A four-story clock tower overlooking Lawrenceville’s town square, more than 90 rail vehicles in Duluth and an art tour through Suwanee: Gwinnett can be explored through very different traces of its past and present. In addition to museums, the region’s many facets include historic buildings, studios, theaters, trails and religious architecture.
History in buildings and collections
The Gwinnett Historic Courthouse was built in 1885. Its four-story clock tower overlooks Lawrenceville’s town square. The courthouse is open for self-guided tours; check opening hours before your visit. The Gwinnett History Museum is located on the second floor of the Lawrenceville Female Seminary. The Elisha Winn House, built around 1812 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, dates back even further.
The Southeastern Railway Museum in Duluth focuses on the history of technology. The museum is located on a 35-acre site, has been in operation since 1970 and displays more than 90 rail vehicles, including historic Pullman cars and classic steam locomotives. Rides in restored cabooses behind a diesel locomotive offer a different perspective on the collection. These rides depend on operating conditions and available staff.
Exhibitions, art and theater
The Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center combines interactive exhibits with insights into history. Exhibits include the Water Ways diorama and Discover H2O. The grounds are also home to the 1850s-era Chesser-Williams House, which features stenciled paintings on its interior and exterior walls. Five miles of walking trails round out the offerings. The Treetop Quest ropes course is also part of the center; check its operating status before your visit.
In Buford, Tannery Row Artist Colony shows how a historic tannery building became a place for artistic work. Shoes were made there in the early 20th century. Today, the artist community offers individual studio spaces that are open to the public. Visitors can meet the artists and view works in progress.
The Lawrenceville Arts Center comprises a two-building campus with flexible performance and event spaces, usable outdoor areas and adjacent free parking. Aurora Theatre is the center’s resident theater company and produces professional programming such as Broadway musicals, contemporary plays, comedies, concerts and children’s programs. Individual productions may vary. Please note that the Arts Center is temporarily closed; check its operating status before you arrive.
Architecture, faith and sculptures
The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Lilburn was assembled from more than 34,000 stone pieces hand-carved in India. Visitors can take part in the Abhishek ritual at the Nilkanth Varni Abhishek Mandapam. The Suwanee SculpTour offers a different way to experience art: this walkable art experience invites visitors to explore and view selected works, which are also available for purchase. The 2025–2027 edition features 24 new sculptures in downtown Suwanee. Installations and purchase opportunities may change in future editions.
Agricultural history and outdoor trails
The McDaniel Farm Park brings Georgia’s agricultural history to life. It preserves an original barn and the restored home of a tenant farmer. Gently sloping grassy fields and wooded walking trails with babbling streams shape the landscape. The grounds of the Yellow River Post Office include the restored Hudson-Nash House, a post office and a mid-19th-century cabin for enslaved people.
The trails at Harbins Park vary by activity and length: unpaved trails are designated for horseback riding over 7 miles, mountain biking over 13 miles and hiking over 4.5 miles. This makes the mountain biking route the longest of the three and the hiking route the shortest. George Pierce Park offers access to the Ivy Creek Greenway as well as a 1.25-mile paved trail. The Suwanee Creek Greenway can be accessed at Suwanee Town Center and other locations.
For time on the water, Tribble Mill Park has a fishing lake where non-motorized boats and electric boats are permitted. Jones Bridge Park has a launch access point for kayaks and paddleboards; check river conditions before use. For a culinary perspective on the region, try the “Seoul of the South” Korean food tour with its downloadable pass. Check whether the pass is still available before making plans. The Hudgens Center adds to the cultural offerings with exhibitions, classes and events; its program includes hands-on learning.
Discover more destinations: Norcross, Suwanee, Buford, Lawrenceville, Snellville, Stephens County, Mcduffie County, Tattnall County.
For the main travel overview: Georgia.
