The city of Ball Ground in Georgia, located in Cherokee County, isn’t the skyscraper-surrounded city you would imagine. This small city that is small in terms of population is, but, not so small in history as it dates years back in early America as the site where the Cherokees and Creeks fought the decisive Battle of Taliwa in the 1700s. It has since grown to be a beautifully preserved historic and business district. It now features plenty of Airbnb vacation rentals to accommodate tourists who wish to explore its hidden wonders. Get in on the fun and adventure by hiking at Amicalola Falls or enjoy the seasonal festivals in town. Explore all the famed attractions that this beautiful North Georgia city has to offer. It even makes for a great day trip from other places in Georgia. You can stay in an Airbnb vacation rental in Cumming and make the short 30-minute drive to Ball Ground. To find out more, check out the following list of the top things to do in Ball Ground, Georgia.
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1. Take a leisurely stroll at Gibbs Gardens
Enjoy beautiful views everywhere you look at Gibbs Gardens. One of the biggest residential gardens in the world, the property sits on 376 acres (152.16 hectares) of land and features three feature gardens. You have the Manor House Gardens, the Japanese Garden, and the Waterlily Garden. However, there are 16 gardens in the whole property. Truly, the place is a paradise with other attractions such as beautiful ponds, as many as 19 waterfalls, and stunning bridge crossings to help you explore the area.
Gibbs Gardens
Address: 1987 GIBBS DRIVE, BALL GROUND, GA 30107
Website: Gibbs Gardens
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 9am - 4pm (closed on Mon)
Price: Adult: 25 USD; Children: 10 USD; Seniors: 18 USD
2. Take a day trip to Amicalola Falls State Park
Sitting on the cusp of the North Georgia Mountains, this place is perfect for those who’d like a retreat in nature and want to see stunning views. Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge even offers lodging for those who want to marvel at this beauty and stay for some time. Make sure you don’t miss seeing the majestic 729-foot (222.20-meter) waterfall, Amicalola Falls, which is the attraction the whole park is named after. There are also plenty of activities offered in the park. There are ziplines, archery classes, waterfall hikes, and many others.
Amicalola Falls State Park
Address: 418 Amicalola Falls Road Dawsonville, GA 30534
Website: Amicalola Falls State Park
Opening hours: 7am - 10pm (daily)
3. Enjoy controlled game hunting and kayaking at McGraw Ford Wildlife Management Area
Get your gear ready and come on along for a hunting expedition at McGraw Ford WMA in Cherokee County. This dense and large wildlife management area is situated on the Etowah River, a 164-mile (264 km) long river that rises to the north of Atlanta. The popular deer hunting area also provides kayaking expeditions along the Etowah River. It features horse and bike trails and thus is a prime destination for hikers apart from being dedicated to promoting a healthy game population.
McGraw Ford Wildlife Management Area
Address: 1554 Ball Ground Rd #1552, Ball Ground, GA 30107, United States
Website: McGraw Ford Wildlife Management Area
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
4. Admire nature at Ball Ground Botanical Garden
Ball Ground Botanical Garden is a great site for outdoor fun with family and kids. Grab your camera and join the rest in admiring several of nature’s finest plant and animal species. Embrace the richness of nature at the home of several endangered species of both flora and fauna. You cannot afford to miss out on bonding with the family, as the garden has both the bounty and serenity for outdoor activities–perfect for an afternoon of fun and learning at the same time.
Ball Ground Botanical Garden
Address: Ball Ground, GA 30107, United States
Website: Ball Ground Botanical Garden
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
5. Spend a day at Dwight Terry Fields
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Dwight Terry Fields is a large park situated northeast of Cherokee County. It is known to be the home to the Jr. Grizzlies youth baseball program and includes several playing fields, a playground, and a paved walking track as well as several other recreational facilities for the ultimate outing with your friends or family. The kids will especially enjoy the large space where they can play all kinds of fun games. Its highlights include beautiful flower-surrounded alleys with a clean and refreshing breeze that ensures the adults get a place to relax and unwind.
Dwight Terry Fields
Address: 13395 East Cherokee Drive Ball Ground GA 30107
Website: Dwight Terry Fields
Opening hours: Sunrise - 11pm (daily)
6. Have a picninc on a sunny day at Calvin Farmer Park
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Cherokee County is known to have several parks and recreation centers and Calvin Farmer Park is one of its bests. The park has several recreation facilities including two picnic pavilions, a children’s playground, ponds, and vast open fields. You can take your pets for some fun outdoors, too! Also, the area has several hiking trails with different difficulty levels.
