Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Forest Park, GA

Forest Park is a municipality located in Clayton County, Georgia, situated nine miles south of downtown Atlanta.

Established in 1908, it is now positioned directly east of the Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, which serves as Atlanta’s principal airport.

This location provides Forest Park with a strategic advantage as a starting point to discover the numerous attractions available in Georgia’s state capital and its vicinity, ranging from scenic mountain views to exceptional museums.

The following list highlights the 15 premier activities to engage in while visiting Forest Park, Georgia.

1. Delta Flight Museum

Although it is not situated within Forest Park, the Delta Flight Museum is located just a short drive north of Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, approximately six miles from downtown Forest Park.

This museum offers valuable insights into Atlanta’s aviation sector, housed in two historic airport hangars dating back to the 1940s.

The museum primarily focuses on the legacy of Delta Airlines, which has been a key player in air travel since the onset of powered flight, as visitors will learn upon exploration.

With expansive spaces in the hangars, the museum showcases various historical aircraft, including small six-seater planes and a 767 famously dubbed the Spirit of Delta.

2. Reynolds Nature Preserve

Located approximately three miles south of the city, Reynolds Nature Preserve is in close proximity to Forest Park.

Spanning nearly 150 acres, this preserve aims to protect the native woodlands of the adjacent city of Morrow.

Visitors can enjoy a variety of wildlife ponds, wildflower meadows, and a heritage garden, providing year-round attractions for nature enthusiasts.

The preserve also features several historical structures from the Civil War era, including the Huie Barn, constructed in 1867, which reveals the area’s historical significance.

3. Spivey Hall

Spivey Hall, named in honor of its benefactors, prominent real estate developers in the region, is part of Clayton State University and is situated adjacent to the aptly named Swan Lake in Morrow.

Recognized as an esteemed concert venue, it attracts international audiences through radio and online broadcasts of its regular performances that encompass both jazz and classical music.

Servicing both the Spivey Hall Children’s Choir and Young Artists program, no expense was spared in the creation of this 500-seat auditorium in the early 1990s.

This included the installation of the Albert Schweitzer Memorial Organ with 4,400 pipes, which was manufactured in the Italian city of Padua and honors the esteemed doctor and Bach enthusiast awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1952.

4. Atlanta Farmers Market

As a proud supporter of the ‘Georgia Grown’ initiative, the Atlanta Farmers Market exemplifies the region’s agricultural bounty.

Dubbed the Peach State, the market offers a plethora of options, including freshly picked fruits and peanuts sourced from the farm of Jimmy Carter, the former President of the United States and a Georgia native.

With its numerous sheds, it ranks among the largest farmers’ markets in the United States, and additionally features a garden center along with several dining establishments that utilize the fresh produce available.

5. Panola Mountain State Park

Panola Mountain rises dramatically from the Georgian landscape, characterized as an isolated natural rock formation that emerged millions of years ago.

While there are several mountains within the region, and although Panola is neither the highest nor the largest, it is recognized as the most pristine.

Situated within the broader Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area, organized ranger-led hikes are available for those interested in gaining a deeper understanding of this natural environment. Additionally, the park offers multi-use paths for broader accessibility, alongside boat rentals and fishing opportunities on its lakes.

6. Starlight Drive-in

The Starlight Drive-in Theatre, located approximately six miles north of Forest Park, merges the classic American drive-in experience with contemporary digital projection technology.

Maintaining its original art deco aesthetic, the venue features four distinct screens offering a diverse selection of films, including Hollywood classics and B-movie thrillers.

Furthermore, guests can indulge in a double feature, with the charming snack bar serving traditional fare such as hot dogs.

However, if film screenings do not appeal, the Starlight Drive-in also organizes a flea market with a rotating selection of items available each day.

7. Constitution Lakes

Situated in proximity to the Starlight Drive-in, north of Forest Park, are the Constitution Lakes, which are engineered rather than naturally occurring.

Originally excavated from former brick-making quarries, these lakes now present a serene environment characterized by the tranquil sounds of birds and splashing fish.

