Attractions

Whether you stay for a day or an extended getaway, Cartersville has a wealth of sites and attractions. Here’s a glimpse of the distinctive attractions you might see in Cartersville, including Smithsonian Affiliate Museums, National Register Historic Districts, and Only-in-Cartersville originals.

Must-See Museums

History comes alive in Cartersville with museums, restored Victorian-era homes, and a vibrant shopping and dining district downtown. Be sure to see:

  • Booth Western Art Museum – See the nation’s largest permanent exhibition of Western art plus a unique gallery of a hand-signed letter from every U.S. President. Smithsonian Affiliate
  • Tellus Science Museum – A super, kid-friendly museum showcasing the Weinman Mineral Gallery, gigantic dinosaurs, early marvels of transportation and replicas of today’s space exploration. Hands-on activities include gem panning, fossil digs, and thrilling planetarium shows.
  • Rose Lawn Museum – Tour the restored Victorian home of Reverend Samuel Porter Jones, who inspired the construction of Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. Stunning architecture, furnishings and personal treasures tell the story of Jones’ legacy of faith and its impact on our nation. The museum also hosts the Annual Arts Festival at Rose Lawn, in September, and May Market each spring.
  • Etowah Indian Mounds State Historic Site – For a look further back in history, you might take a journey to the Etowah Indian Mounds State Historic Site, which was the prehistoric home to several thousand Native Americans.
  • Bartow History Museum – At the Bartow History museum in downtown Cartersville, you can experience the history of Northwest Georgia’s industrial, agricultural, and cultural heritage at the site of the 1869 Courthouse.

Sightseeing

There are many only-in-Cartersville originals that you will want to add to your scrapbook. Be sure to take a snapshot at the World’s First Coca-Cola Outdoor Wall Advertisement, then head west to Euharlee Covered Bridge – one of Georgia’s oldest. Find rusty gold and a photographer’s paradise at Old Car City USA displaying 4,000+ classic cars, Styrofoam cup art, and Elvis Presley’s last ride. Civil War enthusiasts will want to see the Cartersville Depot where telegraph lines were cut prior to Sherman’s March to the Sea. Plus, you can track the infamous Great Locomotive Chase stop-by-stop at five unique historic sites spanning 35 miles. And, take a selfie with the largest camel herd in Georgia at Pettit Creek Farms.

Live Entertainment

When you want to kick back and relax for an afternoon or evening show, catch a performance at Cartersville Grand Theatre, or see The Pumphouse Players onstage at The Legion Theatre. In addition to delicious food, many Cartersville pubs serve fun-filled nights with up-and-coming regional musicians.