Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Snellville, GA

Snellville serves as a pivotal point in the eastern sector of the Atlanta metropolitan area, situated approximately 40 minutes from downtown Atlanta.

Established in Gwinnett County, the city initially bore the name New London, which was inspired by the settlement of two individuals from London who journeyed across the Atlantic from Great Britain.

In the 1880s, the name was changed to Snellville, named after one of the settlers, Thomas Snell. The store they operated remained in service until 1960 when it was sadly lost to a fire.

Notably, Snellville obtained its city charter in 1923, and has since evolved into an inviting suburban community with convenient access to a variety of attractions.

Here are the 15 premier activities to engage in within and around Snellville, Georgia.

1. Masterpiece Mixers Paint and Party Studio

Masterpiece Mixers invites participants of all experience levels, whether you’re an accomplished artist or a beginner eager to explore a new skill.

The evening sessions furnish all necessary materials, allowing you to determine if you possess the potential of a future Picasso. All you need to bring along is your enthusiasm.

Guided by an experienced instructor, each session meticulously walks you through the stages of creating your artwork. With an emphasis on enjoyment, this opportunity offers a relaxed atmosphere to unwind for a few hours.

Additionally, it presents an excellent chance to interact with local residents and gain insights into what makes life in Snellville so appealing.

2. Veterans Memorial

The Veterans Memorial constitutes a collection of significant structures located centrally in Snellville, positioned just a short distance from the distinctive red brick and white Neoclassical stone of City Hall.

Adorned with a horseshoe-shaped wall inscribed with names, this modest memorial pays tribute to those who have sacrificed their lives while serving the United States.

It serves as a gathering point for Snellville’s residents during significant events and is situated on Towne Green.

This memorial replaced a previous eternal flame established to commemorate America’s involvement in the Vietnam War.

3. Snellville Historical Cemetery

Adjacent to the Veterans Memorial lies the Snellville Historical Cemetery, overlooked by the elegant white spire of the First Baptist Church of the city.

This expansive cemetery provides valuable insights into the notable families that shaped the city’s history.

Among those memorialized here is James Sawyer, the Briton who co-founded Snellville alongside Thomas Snell.

He rests in a mausoleum he built himself, having led a long and fruitful life, passing away at the age of 91 in 1948.

4. Stone Mountain Park

Located approximately 11 miles west of Snellville, Stone Mountain Park provides an excellent diversion for those en route to Atlanta, particularly for those intrigued by natural and historical landscapes.

One of several mountains that seemingly rise from the earth without accompanying mountain ranges, it stands as one of the highest points in the Atlanta region, soaring over 1,600 feet above sea level.

The park serves as a remarkable introduction to the diverse flora and fauna of northern Georgia, featuring well-marked hiking trails that meander around and ascend the mountain to its summit.

5. Snellville Farmers Market

Positioned centrally in downtown Snellville, within the City Hall parking lot, Snellville Farmers Market has become a dynamic hub of community engagement.

A vast array of vendors presents an abundance of choices, featuring not only the traditional produce typical of markets, such as fruits and vegetables, but also a diverse selection of artisan goods and potential gifts.

You can discover handcrafted pottery and locally-produced soaps among the offerings. Additionally, several food stalls beckon with delightful options, notably the made-to-order pizzas that have become particularly popular.

6. Tribble Mill Park

Although not technically within Snellville’s borders, Tribble Mill Park is one of the most expansive parks in the vicinity and certainly warrants the 20-minute drive.

Covering approximately 700 acres, with around 25% of this space occupied by the picturesque waters of two lakes, the park stretches nearly its entire length.

These large bodies of water are popular among fishing enthusiasts; however, the extensive network of trails, totaling around four miles, also makes Tribble Mill Park an excellent destination for those seeking outdoor exercise.

7. Gwinnett History Museum

While Snellville does not yet possess its own history museum, the Gwinnett History Museum in the nearby city of Lawrenceville is conveniently located no further than Tribble Mill Park.

Documenting the heritage of Gwinnett County, the museum occupies a structure that was initially built in the 1830s as a seminary and later transformed into a finishing school for young women of the local upper class.

Despite being a local museum, the Gwinnett History Museum boasts an impressive collection of artifacts that encapsulate significant moments from the region’s past.

