If you’re looking to familiarize yourself and your family with the history and culture of Norcross, Georgia, you may consider visiting some of the area’s renowned historical sites. Below, you can review a collection of some of the most fascinating historical sites in Norcross and the surrounding areas.

Little River Marina

Image via Flickr by Ted Drake Licensed CC BY-ND 2.0

If you want to take your family to explore some recent history, consider visiting the Little River Marina on Lake Allatoona in Canton. The producers of the hit show Ozark filmed several exterior and interior shots here. If you watch the first few episodes of Ozark where Marty and his family are adjusting to their new living situation, you’ll see a few shots of the Little River Marina. This site is a great testimony to the area’s role in the national film industry.

When you and your family visit the Little River Marina, you’ll find plenty to explore in this quaint spot that resides in the Blue Ridge Mountain foothills. For starters, you can rent various watercraft for the day to explore Lake Allatoona’s massive 12,000 acres. You may also walk the shores that encompass more than 200 miles, so you’re sure to find a quiet spot to enjoy the sunsets. The Little River Marina also has a service department and a convenience store to provide an optimal visiting experience.

Betty Mauldin Park

Betty Mauldin Park is a nature park that’s perfect for families who want to explore Norcross’s natural wonders. One of its most notable attractions is the American Elm, which is more than 100 years old and the second-largest tree of its kind in Georgia. While you’re at Betty Mauldin Park, you can explore all of its beauty for miles. Participate in a self-guided tour and marvel at the park’s 1,123 trees.

Before you head to Betty Mauldin Park, you can visit this site’s website and download the Norcross Historic Tree Walk Brochure. This pamphlet contains detailed illustrations that can help you identify each type of tree. You’ll be pointing out the differences between eastern red cedars and American yellowwoods and impress your family members with your eye for natural beauty.

The Rectory

The Rectory is a notable building at 17 College St. in Norcross. It was first built in the early 1900s, and it was originally a house for the leader of the local church. Today, the city has restored it to use as the building for Lionheart Theatre. Despite the restoration process, the building still maintains some of its old-fashioned design elements.

Visitors can make an appointment to view the theater’s current art exhibits, which feature work from local artists. Make your visit to The Rectory even more worthwhile by stopping in at the Norcross Cultural Arts and Community Center directly across the street.

Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park

The Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park is a collection of buildings that were important parts of Martin Luther King Jr.’s life. These buildings include the first Ebenezer Baptist Church and Dr. King’s childhood home. When you visit the park, you can also see The King Center, which people recognize more professionally as The Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change. Seeing these places can help visitors better understand the life of Dr. King and how he helped lead the movement for African American civil rights.

As you walk through Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, you’ll notice many neighboring buildings. The National Park Service has funded the restoration of these buildings so that they more accurately look as they did in the 1930s and 1940s during Dr. King’s early years. This lets visitors more fully immerse themselves in the era of Dr. King as they walk through the historical park.

Swan House at Atlanta History Center

Swan House at Atlanta History Center was originally a residence for Edward and Emily Inman. These affluent individuals helped rebuild the city of Atlanta after it suffered severe damage following the Civil War. The couple moved into this house upon its completion in 1928. Their family lived there for several decades until 1966, when the Atlanta Historical Society purchased it. This organization performed work to preserve the house, and it transformed the house into its new headquarters.

Today, people may rent Swan House for private events. Every day, visitors may come to marvel at the structure’s beautiful architecture, which incorporated influences from English and Italian classism as well as the Renaissance revival.

Fort Mountain State Park

Fort Mountain State Park is a historical site that resides in the Cohutta Wilderness. One of the park’s most noteworthy attractions is the ancient rock wall that stretches for roughly 855 feet. While no one knows the exact origins of this architectural wonder, it’s fun to guess. Some believe that early Native Americans built it as a way to protect themselves from hostile interactions, while others think that it was a crucial part of their ancient ceremonies.

While you’re at Fort Mountain State Park, you can take advantage of being in the great outdoors. There are miles of trails that you can use for mountain biking, hiking, and horseback riding. You may also visit the lakeside beach during the summer to work on your tan or cool off in the refreshing water. If you want to extend your stay, consider renting one of the park’s cottages or campground sites.

Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park

The Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park is a picturesque spot where you and your family can unearth nearly 20,000 years of Native American culture. This park contains North America’s only reconstructed Earth Lodge, and it even has the original forest floor that dates back a millennium. If you make your way to the top of the park’s Great Temple Mound, you can get a great view of a Colonial British trading post and a few prehistoric trenches.

Depending on what time of the year you visit Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park, you may be in for a treat with a special event. The park hosts several events throughout the year, including the Ocmulgee Indian Celebration, which takes place in late September. You can also come in the springtime and experience the Ocmulgee Lantern Light Tours, which take place during Macon’s Cherry Blossom Festival.

These are just some of our favorite historical sites in Norcross, Georgia, and the surrounding areas. Did we miss one of your favorites? Get in touch with us today to let us know, and we’ll be sure to explore it as soon as we can.