Calvin Farmer Park
Address: 200 Old Dawsonville Rd, Ball Ground, GA 30107, United States
Website: Calvin Farmer Park
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
7. Slide across the waterfalls at Poole's Mill Bridge Park
Get the chance to have a one-on-one session with nature at Poole’s Mill Bridge Park. Walk along Poole’s Mill Bridge and cross over Settendown Creek and head for a swim under the cool and refreshing waterfall cascades. The park also features playgrounds so you can take the kids out to play, as well as hiking trails that will lead you to other parts of the park, revealing some mesmerizing hidden gems of nature.
Poole's Mill Bridge Park
Address: 7725 Pooles Mill Rd, Ball Ground, GA 30107
Website: Poole’s Mill Bridge Park
Opening hours: 6am – 9:30pm (daily)
8. Sip the finest wine at Feather's Edge Vineyards
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Some rustic charm coupled with the wine offered at Feather’s Edge Vineyards is all you need on a weekend to brush away the tough week at the office. This lovely winery situated north of Atlanta is elegant, the garden setting is refreshing, and the subtle sound of soft, pleasant music will make you wish for the day to last longer. You will occasionally find bands playing, too! Enjoy tasting some of the best quality wines at Feather’s Edge Vineyards.
Feather's Edge Vineyards
Address: 10061 Ball Ground Hwy, Ball Ground, GA 30107-6208
Website: Feather’s Edge Vineyards
Opening hours: Wed - Fri: 10am - 5pm; Sat: 10am - 8pm; Sun: 12:30pm - 5pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
9. Relish delicious meals at Les Bon Temps Louisiana Kitchen
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Les Bon Temps Louisiana Kitchen on Friday, May 14, 2021
Les Bon Temps Louisiana Kitchen is a well-known diner for locals in the area. This restaurant in Ball Ground, Georgia, is something of a family business and is the best place to be for a Sunday lunch. It has an array of delectable Louisiana cuisine options including seafood choices like shrimp and crawfish among others. The restaurant has something for everyone and is dedicated to providing you with the best quality food in the area. Its friendly owners and staff will make you feel at home in a relaxing and comfortable setting. Check it out!
Les Bon Temps Louisiana Kitchen
Address: 248 Gilmer Ferry Rd, Ball Ground, GA 30107, United States
Website: Les Bon Temps Louisiana Kitchen
Opening hours: Wed - Sat: 11am - 3pm, 5pm - 8pm; Sun: 12pm - 3pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
10. Get a bird's eye view with Vintage Flights
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Vintage Flights is all about planes and more planes. The large hangar consists of several vintage World War II planes that can fly you around. The unique experience is unmissable, as Vintage Flights gives you unmatched first-hand sights of the remaining historic dual flight-control equipped planes that were used in combat decades ago, which you get to control when you decide to go airborne. The collection of aircraft is authentic and brings you to experience a piece of history in an exciting way.
Vintage Flights
Address: Ball Ground, GA, USA
Website: Vintage Flights
Price: From 195 USD
11. Play a round of golf at Hawks Ridge Golf Club
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Hawks Ridge Golf Club on Friday, June 14, 2019
Hawks Ridge Golf Club offers you present-day golfing luxury. The 18-hole championship golf course was designed and then established in 1999 by a well-known American golf course designer known as Bob Cupp. Hawks Ridge Golf Club has a daring mix of modernity and classical style that is famous for attracting some of the region’s most famous personalities including athletes–some of whom you are likely to bump into. Showcase your skills while you enjoy the beautiful but challenging course at this high-end golf club.
Hawks Ridge Golf Club
Address: 1100 Hawks Ridge Golf Club, Ball Ground, GA 30107, United States
Website: Hawks Ridge Golf Club
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 7am – 8pm (closed on Mon)
12. Get competitive at Nitro Paintball
Editor’s note: establishment is permanently closed
Team up, get your gear ready, and take your positions! Nitro Paintball is the place to be on weekends. The keen referees will explain the rules of the game and tell you about the guns and safety equipment–best be attentive or fail your team and be defeated. Strategize and find solutions to be the victors. Nitro Paintball is famous for its great staging area, wonderful staff, and fair prices to get you psyched. This weekend destination is a great place for the family and kids to enjoy family moments that create lasting memories.
