Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Calhoun, GA

  • Published 2022/08/20

Calhoun is a thriving city in Gordon County, Georgia.

As the county seat, it’s home to several businesses and historical sites.

The city’s 16,949 residents enjoy various amenities, including several parks, playgrounds, and recreational facilities.

There are also several things to do in Calhoun for those who want both indoors and outdoor activities.

Calhoun prides itself on its rich history, evident in its many historical sites and landmarks.

The city is also home to several museums, art galleries, and theaters.

With all the attractions and activities available, finding out what to do in Calhoun could be tricky.

Narrow down your options using this list of the 15 best things to do in Calhoun, Georgia.

Explore the Rock Garden

Castle and cathedral made out of rocks at The Rock Garden

Mcneda, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Rock Garden is easily the most famous tourist attraction in Calhoun.

This extraordinary garden features more than 50 miniature castles, churches, historic buildings, and other intricate structures.

Each miniature structure comprises tiny rocks, shells, pebbles, broken glass, and other repurposed craft materials.

The creativity and detail that went into making each piece are impressive.

Strolling through this wondrous garden is like stepping into a fairytale.

Visitors will marvel at the effort and imagination that went into every structure.

You can also spot iconic structures such as the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, the Colosseum in Rome, and even the White House.

The lovely flowers and plants surrounding the entire garden complement the overall atmosphere.

The Rock Garden is a truly magical place, which you shouldn’t miss in Calhoun.

Watch a Practice Game at the Calhoun Practice Field

It might look like an old practice field from the outside, but the Calhoun Practice Field is an iconic and historic site.

The City of Calhoun played its first football game on this field.

If you’re a fan of soccer, visit the Calhoun Practice Field for a glimpse of the local talent and see how Georgia plays the game.

The field is also great for watching other sports, such as baseball and softball.

This beloved community field is great for watching a game or enjoying the outdoors.

You can even participate by playing some games with the locals and other visitors.

The local government hosts games and tournaments throughout the year, so check the schedule before you visit.

See a Classic Performance at the Gem Theatre

The Gem Theatre is one of downtown Calhoun’s most iconic and historic buildings.

The theatre opened its doors in 1925, becoming a staple of the local community.

This historic theatre has seen a lot of iconic performances and movies over the years.

It even hosted the world premiere of “Gone with the Wind.”

The theater underwent numerous renovations throughout the years, but it still retains its classic charm.

Today, the Gem Theatre is still Calhoun’s go-to venue for entertainment.

The Gem Theatre features live performances, which include music, theatre, and dance.

Likewise, the Gem screens several films, making it a great place to catch a classic movie.

The Gem Theatre is a must-visit for anyone interested in the arts.

It’s also a great place to learn about the history of Calhoun and see one of the city’s most iconic buildings.

Appreciate Local Art at the Harris Arts Center

The Harris Arts Center is one of Calhoun’s best places to appreciate local art.

The center is home to several galleries and an art school.

The Gordon Calhoun Arts Council runs and manages the Harris Arts Center.

The council promotes and supports the arts in the local community.

Built in the early 1900s, theHarris Arts Center was formerly the Rooker Hotel.

In 1997, the city converted the hotel building into the Harris Arts Center.

The Harris Arts Center is also home to the Roland Hayes Museum.

The museum showcases the life and work of Roland Hayes, a world-renowned singer and one of Calhoun’s most famous residents.

The Harris Arts Center is a great place to appreciate local art and learn about one of the most famous people in the city’s history.

Take Your Aches Away at the Calhoun Spine Care and Wellness Center

The Calhoun Spine Care and Wellness Center is the city’s local chiropractic clinic.

The clinic aims to help people improve their health and wellbeing through chiropractic care.

A group of experienced and certified medical professionals run and manage the Calhoun Spine Care and Wellness Center.

Its lead chiropractor is Dr. Blake.

The clinic offers various services, including spinal adjustments, massages, and nutritional counseling.

They also partnered with other clinics to host various health and wellness programs.

