Tourism

Treat every day like a weekend in Barrow County!

Getting out and enjoying the great outdoors in Barrow County has never been more exciting. Our community houses one of the most visited parks in the state, an award-winning winery and resort, a recreation area especially for special-needs children and their families, and a YMCA. Barrow County also offers a variety of organized sports including soccer, baseball, softball, basketball, tennis, and others!

Possibly an area in which Barrow County truly shines is in the sport of golf. With three public courses and a private one at Château Élan; the beautifully designed Chimneys Golf Course in Winder; the Denis Griffiths-designed, semi-private Chancellors Course at The Georgia Club; and the challenging yet economical greens of Pine Hills Golf Club, players of all skill levels will discover that they can play this ancient sport all over Barrow County, all year round.

Barrow County residents have all the benefits of an urban community. Barrow County facilities are designed for world renowned sporting events, cultural activities, recreation, entertainment, shopping, and dining. No wonder people love living in Barrow County!

Ft. Yargo State Park

Nestled as a natural refuge in the city of Winder, Fort Yargo State Park offers you a nearby escape from metro-life with exciting adventures along multiple recreational trails including one of the only remaining forts for early settlers.

Located between Atlanta and Athens, this popular park features a 1792 log fort built by settlers for protection against Creek and Cherokee Indians. Today, visitors come to Fort Yargo for its wide variety of outdoor recreation and scenery. Overnight guests can choose from fully equipped cottages, adventure cabins or cozy campsites. For a more unique experience, visitors can reserve lakeside yurts, which are permanent canvas and wooden "tents." Each yurt has furniture and electricity inside and a fire ring, picnic table and grill outside.

A 260 acre lake offers a large swimming beach, fishing and boat ramps. Mountain bikers and hikers can test their endurance on 20.5 miles of trails. The park’s wooded disc golf course is exceptionally challenging. Fort Yargo State Park is also a beautiful location for outdoor weddings, reunions and other celebrations. Visitors have a choice of numerous facilities for all budgets, ranging from group shelters to lake-view pavilions.

Park Hours:  7:00AM – 10:00PM
Office:  8:00AM – 5:00PM
Fees & Passes:  $5.00 (parking),  Annual passes available
Phones:  (770) 867-3489 (Park); (800) 864-7275 (Reservations)
Address:  210 South Broad Street, Winder, GA 30680
Website:  https://gastateparks.org/FortYargo

Château Élan Resort, Winery & Spa

European luxury meets Southern Hospitality just north of Atlanta at the most-awarded winery and resort on the East Coast. Perfect for romantic getaways, long-weekends with the girls or Summer Staycations, Château Élan offers something for everyone!

Offering a serene sanctuary for both overnight and day guests, the expansive Spa Mansion overlooks a sparkling lake and is surrounded by lush green lawns and flowering shrubs. Come and experience innovative, multi-sensory treatments that refresh and rejuvenate the body, mind, and soul while staying true to the elements of our environmental surroundings. Whether you are seeking a quiet day of luxurious pampering, a romantic getaway or an afternoon with friends, our world-class Spa is a tranquil escape you won’t soon forget.

Address:  100 Rue Charlemagne, Braselton, Georgia 30517
Phone:  (678) 425-0900
Email:  reservations@chateauelan.com

Golf in Barrow County

Imagine teeing off under a bright blue sky on a perfectly manicured golf course surrounded by the best of nature’s beauty. If you enjoy the satisfying strokes of a relaxing game, Barrow County is just the place for you.

The Legends Golf Club

Members Only

Elite Sports Membership

Membership to the Legends golf course includes the sports club.  Members can play up to 12 rounds a year on the Legends course and unlimited on our other two resort courses.  Membership is for the entire family.

Recreational Legends

This is a full golf membership and includes the sports club. Golf is unlimited on all 3 of our courses. The legends course is a championship layout and always maintained in excellent condition.  One of the best features is to play without delay, even on the weekends. 

Membership includes:

  • Unlimited golf on all of our courses
  • Membership to our sports club with all types of exercise equipment
  • Full event schedule for men and women
  • Member dining

Contact:  Dave Zerfas, General Manager
Email:  dzerfas@chateauelan.net
Phone:  (678) 410-6828
Website:  https://chateauelan.net/golf/

Château Élan Golf Club

Open to the Public

Few golf resorts possess the beauty and variety offered by Château Élan’s 45 holes of championship golf. From the rolling Georgia hills of the Woodlands, to the serene valley lakes on the Château, each course is unique in character and design.  Combined with unparalleled customer service, the environment at Château Élan will lend for a truly memorable golf.

Location:  Chateau Clubhouse, 6060 Golf Club Dr, Braselton, GA 30517
Phone:  (678) 425-9115
Email:  info@chateauelan.net

The Chimney’s Golf Course

Open to the Public

The par-72 course yardage is nearly 6500 yards from the tips, and offers five sets of tees to challenge golfers of all levels. In addition to its outstanding beauty, The Chimneys is proud to join a growing league of golf courses that are taking advantage the environmentally conscious practice of using recycled water to keep the course beautiful. This method of irrigation provides the course with a constant, dependable supply of water during watering restrictions and drought the Chimneys remains green even in the hottest months. The Chimneys clubhouse features a fully stocked pro shop and snack and beverage bar and the friendly staff will be happy to assist you with any of your outing or tournament needs.

Location:  The Chimney’s, 338 Monroe Hwy., Winder, 30680
Phone:  (770) 307-4900
Website:  www.chimneysgc.com/

The Georgia Club Golf

Members Only

As a golfer you’ll find 27 reasons to fall in love with the game all over again on The Georgia Club’s championship golf courses. Designed by Denis Griffiths, The Chancellor’s Course provides a four-season wonder, offering a balanced mix of par 3s, 4s and 5s designed for players of all levels. Low handicap players will appreciate the challenge of the course, where choosing the right strategy will definitely impact your score. And you’ll take in the beauty from tee to green on the picturesque par 3s that aren’t always as simple as they appear. Whether you’re just getting started or a seasoned veteran of the game, our staff of professionals is on hand to ensure a memorable experience.

Location:  The Georgia Club, 1050 Chancellors Dr., Statham, GA 30666
Phone:  (770) 725-8100
Website:  https://thegeorgiaclub.com/golf

Pine Hills

Open to the Public

Pine Hills Golf Club is an 18-hole, par 72, regulation length golf course, built in the 1960’s, and located in Winder, Georgia. This 6,423 yard course layout has 3 sets of tee boxes for a fun, but challenging golfing experience. The course rating is 70.0 with a slope rating of 122.0.

Location:  Pine Hills, 661 Hog Mountain Road, Winder, GA 30680
Phone & Tee Times:  (770) 867-3150
Website:  https://www.pinehillswinder.com/course/