Uhuburg in Helen, Georgia

Uhuburg in Helen, Georgia. Photo by Naomi Marthai

New Attractions in Georgia

From water parks and wildlife encounters to cultural experiences and entertainment venues, here’s the latest attractions news in Georgia.

Metro Atlanta

National Center for Civil and Human Rights (Expansion) – Atlanta

The National Center for Civil and Human Rights, a museum and cultural institution located in Atlanta, the cradle of the Civil Rights Movement, will mark its 10th anniversary in 2024 by beginning construction on a 24,000-square-foot expansion. Slated to open in Summer 2025, the expansion will feature two new wings. A new West Wing will house a café and three new galleries, including a Family Gallery for children that will inspire a new generation of engaged citizens; “Bearing Witness,” a gallery that memorializes the history of racial violence; and a Special Exhibitions Gallery for traveling and temporary exhibitions. A new East Wing will create 5,000 square feet of flexible classroom, meeting, and training space.

Town at Trilith – Fayetteville

Just south of Atlanta, the Town at Trilith is a mixed-use development located adjacent to Trilith Studios, the second largest film production studio in North America and home of major Marvel movies like “Avengers: Endgame” and “Spider-Man: No Way Home.” Envisioned as a destination for creatives, artists, storytellers, and makers, this European-inspired community will comprise 300 hotel rooms, carefully curated shops, chef-driven restaurants, and more. Scheduled to open in January 2024 is the Town at Trilith’s first hotel, Trilith Guesthouse, which will feature 193 rooms, a signature restaurant, rooftop bar, culinary studio, outdoor heated pool, electric vehicle charging stations, and more than 17,000 square feet of indoor/outdoor meeting and event space. By 2025, a seven-acre entertainment complex called Trilith LIVE is expected to open and attract visitors to Fayetteville through concerts, festivals, and other events.

North Georgia

Margaritaville at Lanier Islands - Buford

As part of a series of multi-million dollar enhancements scheduled for completion in Spring 2024, The Water Park in Margaritaville at Lanier Islands is being rebranded to Fins Up Water Park, the first Margaritaville Fins Up Water Park in the U.S. Among the enhancements is the highly anticipated Apocalpyso, Georgia’s first waterslide coaster, which will be the centerpiece of a new iconic tower featuring three additional waterslides. The tower will be Georgia’s largest waterslide complex, and upon completion, the park will boast an impressive total of 15 waterslides in 2024. Fins Up Water Park will also feature new premium cabanas, food and beverage options, an expanded Wibit Aquatic Adventure water playground, and expanded retail offerings.

Uhuburg, Eagle Owl Castle – Helen

Catch an “eagle eye” view of the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains atop Uhuburg, the Eagle Owl Castle, just two miles from downtown Alpine Helen. After more than 14 years under construction, Uhuburg “Ooo-Hoo-burg” officially opened in June 2023. Book a daytime tour or stay overnight in one of the four chambers for an enchanting experience. Up for a challenge? Climb the eight-story lookout tower for unbroken, forested views that are as stunning as the castle’s architecture.

Central Georgia

Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park – Macon

Expected to become America’s next national park and Georgia’s first national park, Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park is one of the most significant archeological sites in America, with 17,000 years of American Indian history and habitation. It was once home to the ancient Mississippian civilization and their descendants, the historic Muscogee (Creek) people, who built the mounds that visitors can still experience to this day. Visitors to the park can explore North America's only restored ceremonial Earth Lodge with original clay floors carbon dated to 1015; seven earthen mounds, including the 55-foot-high Great Temple Mound, located on a high bluff overlooking the floodplain of the Ocmulgee River; an early colonial trading post; a visitor center that houses a museum with more than 2,000 artifacts; and more.

East Georgia

The Classic Center Arena – Athens

Coming to the Classic City in Summer 2024, The Classic Center Arena will amp up Athens’ already thriving music and entertainment scene. Just steps away from downtown restaurants, shops, and hotels, the arena will play host to various entertainment options, from concerts and sporting events to weddings and conferences. Memorabilia from the University of Georgia Music Collections will be displayed in the concourse of The Classic Center Arena, bringing a collection from the Georgia Music Hall of Fame to life through an interactive, museum-quality experience. The arena is expected to create more than 600 new jobs, link Downtown Athens to the Oconee River, and generate an estimated $30 million in annual economic impact.

Georgia Safari Conservation Park – Madison

The Georgia Safari Conservation Park is set to open in April 2024, combining the excitement of a safari adventure with a strong commitment to conservation and sustainability. The 530-acre park will offer animal encounters with wild and exotic African species as well as immersive and interpretive guided tours for visitors ranging from individuals, families, and small groups to exclusive eight-person VIP experiences. For the ultimate overnight adventure, the Georgia Safari Conservation Park offers one-of-a-kind luxury accommodations, including a suite overlooking giraffes and rhinos, safari tents, and a honeymoon hideaway.

South Georgia

Wild Adventures Theme Park – Valdosta

Wild Adventures Theme Park opened Oasis Outpost in March 2023, a nearly 3-acre expansion featuring all-new experiences, including an adventurous family ride, immersive animal encounters, a playful water attraction, a fun and unique food location, engaging play zones, and more. A new “Dinosaur Explore” exhibit will debut for the 2024 season, showcasing more than 30 giant animatronic dinosaurs, and a new seven-acre campground, “Wild Adventures Safari Campground,” is scheduled to open in Fall 2024, offering a mix of RV and tent camping sites with special amenities like a fishing pond, walking trails, an exclusive entrance to the theme park, and close-up experiences to interact with and learn about animals.

Published: December 2023
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