Gold Mining & History Itinerary

Morning

Dahlonega-Lumpkin Visitors Center

Let us welcome you to Dahlonega at the official Visitors Center housed on the site of the old Choice Hotel (circa 1837), where you can gather maps, brochures, unique lodging options, and information of things to see and do while in the Dahlonega area. Make sure to browse our Dahlonega souvenirs! Ask our friendly staff about the special “Gold Fever Package” offer. 13 South Park Street, Dahlonega, GA 30533. (706)864-3711. Clean Public Restrooms. www.Dahlonega.org

Dahlonega Gold Museum – State Historic Site

A Dahlonega “Must-Do”! The 1836 Federal/Greek Revival building in the center of town square is the oldest surviving courthouse in Georgia. The State Historic Site, operated by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, offers guides, displays, a gift shop, and the award-winning “Gold Fever” film of the late 1820’s story that brought the town to life. Tidbit: The local-made bricks contain traces of gold!#1 Public Square, Dahlonega, Georgia 30533 (706)864-2257. www.GeorgiaStateParks.org

Price Memorial Hall & Historical Marker – National Register Historic Site

From the Gold Museum, drive or walk to the old campus of North Georgia College and State University’s iconic Price Memorial Hall with its gold-covered steeple. The University was founded in 1873. Price Memorial Hall stands on the foundation of the civil war era U. S. Mint. Enjoy a lazy stroll back through the historic square to order an early lunch take out to continue your journey of our Gold history and interactive attractions.

The 1875 Chestatee River Diving Bell

“Possibly the only remaining example of a 19th Century diving bell in existence” ~ Wreck Diving MagazineAs a must-see artifact from the Gold Rush days, The Chestatee River Diving Bell exhibit and plaza is located in downtown Dahlonega’s Hancock Park at Hawkins Street. One preservationist called it the “…first bell of its kind found within the archeological record.” The Bell, which dates from the Civil War, was first used to scan the Mississippi River in New Orleans and used to help divers breathe underwater while scanning river bottoms. In 1875, Philologus Loud, an inventor and entrepreneur, brought the Bell to Georgia, where it stopped in Gainesville, Georgia before moving to Dahlonega by a Southern Express wagon. The following year, a ship carrying the Bell sank in the Chestatee River and the Bell stayed submerged until 1983, when it was discovered. The submarine-style, maritime artifact was restored around 2003 and is destination Dahlonega’s newest Gold attraction!

Picnic Lunch at replica Gold Stamp Mill in Madeleine Anthony Park

Grab a To-Go lunch picnic at a Downtown Restaurant and head over to Madeleine K. Anthony Park located at the corner of South Chestatee Street and Morrison Moore Parkway. The park was named for local historic preservation champion Madeleine K. Anthony and includes a public pavilion with picnic tables, beautiful trees, and flowering bushes. The city, gateway park showcases a life-sized reproduction Stamp Mill, a machine used during Dahlonega’s gold mining days to crush ore so the gold could be extracted. The fully operational stamp mill, complete with a splashing water wheel and accompanied by an interpretive plaque, is a favorite stop for visitors and locals.

Crisson Gold Mine

After your morning meal in the mountains, continue the Gold fun with a very short drive over to the Crisson Gold Mine (named for early Gold Mining pioneers W. R. Crisson and son E. E. Crisson). See the only working Stamp Mill in Georgia – 130 years old. Tour the outdoor museum of the mill, machinery, and even an old moonshine still display. The Crisson Mine experience also offers Gold Panning, Gemstone Grubbing, a Wagon Ride, Picnic Area, and Gift Shop. The 15-minute Wagon Ride offers more visual gold mining history (ride past more antique mining equipment and entrances to the old mines) as well as unique animals along the way. Open Seven Days a Week: April – Oct. 10 am – 6 pm and Nov. – Mar. 10 am – 5 pm2736 Morrison Moore Pkwy E, Dahlonega, GA 30533. (706)864-6363 www.CrissonGoldMine.com

Rest those feet and fill those bellies! Both on the Square, off the Square, and off the beaten path, great dinner menus of all flavors can be found for couples, families, groups or lone Gold hounds. Dahlonega and Lumpkin County offer many local destination eateries and popular chain restaurants. Make sure you have a Dining Guide in-hand from the Visitors Center!

