Top 15 Activities and Attractions in Lawrenceville, GA | Go Travel Daily

Top 15 Activities and Attractions in Lawrenceville, GA

Located in Gwinnett County, about 20 miles northeast of downtown Atlanta, Lawrenceville is a suburb with a rich history.

This city, the second oldest in the Atlanta metropolitan area, was established in 1821. The architecture surrounding the town square reflects its historical roots.

For many years, Lawrenceville maintained a predominantly rural economy but began to flourish as Atlanta expanded.

Following substantial revitalization over the last 20 years, Lawrenceville has transformed into a vibrant community, providing an array of attractions.

Here are the 15 foremost activities to experience in Lawrenceville, Georgia.

1. Gwinnett Historic Courthouse

Gwinnett Historic Courthouse

Listed on the US National Register of Historic Places, this courthouse was constructed in 1885 after its predecessor was lost to fire.

Situated in the town square, visitors can appreciate the courthouse’s unique architectural characteristics.

These features encompass a lighthouse-like clocktower, lofty ceilings adorned with elaborate chandeliers, faux fireplaces, and intricate wooden carvings throughout the facility.

The main atrium regularly hosts art exhibitions, while the landscaped grounds outside include a lovely gazebo.

2. Gwinnett History Museum

Gwinnett History Museum

The Gwinnett History Museum is located within a former seminary building that dates back to the 1830s. Initially, it served as a finishing school for society’s elite young women before being transformed into a museum.

The exhibits showcase significant periods from the city’s history over the last two centuries. Artifacts highlight the long agricultural traditions of the area and display a selection of beautifully crafted textiles.

Additionally, behind the historic courthouse, visitors can access the Veterans Memorial Museum honoring those who served in the military, from the War of Independence to contemporary conflicts.

3. Lawrenceville Ghost Tours

Source: Nicole Glass Photography / Shutterstock

Visitors can engage with the intriguing past of Lawrenceville through organized ghost tours, developed by the creators of the city’s Aurora Theatre. These tours pair professional storytellers with captivating tales from the city’s history.

The tours encompass various reportedly haunted sites, attributed in part to the city’s recent revitalization efforts.

Spanning 90 minutes, the tours recount dramatic narratives, including tales of the dead seen walking along the main street, and provide access to the old jailhouse, where numerous paranormal events have been documented.

4. Lake Sidney Lanier

Source: Brett Barnhill / shutterstock

One of several artificial lakes designed to provide drinking water for suburban Atlanta, Lake Sidney Lanier was merely a series of valleys extending from the Chattahoochee River until the 1950s.

Its modern shoreline spans approximately 1,200 km, offering innumerable picturesque spots perfect for picnics by the lakeside.

Notable destinations on the lake include the Lake Lanier Islands resorts, which consist of the peaks of submerged hills and feature white-sand beaches comparable to coastal locations.

Named in honor of a local poet, the lake attracts around 10 million visitors annually and is situated roughly 45 minutes north of Lawrenceville.

5. Southeastern Railway Museum

Southeastern Railway Museum

Located in nearby Duluth, the Southeastern Railway Museum serves as Georgia’s official transportation museum.

Covering 14 hectares, the museum boasts both indoor galleries and outdoor exhibition spaces, housing approximately 90 historic railroad vehicles.

Exhibits showcase locomotives, passenger cars, freight coaches, and various utility vehicles. Moreover, several historic vehicles not related to railways, such as fire trucks and buses, are also displayed.

Visitors can enjoy short rides on a vintage caboose or a carriage pulled by an antique locomotive.

Duluth is located less than 10 miles west of Lawrenceville.

6. Lawrenceville Heritage Trail

Lawrenceville

Focusing not solely on historical buildings, the Lawrenceville Heritage Trail emphasizes the contributions of prominent citizens in the community.

Each point of interest is marked by a medallion embedded in the sidewalk, beginning at the Fallen Heroes Memorial.

The trail traverses some of the most significant streets in the downtown area, ultimately leading to Rhodes Jordan Park.

Along the way, visitors will learn about key figures, including Hillard Rhodes Jordan, a two-term mayor, and Philadelphia Winn Maltbie, whose father donated the land upon which Lawrenceville was established.

7. Aurora Theatre

Aurora Theatre

The Aurora Theatre is regarded as one of the premier theatres in the Atlanta metropolitan area. Inaugurated in 2007 following a $7.5 million renovation of a century-old church, it features two distinct performance spaces.

As the largest arts organization in the county, Aurora Theatre hosts over 850 events annually, ranging from musicals and popular Broadway shows to contemporary theatrical performances.