This includes items highlighting the area’s agricultural legacy, alongside various traditional quilts and textiles that are a cherished aspect of this region in the United States.

8. Creekwater Alpaca Farm

While alpacas are not indigenous to Georgia—originating instead from South America—they certainly enhance the Snellville landscape.

These sociable and curious animals share a distant relation with camels, yet exhibit a markedly friendlier demeanor.

Primarily raised for their fleece, which is noted as one of the softest natural fibers globally, alpacas have also shown a beneficial impact on the emotional well-being of residents in hospitals and care facilities.

A visit to Creekwater Alpaca Farm will reveal the charm of these animals, in addition to goats, ducks, and geese encountered during guided tours. A retail section offers products crafted from alpaca fibers as well.

9. State Botanical Garden of Georgia

The State Botanical Garden of Georgia is located in Athens, approximately a 45-mile drive east of Snellville.

Affiliated with the University of Georgia, these gardens encompass 300 acres along the banks of the Middle Oconee River, divided into 11 distinct zones.

These zones interconnect through roughly five miles of walking trails and feature a variety of attractions, from the scenic fountains of the formal gardens favored by European royalty in the 1800s to the Heritage Garden.

This area showcases plants significant to Georgia’s agricultural history, such as tobacco and cotton. A dedicated hummingbird trail allows visitors to observe these remarkable creatures up close, while greenhouses shelter some of the garden’s most delicate species.

10. High Museum of Art

Atlanta boasts a wealth of notable attractions, yet one that does not receive the acclaim it merits is the High Museum of Art, located in the Midtown arts district.

Affectionately referred to as ‘the High’, this museum houses a collection that originated over a century ago, now spread across 300,000 square feet of exhibit space.

Comprising 17,000 art pieces, the museum resides in a structure designed by eminent architects—Renzo Piano and Richard Meier.

Artworks include masterpieces by renowned European artists such as Monet and Singer Sargent, with Rodin’s sculpture, The Shade, prominently displayed outside.

11. Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest

Approximately an hour and 20 minutes from Snellville lies the expansive Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, encompassing roughly 115,000 acres.

The predominant allure of this area is the opportunity for uninterrupted hikes, far removed from the bustling streets of central Athens or Atlanta. The forest features numerous hiking trails, alongside bridle paths for equestrian activities and routes designed for dirt and quadbike riders.

This largely untouched domain of native woodlands presents visitors a chance to observe American black bears, coyotes, beavers, and bobcats.

The landscape’s gradual elevation and gentle rolling hills render the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest one of the premier locations in the state for wildlife observation.

12. Southeastern Railway Museum

Situated half an hour northwest of Snellville is Duluth, another suburban city within the Atlanta metropolitan area, recognized for hosting the Southeastern Railway Museum.

This museum serves as Georgia’s official transportation museum, showcasing one of the finest collections of transport memorabilia found in the southeastern United States.

While the museum also features artifacts related to road transport, its primary focus lies on the state’s railway history.

A highlight of the collection is the impressive array of 90 railway vehicles, including President Warren G Harding’s private rail carriage.

13. Zoo Atlanta

Grant Park, located a short distance from the historic streets of downtown Atlanta, is home to Zoo Atlanta.

As one of the oldest zoos in the United States, Zoo Atlanta has emerged as a leading institution for the breeding of endangered species worldwide.

The zoo’s expansive enclosures provide habitat for approximately 1,500 animals representing 200 different species.

Highlights include the Ford African Rain Forest, showcasing lemurs, colobus monkeys, and the critically endangered western lowland gorillas, along with the Asian Forest, home to orangutans.

Visitors should not overlook the giant pandas or the extensive reptile house, which houses over 450 specimens.

14. Centennial Olympic Park

The considerable success and renewal experienced by Atlanta in recent years can be attributed to the city’s hosting of the Summer Olympic Games in 1996, marking a hundred years since the inaugural modern games in Athens, Greece.

The park commemorating this milestone is located right in the heart of downtown Atlanta, in proximity to various other attractions, including the SkyView Ferris wheel and the World of Coca-Cola.

Among the numerous features within its 22 acres, the Fountain of Rings stands out. This impressive installation consists of 251 jets of water that are controlled by computer to dance and move in harmony with music several times throughout the day.