15 Best Things to Do in Bartow County, GA

Bartow County is nestled in the northwestern part of Georgia, with Cartersville as the county's seat.

The population in Bartow County reached 108,901 as per the 2010 census.

Its total land area comprises 460 square miles of land and 11 square miles of water.

Some parts of this county were from the Cherokee territory and were initially called Cass County.

It was renamed its current name on December 6, 1861, after Francis S. Bartow.

Decades have passed, and Bartow County transformed into an area famous for award-winning museums and must-see landmarks.

It is also composed of rural communities and suburban neighborhoods.

But this county has so much more to offer aside from these.

If you're planning to visit this area, come and check out these best things to do in Bartow County, Georgia.

Learn History and Science at Tellus Science Museum

Tellus Science Museum is situated on Tellus Drive, Cartersville.

This 120,000-square-foot museum features four main galleries where you can gain vast information about natural history and science.

Check out The Fossil Gallery, The Weinman Mineral Gallery, The Collins Family My Big Backyard, and Science in Motion.

Tellus Science Museum is also home to a 120-seater digital planetarium.

You can also use the state-of-the-art 20-inch telescope located at the museum's observatory.

Tellus Science Museum also boasts a magnificent 80-foot-long Brontosaurus and a replica of the Wright flyer.

This attraction is perfect for people of all ages and interests.

Your little ones will have a fun time participating in hands-on experiments which involve magnets, lights, sounds, and more.

If you're a geology enthusiast, this museum also has something for you.

Have Fun at Lakepoint Station

Lakepoint Station is located on Southeast Old Allatoona Road in Cartersville.

It features a variety of attractions perfect for all ages.

From Laser Tag, 45-hole miniature golf, Clip'n Climb, 50 arcade games, and more, you'll never run out of fun things to do in this attraction.

If you ever feel hungry while playing, you can grab a bite at St. Angelo’s Pizza, a family-owned pizza restaurant within Lakepoint Station.

It serves all-time favorites like paninis, subs, wraps, salads, wings, pasta, and of course, pizza.

Lakepoint Station also has a bowling alley, roller bowl, and gem mining attraction.

It can also be the location for big events, such as birthdays, bachelorettes, or corporate parties.

Dine inside an Igloo at Big Door Vineyards

Big Door Vineyards is nestled on Clearwater Trail in White.

This vineyard is famous for its incredible selection of wines.

You'll enjoy an afternoon session of wine tasting of carefully crafted and top-notch wines here.

Big Door Vineyards also has an exciting menu that includes charcuterie boards, sandwiches, cheeses, hummus, and other snacks that perfectly accompany their wines.

But one thing that sets this vineyard apart from others is its igloo rentals, where you can experience a romantic and intimate dining experience inside an igloo on the lawn.

This comes with two bottles of wine and a large charcuterie board.

Big Door Vineyards also has live music entertainment on certain days of the week.

Visit the Euharlee Creek Covered Bridge

Euharlee Creek Covered Bridge is located on Covered Bridge Road in Euharlee.

It is also known as the Euharlee Creek Covered Bridge or the Lowry Bridge.

Washington W. King built the bridge in 1886.

It measures 137.6 feet long by 16.35 feet wide.

You'll easily recognize this bridge through its Town's Lattice woods that goes over Euharlee Creek.

This bridge was constructed adjacent to the ruins of an old mill which was once owned by Daniel Lowry.

He used to own most of the properties surrounding the location of the bridge.

There is also a museum beside Euharlee Creek Covered Bridge which you can visit.

Play Sports at Manning Mill Park

Manning Mill Park is situated on Manning Mill Road in Adairsville.

If you want to play sports with friends and family, this park is right for you.

Manning Mill Park features five lighted baseball/softball fields, a lighted baseball field, a youth playground area, three lighted tennis courts, and a pickleball court.

You can also run or bike on its 1.4-mile lighted walking trail, where you'll be surrounded by big trees and relaxing scenery.

Manning Mill Park also has a five-acre lake.

You can bring your food to the park and reserve its large picnic shelter.

Marvel at the Car Collections in Old Car City

Old Car City is the world's largest known classic car junkyard on Northeast Highway 411, White.

It started as a humble general store in 1931.

Old Car City is also known for its beautiful vegetation that intertwines with thousands of old and classic cars.

This attraction measures 34 acres and houses more than 4,000 American-made cars, which can be traced back to the early 20th century.

Among the cars you'll get to see here are vans, trucks, and school buses.

Due to its unique look and atmosphere, Old Car City is a popular destination for photographers, videographers, and advertising companies.

Several media outlets have visited Old Car City to feature its interesting collection.

Try Extreme Hiking at Pine Log Creek Walking Trail

Pine Log Creek Walking Trail is located on GA-140 in Rydal.

This hidden gem offers a 4.7-mile trail that goes along some of the most jaw-dropping parts of Pine Log Mountain.

You'll feel as if you're in a different world while on this trail due to its big and lush trees.

Pine Log Creek Walking Trail also boasts a 240-acre green space where you can relax and appreciate the surroundings.

Bartow County owns this green oasis.

Pine Log Creek Walking Trail is also recommended for extreme hiking enthusiasts since some parts of this trail require moderate to extreme hiking skills.

