outstanding Sunday brunch.
Sleep
Nearby
Dawsonville
City / town · 5 listings · 11 mi away
Gainesville
City / town · 13 listings · 19 mi away
Helen
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Blairsville
City / town · 8 listings · 24 mi away
Morganton
City / town · 3 listings · 28 mi away
Buford
City / town · 5 listings · 29 mi away
Blue Ridge
City / town · 10 listings · 30 mi away
Ellijay
City / town · 3 listings · 31 mi away
My experience
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