Constructed in 1838, the Lumpkin County Courthouse is the oldest public building in north Georgia.

When gold was discovered in the area around 1828, Dahlonega became the site of America's first major gold rush. Diggers extracted approximately $33 million in gold before abandoning the mines. A U.S. mint operated in Dahlonega from 1836 until 1861.

The Gold Museum provides exhibits on the history of the hills and the Gold Rush of 1828.

The county offers canoeing, hunting, fishing, camping, hiking on the Appalachian Trail, and panning for gold.