Closest substantial independent historic and outdoor stop

McDaniel Farm Park

About 2.1 miles straight-line southwest of Southeastern Railway Museum

Step into a restored 1930s Gwinnett County farm landscape with historic buildings, picnic space, playgrounds and three miles of paved and unpaved trails.

The place

About McDaniel Farm Park

McDaniel Farm Park preserves a former cotton farm in Duluth about 2.1 miles straight-line from Southeastern Railway Museum. The property began with an 1820 land-lottery purchase, remained with the McDaniel family from 1859 to 1999 and includes a farmhouse built in 1874. Gwinnett County now interprets the site as a typical 1930s farm on 134 acres.

Use the historic entrance at 3251 McDaniel Road for the furnished farmhouse, barn, blacksmith shed, carriage house, tenant house, pavilion and farm landscape. The separate park entrance at 3020 McDaniel Road serves the farm-themed playground, dog park, rustic pavilion and trail connections. Choosing the correct entrance matters when fitting the stop around a train departure.

The park is open sunrise to sunset unless otherwise posted, while the published historic office schedule is Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Grounds and trails can still support an outdoor visit outside the staffed window, but no building interior or tour is guaranteed. The official page documents three miles of paved and unpaved trails and restrooms at both entrance areas; it does not promise a completely accessible route through every historic building or trail segment.

What stands out

Walk a restored 1930s farm

Use the farmhouse, barn, blacksmith shed, carriage house and tenant house to compare agricultural history with the museum's industrial story.

Choose paved or unpaved trails

Build a short outdoor break from three miles of paths, while matching the route to weather and group mobility.

Bring a picnic

Use published pavilions, grills and open grounds for a meal break before or after the train museum.

Plan the correct entrance

Use 3251 McDaniel Road for farm history and 3020 McDaniel Road for the playground and dog park.

Pair it with the train

Why it belongs in a Southeastern Railway Museum trip

This is the closest substantial independent companion. It trades the first-ranked caboose's direct rail theme for a flexible historic landscape, picnic stop and trail break only about 2.1 miles straight-line from the museum. Allow 60-120 minutes and choose an entrance before leaving the railroad.

Before you go

Plan your visit

  • DistanceAbout 2.1 miles straight-line southwest of Southeastern Railway Museum; separate road travel required
  • Historic entrance3251 McDaniel Road for the farmstead, furnished farmhouse, barn, outbuildings and historic-program area
  • Park entrance3020 McDaniel Road for the playground, dog park, rustic pavilion and connected trails
  • Park hoursSunrise to sunset unless otherwise posted
  • Historic officeSaturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; call 770-904-3500 for current historic programs or building access
  • TrailsThree miles of paved and unpaved paths; surface and route vary
  • AmenitiesPicnic areas, pavilions, grills, restrooms, playground, dog park and preserved farm structures
  • AccessibilityPaved segments exist, but no complete accessible historic-building and trail circuit is published; call about the intended route
  • WeatherMost of the experience is outdoors; heat, rain and trail conditions can materially change the visit
  • Time budgetAllow 60-120 minutes for the farmstead and a short trail or picnic, plus separate travel from the museum

Keep the day train-first

Add Suwanee Caboose and Old Town

See a static 1950 caboose and the railroad-rooted Old Town district about 6.5 miles straight-line from the museum.

View the guide →

Useful answers

Frequently asked questions

Which entrance should train visitors use?

Use 3251 McDaniel Road for the historic farmstead. Use 3020 McDaniel Road for the playground, dog park and park-side trail access.

What are the current hours?

The park is open sunrise to sunset unless posted otherwise. The official historic office schedule is Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; building and tour access is not guaranteed outside it.

How far is McDaniel Farm Park from the museum?

The historic farm area is about 2.1 miles straight-line southwest of Southeastern Railway Museum. Treat it as a separate drive, not a walking claim.

Are all trails paved and wheelchair-accessible?

No. The official page lists both paved and unpaved trails. No complete accessible circuit is promised, so call about the intended route and historic-building access.

Are restrooms and picnic facilities available?

Yes. The county lists restrooms at both entrance areas plus pavilions, grills and picnic uses. Current closures or reservations can still affect specific facilities.

Can visitors tour the farmhouse?

The county lists a furnished farmhouse, tours and Saturday office hours, but it does not guarantee a tour on every visit. Call 770-904-3500 before building the trip around interior access.

How much time should families allow?

Allow 60-120 minutes for the farmstead, a short trail or a picnic, plus driving. Protect the railroad's conditional ride window if visiting first.

Trust and accuracy

Sources

Source checked 2026-08-15. This free guide has not yet been confirmed by the venue. Current hours, prices, services, and accessibility can change; confirm time-sensitive details directly.