Nitro Paintball
Address: 204A Lower Bethany Rd, Ball Ground, GA 30107-7357
Website: Nitro Paintball
Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 12pm - 5pm (closed from Mon - Fri)
13. Wander along the trails at Eagles Beak Park
Eagles Beak Park is the newest recreation park in Ball Ground. The beautiful park offers plenty of recreation choices for its visitors. These include a picnic space, several walking trails, and a boat and kayak river launch among other open fields for picnics and events. You will get to learn the history of the park, too, including the intriguing Trail of Tears. It begins at the park and it is near the place where Chief Vann, an influential Cherokee leader, was assassinated more than two centuries ago. Eagle’s Beak Park will bring you closer to some peace of mind as you interact with nature for a truly enjoyable outing experience. Whether its hiking, kayaking, or just taking the long walking trails together with your loved ones, you are guaranteed to have fun.
Eagles Beak Park
Address: 8400-8782 Old Federal Rd, Ball Ground, GA 30107, United States
Website: Eagles Beak Park
Opening hours: 6am - 9:30pm (daily)
14. Savor delectable Sunday barbecue at Two Brothers Bar-B-Que
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Wonderful weather. Great food. Perfect fall day!
Posted by Two Brothers Bar-B-Que on Saturday, October 21, 2017
Help yourself to a delicious Sunday barbecue! Located on a side road, the restaurant is a top eatery and a local favorite. The menu at Two Brothers Bar-B-Que includes excellent cakes and desert after you dig into their tasty dishes. The good barbecue offered plus the wonderful service are just what you need especially for a weekend brunch with family and friends while you share and catch up with each other. The setup is relaxing and comfortable so your dining experience is sure to be great.
Two Brothers Bar-B-Que
Address: 1695 Old Canton Rd, Ball Ground, GA 30107, United States
Website: Two Brothers Bar-B-Que
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 10:30am - 8pm; Fri - Sat: 10:30am - 9pm (closed from Mon - Wed)
15. Try Ball Ground's best coffee at Barrel House Coffee Co.
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Barrel House Coffee Co. is a great coffee shop and is one of Ball Ground’s top gems. The spot is one of the most recommended for coffee lovers with its outdoor seating area, cool vibe, and of course, great coffee concoctions. If you crave the best coffee and a plate of delicious cinnamon rolls in town and also want a nice peaceful place you can enjoy your favourite book, or catch up with friends, then this amazing shop is for you. Check it out!
Barrel House Coffee Co.
Address: 275 Gilmer Ferry Rd Suite #5, Ball Ground, GA 30107, United States
Website: Barrel House Coffee Co.
Opening hours: Fri - Sat: 7am - 7pm; Sun: 12pm - 4pm; Tue - Thu: 7am - 5pm (closed on Mon)
16. Discover interesting artworks at Wildcat on a Wing
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
More brilliant work from Jes MaHarry. A silversmith at heart, Jes does all her on castings and often incorporates...
Posted by Wildcat on a Wing on Friday, May 11, 2012
Wildcat on a Wing is an interesting site that you can’t miss visiting especially is you are a lover of art. Wildcat on a Wing houses unique collections of artworks–some made out of mosaics to produce the finest-crafted artworks. There are several creatures and artifacts including birdhouses, pottery, jewelry, and garden art that have been either been carved out or made from recycled materials like broken glass.
Wildcat On A Wing
Address: 10061 Ball Ground Hwy, Ball Ground, GA 30107, United States
Website: Wildcat On A Wing
Opening hours: Sun: 12:30pm - 5pm; Wed - Sat: 10am - 5pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
17. Buy rare antique items at The Green Hen Antiques
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by The Green Hen Antiques on Saturday, May 21, 2016
Hunt for treasures at this antique shop located off Gilmer Ferry Road. Discover some of the rarest antiques and more amazing collections at The Green Hen Antiques. Get unique-looking oddities and furniture among other interesting finds to decorate your home’s interiors and show off to friends. Enjoy a unique shopping experience and get knowledgeable in the art of identifying valuable items and even discovering their history.
The Green Hen Antiques
Address: 301 Gilmer Ferry Rd. 30107 Ball Ground, Georgia
Website: The Green Hen Antiques
Opening hours: Wed - Sat: 10am - 4pm (closed from Sun - Tue)
Explore and discover Ball Ground
Ball Ground has something for everyone. Get outside the comfort of your hotel room or house and head out to find its hidden gems, some of which have been listed in this article. Take your loved ones with you and make great memories.
Make sure to explore more of Georgia. Try some of the best things to do in Dawsonville and have the trip of a lifetime!
Frequently asked questions about things to do in Ball Ground, Georgia
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