Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center

It's all about the water! An interactive exhibit gallery allows visitors to follow the path of the water they use from its source to their house, to the wastewater treatment plant, and then back to nature. The Waterways gallery uses full size dioramas to interpret how water in Gwinnett County, Georgia has been used by different groups of people over the years.

The building itself is environmentally friendly, featuring a roof covered with native plants and windows designed to let in natural light. The structural supports are recycled iron and aluminum. Cork and southern pine which grow fast and are considered easily renewable are used wherever possible. Ponds and waterfalls filter water runoff before it flows into Ivy Creek. 

A steep paved trail leads down to the 1850s Chesser-Williams House which is open for special events. Follow the closed road to the left to access the Ivy Creek Greenway. 

A big draw is Treetop Quest, an above ground obstacle course with ropes, ladders, zip lines, and bridges. Staff is on hand to help but participants are largely on their own. A special harness that can not be unhooked from the safety lines while on the course makes this possible. Treetop Quest is the only fee area. 

The center is accessible. Wheelchair users may need assistance on the paved paths due to the grades. We followed the Ivy Creek Greenway for a short distance and turned around when it started steeply downhill. Treetop Quest is not accessible. 

The parking lot is large enough for any vehicle if parked across the spaces. It may fill on weekends.