Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Douglas County, GA

  • Published 2023/03/31

Embark on an unforgettable journey to Douglas County, Georgia, where the scenery will take your breath away.

Named after Stephen A. Douglas, this county has something for everyone, from outdoor enthusiasts to art lovers!

Explore forests, conserved parks, and mountain peaks, or enjoy leisurely at river ponds.

There’s no limit to experiencing Douglas County!

Here are the best things to do in Douglas County, Georgia:

Go on an Adventure at Sweetwater Creek State Park

The waters of Sweetwater Creek State Park

Cute babe / Shutterstock.com

Lithia Springs has a lush and green tranquil wilderness known as Sweetwater Creek State Park.

Sweetwater Creek State Park is an iconic, well-loved destination.

Its impressive, jagged, and rolling landscapes can easily be accessed and explored with outdoor activities such as hiking, paddling, or simply having fun.

The park covers 2500 acres of breathtaking forest filled with wildlife and wildflowers!

Additionally, the sprawling 215-acre reservoir lake offers spectacular waterfalls combined with exciting whitewater for you to enjoy both peace and adventure in one place.

Boardwalk at Sweetwater Creek State Park

Cute babe / Shutterstock.com

You can launch your paddleboard, kayak, or other watercraft at the lake for an enjoyable water adventure.

If you’re looking to explore the stunning trails of this park, make sure you have plenty of energy!

After a long day trekking or running, why not extend your stay and take up accommodation in the recently erected yurt town and campground?

There’s so much beauty at Sweetwater Creek State Park.

Don’t miss an incredible opportunity for adventure.

Rushing waters at Sweetwater Creek State Park

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Ride a Train around the Pine Mountain Gold Museum

One of Georgia’s top historical heritage sites is the Pine Mountain Gold Museum in Villa Rica.

It received the Carroll County 2009 Preservation Award and was on the National Register of Historic Places.

It also won the Southern Arc’s Best of 2008 award for the Best Tourist Attraction.

The Pine Mountain site has been Georgia’s premier mining locale for precious metals for over a century.

Since 1832, the 27-acre site has provided generations of individuals access to some of the world’s most valuable gold deposits.

You can enjoy artifacts related to gold mining, a panning area, trails, and stylish train rides.

Ride a picturesque train journey and explore the area around the Pine Mountain Gold Museum.

Exploring the entire base with its historical ambiance and beautiful trees will astound you.

Celebrate Art and History at the Douglas County Museum of History and Art

You may get a good overview of the county’s history at the Douglas County Museum of History and Art in Douglasville.

The 1958 Douglas County Courthouse was saved from demolition by the Douglas County Tourism and History Commission in 1998.

Now a museum, it proudly houses an extensive display of artwork and artifacts with deep local historical roots.

The transformation is remarkable.

What once faced destruction now stands tall for all those looking to explore its captivating contents!

Explore the fascinating history featured in twelve great exhibition rooms at the former courthouse.

Learn about early medicinal goods and how traders and farmers lived.

Take a free tour with your family to view mineral collections, historic mills of bygone days, and an exclusive memorial honoring the nation’s veterans!

Plus, your kids will love seeing old Coca-Cola photographs alongside a fantastic timeline of vintage lunchboxes from school.

Don’t forget to check out the gift store at the Douglas County Museum of History and Art!

Roll a Strike or Play Laser Tag at Thunderzone

The Thunderzone is a fun family center that offers something for everyone at Douglasville.

The Thunderzone is the perfect destination for family fun and entertainment, featuring various activities from laser tag to bowling.

The gaming area and pool tables are sure to please; they’re almost as large as a pub, with plenty of seating.

When it’s time for dinner, you can’t go wrong with any item from the snack bar.

Choose between cheeseburgers, quesadillas, mozzarella sticks, french fries, or funnel cake fries; each is delicious enough to fill even the biggest appetite.

So if you’re after party rooms or arcade games, look no further than the fantastic Thunderzone!

Make a Splash at Boundary Waters Aquatic Center

Boundary Waters Aquatic Center in Douglasville is a 492-acre recreation area.

It features sports fields, a fitness center, horseback riding paths, hiking trails, two swimming pools, and other amenities for people of all ages.

Make a splash in the indoor pool for a refreshing aquatic experience without worrying about sunburn.

Bring your children to cast their fishing rods at the ten-acre pond and enjoy being surrounded by nature.

Test your golfing skills on one of our superbly built 18-hole courses with top-notch pads and baskets!

If you’re feeling adventurous, saddle up and gallop across open fields.

