Free attractions and things to do in Athens

This is my first post about the city of Athens, located in North-East Georgia. I anticipate to make more posts about Athens. I will be updating this post as I come across additional free attractions and things to do. So make sure you bookmark this page and come back frequently. 

Georgia Museum of Art: The state's official art museum offers free admissions to the public for all it's exhibitions. The museum occupies a 79,000 square feet contemporary building in the Performing and Visual Arts Complex on the University of Georgia (UGA)'s east campus. There are more than 8,000 objects in the museum’s permanent collection, which consists of American
paintings; European and Asian works on paper; the Samuel H. Kress Study Collection of Italian Renaissance paintings; and southern decorative art. Please visit the museum's website for more information. 

Georgia Museum of Natural History: This museum which is located on UGA's campus along East Campus road, houses collections which consist of specimens or artifacts. They have a small Discovery Room with a few specimens that is open to the public for free. The complete 14 museum collections can be visited by appointment only. Please visit the museum's website for more information.

Butts-Mehre Heritage Hall: This 85,000 square foot complex houses exhibits, memorabilia, awards and trophies of all Georgia's athletic programs especially Georgia Bulldog football. The complex located on 1 Selig Circle is open to the public for free and is an SEC fan's dream place to visit. 

Sanford Stadium: Home of the Georgia Bulldog football, the stadium is located on UGA's campus and can seat over 92000 fans. Visitors can view the stadium from the Sanford Drive bridge which is opposite the Tate Student Center.

Admission is free to the spring intrasquad football game (G-Day), which is held annually in early April at Sanford stadium.

The State Botanical Garden of Georgia:  The garden located on South Milledge Avenue is a 313-acre preserve that contains a number of specialized gardens, over five miles of nature trails, and a tropical conservatory. Garden is open to the public for free. Please visit the garden's website for more information. 

UGA Horticulture Trial Garden: This garden located within UGA's south campus contains tropicals, vines, annuals, and perennials. The garden is a perfect getaway from mayhem surrounding the campus. Garden is open to the public for free. Please visit the garden's website for more information.

Memorial Park: The 72-acre park located off South Milledge Avenue hosts the Bear Hollow Zoo,  Birchmore nature trail, a swimming pool, a lake, a dog park, a playground, a basketball court and picnic areas. The public can access the park's amenities for free except for the swimming pool ($1). The zoo is small but has animals like bears, gators, deers, owls, eagles, etc and also host an exhibit which opens Saturday afternoon (1-4pm). The 2.25 mile Birchmore nature Trail is past the entrance to the zoo.

Other parks of interest that can be accessed for free are:
 
Oconee Forest Park: A 60 acre forest behind the Intramural Fields. The park boasts Lake Herrick. Check this previous post for my walks at this park. Park's website

World of Wonder Community Playground: Georgia's largest community built playground is located at Southeast Clarke Park on Whit Davis road. The playground is a good place to takes your kids. The Lexington Road side of the park features a skate park. Next to the park is Athens-Clarke County Tennis Center.

East Athens Community Park: Athens newest park located at 200 Trail Creek Street features a splash pad, outdoor fitness center, nature trails, soccer fields, and picnic areas.
 

Sandy Creek Nature Center: The center features nature trails, aquariums, exhibits and a library. Center's website.

More Free Attractions:
 
The Tree That Owns Itself: This historic oak tree is located at the intersection of Dearing and Finley Streets. Video about the tree's history.

Double Barren Cannon: This relic from the American Civil war is located at the intersection of Hancock and College avenues in downtown Athens.

Athens Welcome Center: AWC is located on East Dougherty Street within the Church-Waddel-Brumby House, which is believed to be the oldest residence in Athens.The center offers free brochures, maps and guides of Athens.

We Let the Dawgs Out Public Art Exhibit: This public art exhibit consist of  36 four foot fiberglass bulldawg sculptures located throughout Athens-Clarke County. You can find a map of the bulldogs at the Athens Welcome Center.

pick up a map of the bulldogs at the Athens Welcome Center - See more at: http://www.georgianewsday.com/georgia/attractions/145382-we-let-the-dawgs-out-public-art-exhibit.html#sthash.0wiGTOov.dpuf

pick up a map of the bulldogs at the Athens Welcome Center - See more at: http://www.georgianewsday.com/georgia/attractions/145382-we-let-the-dawgs-out-public-art-exhibit.html#sthash.0wiGTOov.dpuf

pick up a map of the bulldogs at the Athens Welcome Center - See more at: http://www.georgianewsday.com/georgia/attractions/145382-we-let-the-dawgs-out-public-art-exhibit.html#sthash.0wiGTOov.dpuf

UGA's Historic North Campus: This section of the campus contains picturesque historic features such as the The Arch, Old College, Chapel, Founder's Garden, and Herty field (which is the university's first home football field).
 

International Street Festival: This annual event which occurs each spring in downtown Athens, features cultural displays and performances by UGA's international and multinational student organizations as well as native Athenians.