With centuries of history, a breathtaking downtown area, and plenty of outdoor activities, McDonough, Georgia is a small city with something for everyone. From exploring the historic district to enjoying airsoft and paintball, visitors to this delightful destination can be sure to find an adventure that they won’t forget!
McDonough, Georgia is a proud city situated 30 minutes south of the bustling state capital of Atlanta. Boasting a population of less than 9,000 people, it has been the county seat of Henry County since 1823. The town square, which was the original center of the city, still stands today as a testament to its rich history. From exploring the region’s past to enjoying an extensive range of outdoor activities, McDonough offers something for everyone. Take a look at this list of 15 great attractions in McDonough, Georgia that you won’t want to miss!
Henry County Courthouse and Historic Jail
McDonough’s Historic District is truly something to behold, spanning over 80 hectares in the heart of the city and containing buildings that date back to the city’s founding. One of the most prominent structures is the Henry County Courthouse and historic jail, situated on the northern side of the town square, which features red brick walls and a white clocktower towering above the area. Other points of interest include an art deco Standard Oil petrol station that now serves as a tourist information center, as well as the grand Palace Theatre, now known as the Clay Plaza Building.
Paintball and Airsoft in McDonough
McDonough is home to one of the largest and most advanced paintball and airsoft centers in the southeast United States, making it a great choice for family fun. Visitors can choose between paintball, which involves shooting capsules filled with paint, or airsoft, which uses replica weapons firing small plastic pellets and operates on a trust system. However, those looking for a spookier adventure can do so by joining one of the many ghost tours offered in downtown McDonough. Lasting around 90 minutes, these lantern-led walking tours take participants through haunted locations such as mortuaries and places that have appeared on paranormal television shows.
Southern Belle Farm
McDonough, Georgia is a proud rural community that continues to make its income through farming. Southern Belle Farm is a shining example of this lifestyle, boasting 130 hectares of working land and offering visitors a unique insight into running an agricultural business. From the dairy barn exhibition and hayride tours to getting up close with the animals, there are plenty of activities to enjoy throughout the year, from fruit picking in the spring and summer to the pumpkin patch come October. Additionally, the Martin Luther King Sr Heritage Trail running through the city center allows for exploration of the local history and the legacy of the King family in Stockbridge.
Cultural Offerings at the Hood Street Arts Center
The Hood Street Arts Center is an invaluable asset to the city of McDonough. A collective of different community arts organizations have come together to provide an impressive 1,800 square meter space, built in the 1930s as a hosiery mill. The center boasts an array of cultural offerings such as a ballet school, an art gallery, and the Henry Players Actors Theater. The city also has the added benefit of regular events hosted by the McDonough Arts Council and Henry Arts Alliance, making it an ideal destination for those who appreciate art and culture.
Explore the Entire Timeline of Photography
Located in the charming city of McDonough, the Camera Museum and Escape Room is a proud testament to the history of photography. Showcasing over 1,200 cameras, accessories, and other related items such as images and old advertisements, visitors can explore the entire timeline of photography from its origins in the 1830s to the modern era of digital photography. At night, the museum transforms into an interactive escape room experience with three unique themes for those looking for a fun and exciting challenge.
A Unique Blend of Physical and Virtual Displays
The C.O. Polk Interactive Museum in downtown McDonough celebrates the city’s proud 200-year history through a unique blend of physical and virtual displays. From before the founding of the city when it was the ancestral homeland of the Creek Indian Nation, to drawings of the main square and objects from the district’s historic buildings, to major historic events including the Civil War, the museum provides an engaging tour of McDonough’s past. It also covers important names that have lived in the city and the industry that helped create what stands proud today.
Exploring the History of Coca-Cola
Atlanta, the city that gave the world some of its most iconic brands, proudly houses one of the most successful of them all – Coca-Cola. The World of Coca-Cola, located a few blocks from where John Pemberton created the secret formula in 1886, celebrates the legacy of this beloved drink. Spanning an impressive 81,000 square meters, visitors can explore the history of Coke through the 4D movie experience and sample the 60 variations from around the world.
Explore the Rich History of Nash Farm Battlefield
Nash Farm Battlefield, located on the western edge of Henry County, is an impressive 80 hectares in size. It was a strategic site for Confederate forces during the Civil War, belonging to General Lee’s Army Corps, and the location of infantry battles that ultimately brought the Battle of Atlanta to a close. Today, visitors can take self-guided tours across the parkland and learn more about the history of Kilpatrick’s Raid and other important events. Situated only 20 minutes away from McDonough, Nash Farm Battlefield is a must-see destination for those wishing to explore the rich history of the area.
Exploring McDonough’s Past Through the Re-taking History Tour
The RE-taking History Tour of downtown McDonough offers a unique and local look at the region’s history. With fifteen special markers located within the city’s pavements, this tour allows visitors to retake historic photographs before comparing them to the original images, providing a fascinating then-and-now view of the area’s evolution.
McDonough, Georgia is a small but proud city, with sights that offer something for everyone, from a look back in history to outdoor and interactive experiences. From exploring the city’s historic district to enjoying some family fun on the paintball and airsoft courses, or even scaring themselves on a unique ghost tour, there are plenty of attractions to experience in McDonough that are sure to thrill and excite all types of visitors. For a small town, there is something special about Louis Simpson’s McDonough – it doesn’t have to be a city to have exciting things to do!