Take your experience in the Boundary Waters Aquatic Center to a new level and head to the Chattahoochee Hills Country Greenway Trail behind its parking lot.

This out-and-back paved trail covers a portion of the park’s natural surface, allowing you to go on a 40-minute hike.

Behold the New Manchester Mill Ruins

Daytime view of the New Manchester Mill Ruins

Sean Pavone / Shutterstock.com

If you want to experience a piece of movie history, then make sure to take the road less traveled.

Visit the site where they filmed the Hunger Games film series in Lithia Springs!

Marvel at the New Manchester Mill Ruins and its towering brick remains.

It was a famous and melancholy building wrecked during the Civil War.

Facade of the New Manchester Mill Ruins

Thomson M, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Constructed in 1849, the five-story water-powered mill produced clothing and other items.

It even created uniforms for the Confederate army during the Civil War until General Sherman’s men burned it down in 1864.

Though now only ruins remain, they have been aptly utilized as a filming location for many films throughout history.

Today, visitors and hikers alike are still drawn to the grand New Manchester Mill Ruins.

Journey to the Great Outdoors at Clinton Nature Preserve

You can enjoy the 200-acre Clinton Nature Preserve park in Villa Rica.

It has a lake, nature trails, picnic areas, and a house from before the Civil War.

Ms. Annie Mae Clinton donated this park to Villa Rica, provided they keep it as natural-looking as possible.

Go on an adventure spree at the park’s nature trails and open areas.

After a half-mile walking the trail track, you can access the playground in Douglas County, the first of its kind.

Kids will love playing on playgrounds, where they can swing, slip down the slides, ascend in monkey bars and satisfy their hearts’ content with endless fun.

You can also join them for a worthy memorable moment with your family.

After a day of exhilarating activities, you can relax in one of the four pavilions at Clinton Nature Preserve.

Alternatively, if you desire an overnight journey, reserve your campsite ahead and embark on a memorable escapade!

Explore the Douglas County Film Trail

Do you want to get the most out of your experience in Douglas County?

Read the Douglas County Film Trail map to discover Douglasville.

Douglas County is a prime spot for movie and television production teams due to its diverse topography, historic buildings, gorgeous architecture, and breathtaking scenery.

You can explore the sites where they filmed Avengers: Infinity War, The Hunger Games, Scream, Finding Carter, and Cobra Kai.

Step back to 1983 with Tiffany’s Kitchen, the drama set in a peaceful Indiana town that inspired the Stranger Things Netflix series.

Retrace Eleven and Benny’s steps in the restaurant scene of Season 1, Episode 1 by eating at their same table!

Plus, visit Riverside Parkway and The Texaco (Hwy 154 at Hwy 92), where they filmed the Walking Dead.

Don’t forget to snap photos worthy of your Instagram feed while savoring these iconic moments from popular fiction.

Explore the Douglas County Film Trail at your leisure.

Live a Day of Luxury in Foxhall Resort

Overlooking the Chattahoochee River and wooded mountains, Foxhall Resort will be your excellent getaway destination in Douglasville.

More than 40 on-site recreational activities and services are available at Foxhall Resort, along with gear, safety supplies, trail maps, and other essential tools perfectly tucked away for a peaceful escape.

You can go on exhilarating ATV rides to explore the 1,100 acres of Foxhall Resort, hike the beautiful Georgia countryside, and even join seasonal hunts.

With breathtaking views of 16 sparkling freshwater lakes sprawling across 200 acres, you can go canoeing, kayaking, boating, or fishing.

Your kids will be entertained with its sports lawns, swimming pools, and courts to enjoy their afternoon.

With so much natural charm and variety at Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, it is easy to find your peaceful escape along the gorgeous riverbanks.

Make unforgettable experiences with your loved ones where you can enjoy sustainable living, unwinding, and recreation.

Explore the John Thomas Carnes Family Log House

Exterior of John Thomas Carnes Family Log House

James Emery, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

You can visit John Thomas Carnes Family Log House, one of the best-preserved log homes in metro Atlanta.

Check out the century-old John Thomas Carnes Family Log House in Villa Rica if you want an outdoor adventure.

It was constructed not long after the Creek Nation had yielded control over this area.

It is accessible by a two-mile hike along Red Trail.

You’ll be intrigued by its remnants and vintage vibes.

After taking in some peace on its front porch, explore nearby woodland trails!

Build up a sweat while having fun at this unique destination.

Discover this ancient log house and make lasting memories with nature!

