Twenty years before the 1849 gold rush to California, thousands of gold seekers flocked into the Cherokee Nation in North Georgia, beginning the nation's first major gold rush. The towns of Auraria and Dahlonega grew and prospered with this mining activity. Between 1838 and 1861, more than $6 million in gold was coined by the U.S. Branch Mint in Dahlonega. The Dahlonega Gold Museum, formerly the Lumpkin County Courthouse, offers visitors a look at the mining history of Georgia. Gold coins minted in Dahlonega and nuggets - one weighing more than 5 ounces - are on display. A 23-minute film describes the mining techniques and lifestyles of the prospectors through interviews with members of the long-time mining families in the Dahlonega area. In the town of Dahlonega, visitors can shop for gold nuggets and pan for gold.   Contact information is available for Dahlonega Gold Museum State Historic Site.

Nearby Attractions

Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge Vogel State Park Unicoi State Park and Lodge Gold Panning The Smith House (family-style food) Babyland General Hospital Alpine Village of Helen

Annual Special Events
subject to change . . . also, see the Events Calendar

• World Gold Panning Competition (April)
• Bear on the Square Festival (April)
• Wildflower Festival (May)
• July 4th Celebration (July)
• Dahlonega Gold Rush Days (October)
• Old-Fashioned Christmas (December)

Contact Information

Dahlonega Gold Museum State Historic Site
#1 Public Square
Dahlonega, GA 30533
(706) 864-2257

Museum Hours: Monday - Saturday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Small admission fee. Group rates available with advance notice.

Directions

Located on the Public Square in Dahlonega, 5 miles west of Ga. Hwy. 400.