For example, you can try the 8 Weeks To Wellness program to optimize your daily nutrition, exercise, and body care.

If you want to improve your well-being, the Calhoun Spine Care and Wellness Center is the best place for you.

Go Shopping at the Calhoun Outlet Marketplace

The Calhoun Outlet Marketplace is an outlet mall and one of the City’s prime shopping destinations.

The mall is home to several stores, including brand name outlets and local businesses that sell various goods and services.

The Calhoun Outlet Marketplace is perfect for great clothing, shoes, and accessories deals.

They even offer discounts and promos throughout the year!

If you’ve finished your shopping spree and want to sit back and relax, you can also find various restaurants and cafes in the mall.

Whether you’re looking to shop for souvenirs or items to bring home, shop to your hearts’ content at the Calhoun Outlet Marketplace.

Visit the New Echota State Historic Site

Wooden house at New Echota State Historic Site

Jeffrey M. Frank / Shutterstock.com

New Echota was the capital of the Cherokee Nation from 1825 to their forced removal in 1838.

Today, the New Echota State Historic Site is a reminder of the rich culture and history of the Cherokee people.

The site also includes an on-site visitor center with exhibits on Cherokee life, culture, and history.

You can also explore several restored buildings, including a Cherokee council house, a Supreme Court building, and homes.

One of the most popular attractions at the New Echota State Historic Site is the Cherokee Print Shop.

This site is also where they printed the first Cherokee newspaper, the Cherokee Phoenix.

A house at New Echota State Historic Site

Jeffrey M. Frank / Shutterstock.com

Today, the museum has restored the print shop to its original condition and is now a working museum.

Visitors can see how they printed the paper and learn about its role in the Cherokee Nation.

Check out the New Echota State Historic Site to learn more about the Cherokee people.

Council house at New Echota State Historic Site

Jeffrey M. Frank / Shutterstock.com

See Drag Race Action at the Paradise Drag Strip

The Paradise Drag Strip is one of Calhoun’s most popular tourist attractions.

See professional drag racers compete and showcase their skills.

Built in 1961, the Paradise Drag Strip was once a massive cotton field.

When the cotton business died, they converted the field into a racetrack.

The Drag Strip has seen many changes and events, but it remains one of Calhoun’s most popular tourist attractions.

This track is also home to the annual Calhoun County Drag Race, one of the city’s most popular events.

Watch drag race action at the Paradise Drag Strip if you’re looking for a thrilling and adrenaline-pumping experience.

Races open every Sunday, so check the schedule before you go.

You can even participate in the races if you have a dragster!

Bring your ride to the strip and compete with some locals.

Explore Copper Creek Farm

Besides being a beautiful Calhoun farm, the Copper Creek Farm is also an amusement center filled with fun and exciting visitor activities.

The annual Georgia Sunflower Festival happens here.

The festival celebrates all things related to sunflowers.

You can find different kinds of sunflower-themed merchandise and various food and drinks.

The Copper Creek Farm is also home to a giant corn maze, covering 10 acres, one of the biggest in Georgia.

It opens from September to November.

There are also themed mazes like the haunted maze, famous during Halloween.

On an ordinary day, you can also take tours around the pumpkin patch, go fishing, and even play miniature golf.

If you’re looking for a fun and festive place to visit, then go to the Copper Creek Farm.

There are loads of fun activities you can enjoy with friends and family.

Play Golf at the Calhoun Elks Lodge & Golf Club

The Calhoun Elks Lodge & Golf Club is one of the best places to play golf in Calhoun.

It is a private club that offers a challenging and picturesque 18-hole golf course.

The course is open to the public, but you must secure membership if you want to play.

However, the fee is worth it since you’ll get access to state-of-the-art facilities and discounts on green fees.

In addition to the golf course, the Calhoun Elks Lodge & Golf Club has a clubhouse, a swimming pool, a tennis court, and a fitness center.

You can also enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant after a round of golf.

There’s also a pro shop selling golf equipment and apparel.