Explore the Beautiful Flower Garden at Douglas County Butterfly Trail

You’ll be surrounded by hundreds of butterflies at the Douglas County Butterfly Trail in Douglasville.

The Douglas County Butterfly Trail offers a self-guided tour of ten open butterfly gardens accredited with the Rosalynn Carter Butterfly Trail.

You can observe the monarch butterfly, one of the most recognizable butterflies in America, with its distinctive orange, black, and white wings.

Join a Butterfly Trail Exploration Challenge to extend your adventure and get a list of gardens to visit.

Check out the butterfly gardens at the Woodie Fite Senior Center, the Cultural Arts Council, the Children’s Garden at the Douglas County Library, Freedom Island, the Douglas County Community Garden, and numerous more sites.

Embark on a journey of captivating splendor by exploring the vibrant and diverse array of butterflies at the butterfly trail.

Capture Getaway Mementos at Selfie Paradise

For a truly unforgettable experience, visit Selfie Paradise in Douglasville and explore the vibrant atmosphere of art, interactive selfie grounds, and delicious treats under one roof.

Express yourself however you like with its unique mood rooms, including pastel rainbow hallways, enchanted wonderlands, donut walls, and more!

For extra flair during your photoshoot session, check out the vintage diner or use the vintage payphone wall, with tons of LED signs for that perfect photo op.

If you’re crafty enough, prepare great pose ideas beforehand with your loved ones, friends, and partners.

Otherwise, you can leave this posing worry to their friendly staff, who can help you.

Your Instagram feed will overflow with cute backgrounds and fill up your camera roll with incredible photos.

Plus, you can take home some souvenirs from Selfie Paradise and complimentary treats as mementos of the trip!

Listen to the Chimes at Champ’s Clock Shop & Museum

Champ’s Clock Shop in Douglasville is well known for its sizable clock showroom.

The largest authentic cuckoo clock in the world and several enormous antique grandfather clocks are in Champ’s Clock Shop.

A log cabin with a giant clock and bell above will greet you when you step foot on the property’s vintage-style grounds.

You will enjoy exploring and learning from the collection’s fascinating history and facts.

Watching the various clocks and listening to their surprisingly pleasant chimes and tunes will amuse you.

You can view its rare finds, hourglass, Cuckoo Collection Wall, and more than 2000 Rhythm Magic Motion Clocks.

Come for a unique chiming experience!

Meet Adorable Creatures at L & R Alpaca Haven Farm

Spend time at the L & R Alpaca Haven Farm in Douglasville with friendly donkeys and lovely alpacas.

Take a break from the daily grind and explore an idyllic farm with 38 friendly alpacas.

At L & R Alpaca Haven Farm, you can step away from stress and find solace in this peaceful setting of 25 acres.

Feeding these gentle creatures has proven to be therapeutic—not to mention fun!

You can also practice alpaca yoga, cuddle up close for petting sessions, or stroll around the grounds together.

There’s no better way to relax than spending quality time with these lovable animals.

Share this incredible experience with your family and friends at the L & R Alpaca Haven Farm.

Try Thrilling Rides at Six Flags Over Georgia

Rollercoaster at Six Flags Over Georgia

Coasterman1234 at en.wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Six Flags Over Georgia, a 290-acre theme park in Austell, has been the South’s thrill hub since 1967.

You can experience an exhilarating festival trip at the largest regional theme park in the Southeast with more than 40 rides, including 11 roller coasters.

Six Flags Over Georgia also has a sizable water park and tropical haven with wave pools and slick slides of Hurricane Harbor water park.

If you want to experience some exciting water attractions, try Tsunami Surge.

Its dual-slide complex will plunge you down to an enclosed five stories, then spin you around in a 40-foot diameter bowl before dropping you out the bottom in zero gravity.

Your kids will have fun swimming, floating around on Paradise Island, and enjoying three children’s areas.

People at Six Flags Over Georgia

hagerman, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Aside from the fun summer experience, the Park also kicks off for your memorable holiday season experience.

The fun adventure never closes its doors at Six Flags.

You won’t get restless when there are many thrill rides for everyone.

Bring your adrenaline junkie friends or family to ride the coasters, watch live entertainment, or swim in the lazy rivers.

Let out your inner thrill seeker at Six Flags Over Georgia.

A ride at Six Flags Over Georgia

hagerman, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Final Thoughts

If you seek adventure, culture, and leisure in one place, visit Douglas County.

It boasts a secure atmosphere with an extensive selection of fun activities.

Likewise, its beautiful scenery and rich history make it a highly sought-after tourist destination.

Discover the best things to do in Douglas County, Georgia!

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