Furthermore, the acclaimed Aurora Theatre is recognized for its stand-up comedy nights, orchestral concerts, and shows designed for children.

8. Stone Mountain

Source: Bassam Faraj / shutterstock

Stone Mountain is part of the Piedmont mountain range, which extends across the southeastern United States from Alabama to New York State.

The mountain, known for its distinctive protrusions of natural rock, rises over 500 meters above sea level, making it one of the highest elevations in the Atlanta area.

This remarkable formation of smooth, bubble-like quartz creates a striking contrast with the surrounding vegetation and offers spectacular views from its peak.

Moreover, Stone Mountain is notably recognized for bearing the world’s largest bas-relief carving, commemorating significant generals from the Civil War era.

9. Tribble Mill Park

Tribble Mill Park

Among the numerous parks in Lawrenceville, Tribble Mill Park stands out as one of the largest, encompassing over 280 hectares, much of which is dominated by a fishing lake.

In addition to fishing, the lake permits non-motorized boating, allowing guests to explore the park from the water. Additionally, visitors can enjoy several miles of trails suitable for walking, cycling, and horseback riding.

Conversely, Freeman’s Mill Park, while smaller in size, is rich in history and natural beauty, featuring a restored gristmill situated along the picturesque stream that once powered it.

10. Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament

Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament

Claimed to be the most frequented dinner attraction in North America, Medieval Times transports guests to a mythical era of European history, characterized by courageous knights and their heroic deeds.

Seating encircles a sand-filled arena where knights and equines execute impressive feats that bring this historical age to life in a theatrical manner.

This spectacular experience is enhanced by skillful use of music and lighting, all while participants enjoy a sumptuous four-course meal.

11. Gwinnett Stripers

Gwinnett Stripers

Since 2009, the Gwinnett Stripers have represented minor league baseball in Lawrenceville. Their home games are held at Coolray Field, which accommodates slightly over 10,000 attendees, fostering a vibrant and intimate atmosphere.

Hosting a total of 144 games each season, there is a high likelihood that attendees may catch a game while exploring other attractions in Lawrenceville.

As the national pastime, baseball offers visitors an authentic perspective on American culture, while Georgia’s renowned southern hospitality ensures a friendly experience at the stadium.

12. Lawrenceville Historic Cemetery

Lawrenceville Historic Cemetery

Located just a short stroll from downtown Lawrenceville, this historic cemetery serves as the final resting place for several notable citizens, including the founders of Gwinnett County, William Maltbie and Elisha Winn.

The cemetery also houses the grave of John Clay Smith, the city’s first mayor. However, some grave markers predate the founding of the city, including the resting places of individuals who fought for American independence and several unmarked graves believed to belong to enslaved African Americans.

13. Fernbank Museum of Natural History

Fernbank Museum Of Natural History

For those planning to spend some time in Atlanta following their visit to Lawrenceville, the Fernbank Museum of Natural History is certainly worthwhile.

This museum showcases the wonders of the natural world and features glass-filled atriums that direct visitors’ attention to Fernbank Forest.

This significant area of ancient woodlands located in the foothills of the Piedmont mountains can be explored via winding pathways equipped with informative signage.

Back inside the museum, both children and adults will particularly enjoy the dinosaur exhibits, which include the Argentinosaurus, measuring 37 meters long, making it the largest known dinosaur species.

The Fernbank Museum is accessible from Lawrenceville in approximately half an hour.

14. Slow Pour Brewing Company

Slow Pour Brewing Company

Established just a few years ago, the Slow Pour Brewing Company is a family-run business that originated from a simple home brew kit.

The company is recognized for its craft beers, available for sampling in the dedicated tasting room downtown, while also playing a vital role in the community by hosting events such as trivia nights, bingo activities, and farmer’s markets.

Their vibrantly designed cans serve as art pieces in themselves, encompassing a variety of limited-edition brews, as well as their year-round offerings, including Southernality India Pale Ale and breakfast stouts. The tasting room is where visitors can find glasses and souvenirs commemorating their experience in Lawrenceville.

15. Collins Hill Park Aquatic Center

Source: Elena Yakusheva / shutterstock

The Aquatic Center at Collins Hill Park serves both as a leisure facility and an amusement center. Inside, dedicated swimmers have access to a 25-meter competition pool.

Outdoors, a more relaxed atmosphere is found at the leisure pool, which features a river channel and a zero-depth entry point.

Water play structures cater to younger guests, allowing safe enjoyment of the aquatic environment, while older children and adults can experience the thrill of two large water slides.

In case of inclement weather, visitors may opt for Sparkles Family Fun Center, which offers a substantial indoor space for roller-skating and rollerblading.

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