The Calhoun Elks Lodge & Golf Club is perfect if you want to play some golf while on vacation.

Join Calhoun’s Active Sports Scene at Gordon County Parks & Recreation

The Gordon County Parks & Recreation is a massive 79-acre park that features some of the City’s well-loved sports.

This park features six tennis courts, two full-sized soccer fields, four lighted baseball fields, and a full-sized football field.

Likewise, it has two playgrounds, two basketball court gymnasiums, a skate park, picnic areas, and a community center.

The best time to visit the park is on the weekends.

Everyone in the community gets together to play different sports and have a great time.

It’s safe to say this park has everything you need for a fun and active day out.

You can play tennis, go for a jog or walk on the beautiful nature trails, have a picnic, or play basketball.

The Gordon County Parks & Recreation is the perfect place to get your daily dose of exercise.

It’s also ideal for meeting and making friends with the friendly locals.

Visit the Historic Calhoun Depot

Exterior of the Calhoun Depot

Amesmultimedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Before it became a famous community center for hosting birthdays and parties, the Calhoun Depot was once a thriving train station.

Built in the late 1800s, the depot was a significant stop on the Southern Railway.

The Calhoun Depot played a vital role in the development of the local economy.

When the railroad stopped running through Calhoun, they also abandoned the depot.

Recently, the depot underwent restoration into a tourist attraction and an event venue.

The Depot is now a famous community center and event space that can accommodate up to 100 people.

It’s also home to the Calhoun Visitors Center, a great place to learn about the city and its history.

The Calhoun Depot is an essential building steeped in history.

It’s a must-visit for anyone interested in learning about the city’s past and present.

Other Things to Do Nearby

Visit the Chief Vann Historic Site

Exterior of Chief Vann Historic Site house

Thomson200, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Chief Vann Historic Site is a famous building near Chatsworth, Georgia.

The house is the first brick home in the Cherokee Nation.

The site includes a visitor center with exhibits on the history of the house and the Cherokee Nation.

You can also explore the place and see the beautiful architecture.

Interior of Chief Vann Historic Site house

Thomson200, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

If you’re interested in learning more about Cherokee history, the Chief Vann Historic Site is a must-visit.

You can find the site in Chatsworth, Georgia, 28 minutes from Calhoun.

View of Chief Vann Historic Site house and its detached kitchen

Thomson200, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Explore the Resaca Battlefield Historic Site

The Battle of Resaca was part of the Union Army’s Atlanta Campaign during the Civil War.

It was one of the war’s bloodiest battles, with more than 5,500 casualties.

Today, the Resaca Battlefield Historic Site is a reminder of this critical moment in American history.

The site includes exhibits on the battle and the Civil War.

You can also explore the battlefield, see where the fighting occurred, and learn about the tactics used.

The Resaca Battlefield Historic Site is a great place to learn about the history of the Civil War and the Battle of Resaca.

It’s also a beautiful exploring place, with hiking trails, a lake, and picnic areas.

If you’re interested in American history or the Civil War, the Resaca Battlefield Historic Site is a must-visit.

You can find this site in Resaca, Georgia, 13 minutes from Calhoun.

Have a Fun Time at Dalton Falls Fun Center

The Dalton Falls Fun Center is the perfect place to spend a day with family and friends.

The center has an indoor heated pool, a waterslide, a kiddie pool, a game room, and a snack bar.

You can also enjoy some time outdoors on the mini golf course or the playground.

Otherwise, you can go for a walk or run on the nature trails.

The Dalton Falls Fun Center is perfect for fun and relaxation.

It’s also a great place to break a sweat and exercise.

Find them in Dalton, Georgia, 27 minutes from Calhoun.

Final Thoughts

From historic sites to outdoor recreation, there’s plenty to do in Calhoun, Georgia.

Whether you’re looking to learn about history, play some sports, or have some fun outdoors, Calhoun is the perfect place for you.

Plan your trip today and discover the best things to do in Calhoun!

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