Lodging Recommendations

The Dahlonega and Lumpkin County area offers excellent overnight accommodations. Visit us online or pick up your “STAY” brochure at the Visitors Center for a complete selection of Bed & Breakfasts, Hotels/Motels, Cabins & Cottages, and Resorts as well as Retreat Centers. All Gold Prospectors need a good night’s rest – in the quiet the North Georgia Mountains!

Morning

Dahlonega offers unique local breakfast options as well as a number of Sunday Brunches if you are joining us during the weekend.

Consolidated Gold Mines

After a relaxing lunch, head over to the Consolidated Gold Mines for a one-of-a-kind experience. “Travel 200 Feet Underground and 100 Years Back in Time”. The Consolidated Gold Mine is the site of the largest hard rock Gold Mine East of the Mississippi River. Enjoy a 40 minute Underground Adventure of the turn-of-the-century mine. Tour guides welcome interaction from the group as you experience life as a miner. After your tour, you will receive gold panning instructions, and then you will get a chance to try if for yourself and hopefully you’ll strike it rich! The mine also offers “Gemstone Grubbin”.Open Seven Days a Week – Rain or ShineSummer: 10 am – 5 pm. Starting Memorial Day WeekendWinter: Monday-Friday 10 am - 4 pm Saturday-Sunday 10 am - 5 pm185 Consolidated Gold Mine Rd. Dahlonega, GA 30533. (706)864-8473.www.ConsolidatedGoldMine.com

Mid-Day

Gold Mine Shaft at The Smith House

Venture back to the downtown square to view “The Legend of the Smith House Mine!” In 1895 Captain Frank Hall, a Dahlonega businessman and entrepreneur began building a new home, storage area and office (for assaying gold, of course). According to legend, Hall struck gold - literally - as he was building the home. On February 12, 2006, while preparing a concrete floor, a worker unexpectedly punched a hole into a mine shaft. The Smith House shaft had a vertical fall of twenty feet ending at a spot where two horizontal mine shafts came off - one in the direction of the Gold Museum. Local historian Anne Amerson called it a "truly remarkable find." Today the mineshaft opening is the centerpiece of an exciting exhibit that digs deep into the history of Dahlonega at the Smith House. The Smith House is also a world-famous, family-style dining establishment serving seven decades of tradition.84 South Chestatee Street, Dahlonega, GA 30533. (706)867-7000 www.SmithHouse.com

Savor a Sweet Stroll for Gold

Local Dahlonega confections include numerous golden sweet treats such as gold nuggets of chocolate and chocolate gold bars. A number of the shops and restaurants in our award-winning village square area offer gold-themed treats, memorabilia and menu items. You can also enjoy the sites and sweets with an historic downtown horse-drawn Carriage Ride – for carriage ride information call (706)867-9395

Ask us about the Special “Gold Fever” Package Offer – Great for adults and children!

Purchase a Gold Fever Package and Enjoy One Admission to Each:

Dahlonega Gold Museum, Consolidated Gold Mine, Crisson Gold Mine

(Save $5.00 off regular adult and $3.00 off children’s prices)

Adults - $24.95 per person (Ages 13 and Over)

Children - $19.95 per person (Ages 12 and under)

Have fun with One pan of ore for gold panning, One 2 gallon bucket of ore for gemstone grubbin’, One glass vial to hold your gold, One admission to a tour of Georgia’s only working 127-year old stamp mill at Crisson Gold Mine, One 45-minute mine tour at Consolidated Gold Mines, and the 17-minute high-definition, award-winning film at the Gold Museum.