There’s no shortage of things to do in Clayton County and the surrounding areas. Check out some of the major activities and locations in Clayton County that attract residents and visitors alike.
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The National Archives at Atlanta and the Georgia Archives
In Morrow, the National Archives at Atlanta is a research facility maintaining the historically significant records of federal agencies in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee from 1716 to the present. These records constitute a prominent resource for the study of science and technology, civil rights, medicine and public health, military activities and conflict, space exploration, maritime and naval history, the federal courts, Southern communities, and myriad other subjects. Adjacent to the National Archives, the Georgia Archives also identifies, collects, provides access to, and preserves Georgia’s historical documents.
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Spivey Hall
Known as the “Carnegie Hall of the South,” Clayton State University’s elegant, 400-seat Spivey Hall is the heart of Clayton County’s arts community. Since 1991, Spivey Hall has presented the best in jazz and classical music to Clayton County and the entire metro Atlanta area. For more information and upcoming events, click here.
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Atlanta State Farmers Market
The Atlanta State Farmers Market is considered one of the largest outdoor markets of its kind in the United States. At 150 acres, it features a garden center, wholesale and retail activities, and is a major marketing hub and distribution point for fresh produce in the Southeast and throughout the country. Produce is available from Georgia farmers and national distributors alike. Welcome Center hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
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Clayton County Parks
Clayton County boasts more than 50 wooded parks, providing acres of recreational space for hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching. Jesters Creek Trail, constructed by the Clayton County Greenways Council, is the first step in a comprehensive plan to provide biking and walking trails across the county. Runners, joggers, and walkers enjoy Reynolds Nature Preserve in Morrow with its 146 acres of beautifully wooded land, springs, lakes, ponds, and 4.1 miles of loop paths. The Preserve is also the site of regular programs about the area’s natural environment and wildlife that are ideal for family outings.
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Rex Mill
Located along the banks of the Big Cotton Indian Creek in the unincorporated village of Rex, the iconic Rex Mill is one of Clayton County’s more popular photo opportunities. The circa 1830 red grist mill is seen by motorists as they travel along Rex Road through the historic Rex Village, one of the oldest communities in the county.
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Melvinia Shields Monument
Clayton County's Melvinia Shields Monument honors the inspiring five-generation journey of former First Lady Michelle Obama's ancestry from slavery to the White House. Born into slavery in 1844, Melvinia Shields was relocated at age 6 from South Carolina to a farm in northwest Clayton County in the area presently known as Rex. A story that surpasses the boundaries of race and culture, the Melvinia Shields Monument is a place that invites all people to discover how the heritage and diversity of the African American experience has shaped America's modern history.
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Road to Tara Museum
Designated as the Official Home of Gone With The Wind, Clayton County offers a glimpse into Margaret Mitchell's classic novel through the Road to Tara Museum. Fans will enjoy original movie props and wardrobe items, foreign edition library, original manuscripts, costume reproductions, extensive photo gallery and complete collectible plate and doll collection. History buffs will learn more about Jonesboro's part in the Civil War and the people involved through artifacts and researched personal accounts. The Road to Tara Museum offers a self-guided brochure in 11 languages. More info here.
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Newman Wetlands Center
As the focal point of the Clayton County Water Authority’s community education efforts, the mission of the Melvin L Newman Wetlands Center is to educate the public on wetlands conservation and inspire community action for the health of our local watershed. Newman Wetlands Center features a learning center, picnic area, and trails. Since opening in 1995, Newman Wetlands Center has provided a safe, outdoor learning space for hundreds of thousands of people across metro Atlanta and an incredible wetland habitat for wildlife.
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Atlanta Motor Speedway
Providing direct access to Atlanta Motor Speedway in Hampton, Clayton County is the gateway to one of South Atlanta’s major attractions. Atlanta Motor Speedway hosts NASCAR events such as the Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500, along with dozens of other racing, camping, and expo events throughout the year.
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Fishing
Clayton County Water Authority utilizes several lakes as reservoirs and does a great job of managing these lakes as recreational fishing lakes. They provide facilities for launching boats as well as bank fishing, picnics, and family fun. J.W. Smith Reservoir is a 250-acre Clayton County water-supply lake with fish species that include bass, bream, crappie and catfish. Shamrock-Blalock Reservoir and Area is open March through October for fishing, picnicking and canoeing. Fish species include bass, bream, crappie and catfish.
Season Passes are sold at the entrance offices of Shamrock/Blalock Reservoir and J.W. Smith Reservoir during operating hours and are valid from March 1-October 31