As an older millennial who enjoys a well-curated museum, I was pretty excited to visit Cartersville, aptly dubbed “The Museum City.” This adventure wasn’t just for me; my wife and our three teenage children joined in on the fun. Our day was packed with unforgettable museum visits and enriching experiences.
Our first stop was the Savoy Automobile Museum. This place is a car enthusiast’s dream, It felt almost like stepping into an art gallery. The exhibits were incredibly informative, making it easy to dive into the history of each car. From early race cars to 30s-50s classics, 80s muscle cars, and more, the vehicles were in pristine condition. Sharing core memories with my kids while checking out an 80s Oldsmobile Cutlass brought back fond memories. The chance to get up close and peek into the interiors of these magnificent machines was a highlight. The museum is manageable in about an hour and a half, which is perfect for keeping everyone interested without feeling rushed. Plus, with rotating exhibits, there’s always something new to see, making it a place worth revisiting. Insider tip…don’t leave without grabbing a bite “under the wheel” of the cafe, especially if you’re in the mood for a great chicken sandwich!
A short drive over, is the Tellus Science Museum, a Smithsonian affiliate and the next stop on our “Museum Day”. As a science and space enthusiast, this was the most anticipated part of the trip for me. Our experience began even before entering the building, with the outdoor Solar House exhibit, which teaches about solar energy. A museum guide shared a story about the wind turbine being struck by lightning recently, pointing out the remnants of the event.
Entering the museum your eyes can’t help but fixate on the massive dinosaur in the Macke Great Hall waiting to greet you. We decided to kick off our visit with the Bentley Planetarium, where we watched the show “Stars.” Experiencing a planetarium show for the first time was incredible—the feeling of being completely surrounded by the wonders of space was unforgettable. The Weinman Mineral Gallery was another hit, showcasing gems, archaeological artifacts, and minerals. Our family had a blast trying out the interactive seismic tool to see who could cause the biggest spike on the screen—never ones to miss a moment for a little competition.
The Fossil Gallery was equally impressive, featuring everything from small insect fossils to towering dinosaur skeletons, including a T-Rex and a Saber-tooth tiger. The 9-foot wide Megalodon jaw was particularly imposing, putting the colossal size of relic creatures into perspective.
Working in a science-based field made the Millar Science in Motion gallery particularly captivating. This exhibit, showcasing 100 years of transportation technology “from Kitty Hawk to the moon,” was especially engaging. The spacecraft section tied right into my love for space and science. Seeing the evolution of technology firsthand was truly fascinating.
Not surprisingly, our teenagers hit the ground running in the Collins Family My Big Backyard exhibit. They had a blast experimenting with magnets, electricity, sounds, and mirrors. I couldn’t resist joining in the fun—it’s hard not to get caught up in the excitement of this hands-on lab designed to make science fun. We spent about 2.5 hours in the museum, and we all left with big smiles on our faces.
Our final stop was a two-hour visit to the Booth Western Art Museum, another Smithsonian affiliate. The Booth Western Art Museum is a must-visit for anyone who appreciates cowboys and westerns. Visitors are greeted by beautiful statues in the Eldridge North Sculpture Court. For those interested in a deeper dive, docent-led tours are available to explore this area and the interior of the museum.
We started on the main floor in the American West Gallery, filled with traditional Western paintings and sculptures. I particularly enjoyed the Joyce & John Stevens Landscape and Wildlife Gallery, which featured one of my favorite pieces, “Canyon Passage” by Bill Hughes. The Red Bird Wagon display was also impressive.
The upper level featured the massive “Custer’s Last Rally” by John Mulvany, which captured my attention for quite a while due to its elaborate detail. Our family also enjoyed the Millar Presidential Gallery, which showcased letters from each president.
We wrapped up our visit with the special exhibit during the visit was “Georgia O’Keeffe, A Life Well Lived: Photographs by Malcolm Varon,” featuring 48 unpublished photographs that offered a rare glimpse into O’Keeffe’s life. The exhibit was truly captivating.
Overall, Cartersville definitely lives up to its reputation as Georgia’s Museum City. Each stop offered something different that kept all of us interested and entertained. As we were leaving, we were already talking about our next trip to revisit—there’s just so much to explore. And don’t skip the downtown area with its great shops, restaurants, and the busy train crossing. It’s definitely worth the trip!