Popular activities at Constitution Lakes include birdwatching and fishing, facilitated by various pathways that permit visitors to explore the lakeside effortlessly.

8. East Point Historic Civic Block

Traveling six miles northwest of Forest Park leads to the East Point Historic Civic Block, located in south Atlanta.

This block features Atlanta’s Victory Park alongside three significant buildings constructed in the 1920s and 1930s: City Hall, the New Deal Library, and City Auditorium.

Victory Park was established to honor those who lost their lives in military service, with historical armaments on display throughout the memorial gardens.

City Hall and City Auditorium exhibit a blend of Colonial Revival and antebellum architectural elements complemented by the New Deal Library’s design.

9. Road to Tara Museum

Clayton County, home to Forest Park, served as the backdrop for the iconic Civil War narrative, Gone with the Wind, composed by Atlanta author Margaret Mitchell. Consequently, this region features several museums dedicated to this significant literary and cinematic piece.

The Road to Tara Museum located in Jonesboro utilizes this fictional depiction of the Civil War era to impart factual accounts of citizens’ experiences during this challenging period in American history.

The museum proudly exhibits authentic props from the film, scripts handled by the cast, and reproductions of costumes worn by Vivien Leigh in her portrayal of Scarlett O’Hara.

Jonesboro is conveniently situated about 15 minutes south of Forest Park by vehicle.

10. Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area

Situated roughly half an hour east of Forest Park lies another natural gem of northern Georgia – Arabia Mountain.

The granite that constitutes this rock formation has an estimated age of 400 million years and possesses such high quality that hand-cut blocks from it can be found in New York’s Brooklyn Bridge.

These ancient quarry sites do not diminish the Mountain’s grandeur, which is best appreciated via its well-marked trails that lead through the park, showcasing points of interest tied to the earliest European settlers in the area.

11. Fernbank Museum of Natural History

Though much younger than Arabia Mountain, the Fernbank Museum of Natural History is renowned for its paleontological exhibits, including the fossilized remains of a Giganotosaurus, which roamed the Earth over 100 million years ago, and the Argentinosaurus, one of the largest dinosaurs ever discovered at 120 feet long.

Inside the museum, visitors can explore exhibits highlighting Georgia’s natural history, offering insights into the planet’s geological transformations.

Additionally, a small section of ancient forest surrounding the museum is accessible to the public, featuring walkways and informative displays.

12. Uptown Comedy Corner

Located on the eastern perimeter of Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, Uptown Comedy Corner has entertained southern Atlanta residents with top-tier comedic performances for many years.

Well-regarded within the entertainment circuit, this intimate venue attracts aspiring comedians while also hosting established figures such as Chris Rock.

On rare occasions, Hollywood celebrities have been spotted among the audience, including Jay Z and Snoop Dogg.

13. Clayton County International Park

Although one might not expect an ‘international park’ in Clayton County, this green space near Jonesboro was established in honor of the 1996 Summer Olympic Games hosted by Atlanta.

Intended to accommodate the beach volleyball events, the park was handed over to the local community post-games, serving as a lasting legacy.

Its sandy beaches and theme park-style water slides make it a significant attraction, located merely 20 minutes south of Forest Park.

14. Krog Street Tunnel

Situated the same distance north of Forest Park, Krog Street Tunnel has transformed into a celebrated hub for local street artists.

Its concrete supports and walls are nearly completely adorned with graffiti art, much of which exhibits gallery-quality craftsmanship.

Instead of stifling this creative expression, the city of Atlanta embraces it, with the earliest recorded works dating back to the 1960s.

15. SkyView Atlanta

A short distance from Krog Street Tunnel, visitors can wander towards SkyView Atlanta via the Fairlie-Poplar District.

This district features a diverse array of architectural styles from the 19th and 20th centuries, showcasing the transition from brick and timber to steel and concrete.

The vistas of this district from SkyView Atlanta are particularly remarkable because the Ferris wheel reaches the height of a 20-story building.

As the gondolas revolve slowly, passengers can admire many of Atlanta’s significant landmarks, including the adjacent Centennial Olympic Park.