A hike on this trail usually takes three to four hours.

Take a Side Trip to Cooper’s Furnace Day Use Area

Cooper’s Furnace Day Use Area is an outdoor destination located on Southeast Old River Road in Cartersville.

An 1800s iron furnace located within the park serves as the area's landmark.

It is also perfectly situated on the Etowah River, which provides a more relaxing atmosphere to the area.

Cooper’s Furnace Day Use Area is best enjoyed in the mornings and afternoons.

It is also suited for picnicking and hiking.

Cooper’s Furnace Day Use Area has two shelters accommodating up to 60 people.

There is also a fun and safe playground located between these two shelters.

Cooper’s Furnace Day Use Area has a horseshoe pit and a volleyball court.

Learn about History at Booth Western Art Museum

Booth Western Art Museum is nestled on Museum Drive in Cartersville.

This museum focuses on artifacts and displays the history of the Western United States.

This 120,000-square-foot museum will teach you about the country's history through interesting exhibits such as Contemporary Western art, Civil War art, and Presidential Gallery.

Your kids will have fun at the museum's Sagebrush Ranch, an interactive gallery designed for children.

Booth Western Art Museum also houses over 200 Native American artifacts.

Some of the artworks displayed here are creations of Charles M. Russell, George Catlin, and Frederic Remington.

Aside from galleries and exhibitions, Booth Western Art Museum also boasts a 250-seater banquet hall and a 140-seater theater suited for lectures and discussions.

Savor Southern-Style New American Fare at Appalachian Grill

Appalachian Grill has been serving exceptional food since 2001, located on East Church Street in Cartersville.

You'll love its chalet-type atmosphere accompanied by authentic bluegrass music.

Some of the Appalachian Grill dishes you shouldn't miss out on here are pecan-crusted chicken and smoky mountain trout.

Kentucky bourbon salmon, fried jumbo shrimp, and seafood pasta are customer favorites.

You can end your meal with a Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Noir.

Spend Some Time at Rose Lawn Museum

Rose Lawn Museum is on West Cherokee Avenue in Cartersville.

This museum was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.

Rose Lawn Museum is a restored Victorian Mansion that was transformed into a house museum open for all.

It used to be the home of renowned evangelist Samuel Porter Jones.

It now serves as home to some of the most beautiful collections from the Etowah Valley Historical Society and the United Daughters of The Confederacy.

Here, you can see antique furniture and other classic decorations.

Rose Lawn Museum also hosts various festivals that feature the artworks of local artists.

These art festivals include creations made from watercolors, oils, pastels, brass, glass, and wood.

See Cute Camels at Pettit Creek Farms

Pettit Creek Farms is on Cassville Road in Cartersville.

It serves as home to the largest camel herd in the state.

It measures 80 acres and has been owned by the Allen family since 1945.

Come and spend your day bonding with cute camels and other amazing creatures like zebras, giraffes, llamas, and more.

Pettit Creek Farms also provides a reindeer rental package where you can rent two reindeer for two hours along with an experienced handler.

This package is highly popular, especially during the Christmas season.

Revisit the Past at Etowah Indian Mounds State Historic Site

The Etowah Indian Mounds State Historic Site is a 54-acre archaeological site on Southeast Indian Mound Road in Cartersville.

This prehistoric site was built and occupied from 1000 A.D. to 1550 A.D. by thousands of Native Americans.

The Etowah Indian Mounds State Historic Site protects six earthen mounds, a village site, a plaza, a defensive ditch, and borrow pits.

If you're planning to visit this historic site, you'll need to follow a trail along the Etowah River.

From there, you'll get the chance to see a V-shaped fish trap used by the natives in catching fish.

This trail also shows how the native civilization utilized the surrounding native trees for food and medicine.

Etowah Indian Mounds State Historic Site also has a museum theater, gift shop, and picnic tables where you rest and grab a bite after hours of touring.

There are also riverside benches perfect for relaxation.

Buy Fresh Produce at Cartersville Farmers Market

Cartersville Farmers Market is situated on North Public Square, Cartersville.

This community market is where you can buy the freshest produce from local vendors and farmers.

Cartersville Farmers Market aims to bring locally grown fruits and vegetables to the community.

From apples, tomatoes, lettuces, jams, honey, nuts, cheeses, and more, Cartersville Farmers Market has everything you could ever need.

Live music performances are also available at Cartersville Farmers Market.

Beat the Heat at Dellinger Park

Dellinger Park is on Pine Grove Road in Cartersville.

It features a splash pad and pool with shelter where you and your whole family can relax and refresh from the blazing heat of the sun.

After swimming, you can also enjoy Dellinger Park's football field, tennis and basketball courts, softball field, track, and pickleball court.

It also has a playground for the kids.

If you're not in the mood for challenging physical activities, you can spend your time reading at this park's mobile book library.

Dellinger Park also has a braille trail for visually impaired family members who want to enjoy nature.

Once done with all these activities, you can all gather and enjoy some delicious food at Dellinger Park's pavilions and picnic tables.

Final Thoughts

Bartow County is blessed with several fun and exciting destinations.

From nature parks, museums, restaurants, and more, you will never run out of places to visit in this beautiful county.

On your next vacation, make sure to try all these best things to do in Bartow County, Georgia.