Seven Public Attractions in the Barrow County Area

Yes, there is the very popular Barrow County Historical Society and Museum housed in the old Barrow County jail. Built in 1916 and located on West Athens Street, it was renovated and opened as a museum in 1993. The architecture is unique and you will find lots of items of local interest inside. On the National Register of Historic Places, the Museum features the original "hanging tower," three original jail cells, as well as hundreds of artifacts. 

Located between Atlanta and Athens, Barrow County has a large state park filled with plenty of things to do. The Fort Yargo State Park features an original log fort built in 1792 by settlers for protection against Creek and Cherokee Indians. Today, visitors come to Fort Yargo for its wide variety of outdoor recreation acticvities. Overnight guests can stay at fully-equipped cottages, adventure cabins, or pitch a tent at many cozy campsites. For a more unique experience, Yurts are available with furniture and electricity, inside, and a fire ring, picnic table, and grill, outside. Fort Yargo State Park also contains a 260 acre lake with a large swimming beach, fishing and boat ramps, and mountain bikers and hikers can enjoy over 20 miles of trails. 

Located in what had been for many years an active clothing manufacturing plant, the Winder Cultural Arts Center houses the Colleen O. Williams Theater. "The Colleen", named after Winder's first public school drama teacher, was designed to provide a professional venue for the performing arts. From drama to music and dance, the Colleen is a state-of-the-art black box theater with seating for over 200. It offers full theatrical lighting and sound on a large stage - with ample wing and back stage space. 
Another venue is the Innovation Amphitheater. Located at 985 Austin Road in Winder, this state-of-the-art amphitheater hosts local talent as well as named artists.  The Innovation Amphitheater is also a new venue for the Peach State Symphony Orchestra. The Innovation has 1500 seats either chaired or along the wall all with excellent views of the stage. Parking is available on site for just $5.00 per vehicle and a portion of the proceeds from the parking supports the Sims Academy of Innovation and Technology.

Located just outside of Barrow County is Lake Lanier. With several million visitors enjoying its recreational facilities yearly, Lake Lanier is the most popular lake in the southeast. The lake offers swimming, sunbathing and, of course, boating of all sorts. The water in Lake Lanier comes from Georgia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. Rain falling on the mountains makes its way down to Lake Lanier via the Chattahoochee and Chestatee Rivers.

Yup, for a taste of what the locals often do on Saturday night, you can’t beat a visit to the Winder-Barrow Speedway. The track is a 3/8 mile dirt oval and it is fully lit for evening races. There are paved bleachers that you can bring folding chairs to. There is no covered seating. For those who are looking for sustenance with their dirt oval racing, a large selection of basic stadium foods, such as burgers and hotdogs, fries, and onion rings, are always available.

Whether you are looking for a new car or truck, or service on the one you have now, Akins Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram is located right in Winder, GA. The folks at Akins take pride in their small town approach to car and truck, sales and service. You are invited to call them at any time to discuss your personal transportation needs.