A culturally distinctive destination with a rich history, McDonough is home to fascinating sights in Georgia. From historic buildings and monuments to thrilling paintball and airsoft games, McDonough is a must-visit for anyone looking to explore the Georgia countryside. Other exceptional experiences include ghost tours, in which lantern-led walking tours take visitors through downtown McDonough and its surrounding locations, uncovering spooky stories and haunted landmarks.

McDonough, Georgia is a proud city situated 30 minutes south of the state capital of Atlanta. Founded in 1823, McDonough’s traditional town square setting remains at the center of the city and offers a glimpse into the region’s rich history. With a population of less than 9,000 people, McDonough serves as the county seat of Henry County and is a great base for exploring outdoor activities and experiences. The 15 best things to do in McDonough, Georgia are listed below.

Henry County Courthouse and Historic Jail

McDonough’s Historic District is a source of pride for the city, with over 80 hectares of buildings and monuments spanning from the city’s foundation to the present day. At the northern side of the town square, the Henry County Courthouse and Historic Jail stands out, built-in 1897 in Romanesque Revival architectural style with its white clocktower towering above the square. Other noteworthy sights include the art deco Standard Oil Petrol Station which has been converted into a tourist information center and the grand Palace Theatre, now known as Clay Plaza Building.

Paintball and Airsoft at Shane’s Hot Shots Paintball and Airsoft

Be proud and experience the thrill of paintball or airsoft at Shane’s Hot Shots Paintball and Airsoft, one of the largest and most advanced facilities in the southeast United States. With a variety of guns to choose from, as well as safety equipment, this family-friendly arena is perfect for a day of friendly competition with friends or family. For those who prefer a slightly less intense experience, McDonough also offers airsoft, a replica weapons game that uses small plastic pellets instead of paintballs. And for the brave, join one of the city’s ghost tours for an evening of spooky stories and haunted landmarks. Lantern-led walking tours take visitors through downtown McDonough and its surrounding locations, including spots that have been featured on paranormal television shows across the US.

Southern Belle Farm

McDonough is a city that is proud of its rural communities and agricultural businesses, such as the renowned Southern Belle Farm. Spanning over 130 hectares, this farm provides visitors with an engaging educational experience through dairy barn exhibitions, hayride tours, and the chance to interact with the animals. Additionally, activities like fruit picking during the spring and summer and pumpkin picking in October offer exciting seasonal opportunities. The city is also closely linked to the Civil Rights Movement, specifically the legacy of Martin Luther King Sr. who was born and raised in nearby Stockbridge. The Martin Luther King Sr Heritage Trail runs through the center of the city, featuring stops such as Floyd Chapel Baptist Church and a commemorative plaque on City Hall that detail much of the family’s legacy.

Heritage Park Historic Village

Heritage Park Historic Village is a must-see for visitors to McDonough. Located within the park are a settler’s log cabin from 1827, a two-room schoolhouse, Henry County’s first library building, a blacksmith’s shop, a steam locomotive from 1934, and a reconstructed passenger depot. The park also offers a children’s playground, and benches and picnic tables to relax and take in the surroundings. With its remarkable collection of historical structures, Heritage Park Historic Village provides an educational and enjoyable experience for all who visit.

Visitors to McDonough are sure to be impressed with the remarkable Hood Street Arts Center. Built in the 1930s as a hosiery mill, it has been transformed into an impressive 1,800 square meter space for a variety of community arts organizations. Here, one can find the Henry Players actors, a ballet school, and an art gallery filled with natural light. Additionally, the McDonough Arts Council and Henry Arts Alliance host regular events that make it a cultural destination. Not to be overlooked is Heritage Park Historic Village, which contains a settler’s log cabin from 1827, a two-room schoolhouse, Henry County’s first library building, a blacksmith’s shop, a steam locomotive from 1934, and a reconstructed passenger depot. To top it all off, the park also features a children’s playground, and benches and picnic tables for visitors to enjoy.

Explore the History of Photography at the Camera Museum

McDonough is proud to have the Camera Museum and Escape Room, just a few hundred metres away from the historic heart of the city. It showcases a vast collection of 1,200 vintage and antique cameras, accessories, images, old advertisements, and more, allowing visitors to explore the history of photography from its beginnings in the 1830s up until digital photography. In addition, the Museum also turns into an exciting escape room at night, offering three different themes for those seeking a challenge.

Exploring McDonough’s Rich History

C.O. Polk Interactive Museum is a remarkable testament to McDonough’s 200-year history and an ideal way for locals and visitors alike to explore the area. By combining physical objects with digital displays, visitors can take a journey through time from the ancestral homeland of the Creek Indian Nation to the present day. The museum features drawings of the main square, objects from historic buildings, important people who have left their mark on the city, and key historical events such as the Civil War. It is no wonder that the museum has become one of McDonough’s most beloved attractions, and stands as a proud symbol of the city’s rich culture and heritage.

Exploring the World of Coca-Cola

Atlanta is home to one of the world’s most recognizable and iconic brands, Coca-Cola. Established in 1886, this beloved beverage has made a lasting impression on global culture. The World of Coca-Cola celebrates the brand’s illustrious history with an 81,000-square-meter complex that pays homage to its humble beginnings and John Pemberton, the creator of the secret formula. Visitors can explore the amazing 4D movie that showcases the journey of Coke across the globe, as well as sample the 60 different varieties of drinks that are available around the world.

History of Nash Farm Battlefield

Nash Farm Battlefield is an impressive 80-hectare parkland in Henry County, located on the western edge of the county. This area was a major site of military activity during the Civil War as Confederate forces fought to repel Unionists. It was one of the campsites for General Lee’s Army Corps and the location of decisive infantry battles that ultimately brought the Battle of Atlanta to its conclusion. Visitors can explore the historical markers across the site with self-guided tours and learn about events such as Kilpatrick’s Raid. Nash Farm Battlefield is just 20 minutes from McDonough, close to the city of Hampton.

Retake History Tour of Downtown McDonough

Discover the RE-taking History Tour of downtown McDonough and experience a local approach to the region’s history. Focusing on the historic square and its surrounding streets, visitors can find 15 special markers placed on the pavement and use them to retake historic photographs as a fascinating then-and-now comparison. This tour offers a unique insight into the changes that have taken place – and those that remain unchanged.

The rich history and culture make McDonough, Georgia a great destination for families seeking fun activities for all interests. From the prominent downtown architecture to thrilling paintball games and Lantern-led ghost tours, there are countless things to do in this charming area near the capital city of Atlanta. With its quaint city square and boundless recreational activities, McDonough promises an exciting and enriching experience for locals and visitors alike.