Things to do in Kennesaw, Georgia
- Kennesaw is one of the few cities in the United States with a local ordinance that effectively mandates heads of households to maintain a firearm.
- The city was originally known as Big Shanty, named after the temporary shacks built by workers during the construction of the Western and Atlantic Railroad.
- During the Civil War, Kennesaw served as the site of the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain, a major Confederate tactical victory during the Atlanta Campaign.
- The city's rapid growth in the 20th century was significantly influenced by the establishment and expansion of Kennesaw State University.
About Kennesaw, Georgia
Kennesaw is a historic Georgia city located northwest of Atlanta, shaped by its pivotal role during the American Civil War and the Great Locomotive Chase. The city balances its railroad heritage with modern community infrastructure, anchored by the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History. Outdoor enthusiasts frequently visit the extensive facilities at Swift Cantrell Park and Noonday Park. It also serves as an academic and cultural hub, hosting events at Fifth Third Stadium and educational programming at the Museum of History and Holocaust Education.
Highlights of Kennesaw, Georgia
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Parks
This expansive public park features a massive skate park, splash pads, and extensive paved walking trails.
Museums
The museum houses the General, the famous locomotive stolen during the Great Locomotive Chase of 1862.
Museums
This institution focuses on preserving the history of the Holocaust through archival collections and community educational programs.
Venues
This multi-purpose venue serves as the primary home for collegiate sports and large-scale regional outdoor events.
Parks
It offers significant green space with dedicated sports fields and trail connectivity for local recreation.
Amusement parks
The indoor facility provides climate-controlled active entertainment with wall-to-wall trampolines and foam pits.
Venues
This popular annual community event celebrates regional culinary traditions with live music and competitive barbecue cook-offs.
Museums
Visitors can view curated fine art collections focusing on contemporary realistic paintings and portraiture.
Top things to do in Kennesaw, Georgia
The 58 highest-rated places in Kennesaw, Georgia, ranked by travellers.
1
Parks
Red Top Mountain State Park is located on the shores of Lake Allatoona, a 12,000-acre reservoir. The park is named after...
2
Parks
Swift Cantrell Park is Kennesaw's largest municipal park, spanning 42 acres. It features a specialized splash pad design...
3
Parks
Olde Rope Mill Park is a 27-acre park located at the confluence of the Little River and Noonday Creek in Woodstock, Geor...
4
Museums
The Booth Western Art Museum is the largest permanent exhibition space for Western American art in the United States. It...
5
Amusement parks
Sky Zone Kennesaw is a large-scale indoor active play facility featuring wall-to-wall trampolines, foam pits, and specia...
6
Museums
Tellus Science Museum is a 125,000-square-foot facility located in Cartersville, Georgia, affiliated with the Smithsonia...
7
Parks
Etowah Indian Mounds State Historic Site preserves a major Mississippian culture settlement occupied from approximately...
8
Parks
Lost Mountain Park is a 130-acre community hub in Cobb County, Georgia, primarily designed for youth and adult athletics...
9
Museums
The Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History serves as a Smithsonian Affiliate focused on the American Civil...
10
Natural attractions
The Pine Mountain Trail, West, located in Cartersville, Georgia, provides a direct ascent to the summit of Pine Mountain...
11
Parks
Dupree Park is a 90-acre recreational site in Woodstock, Georgia, known for its extensive athletic facilities and wildli...
12
Parks
Allatoona Creek Park is a prominent mountain biking destination in Acworth, Georgia, managed by Cobb County. It features...
13
Amusement parks
Mountasia is a long-standing outdoor entertainment venue located on Ernest W. Barrett Parkway in Marietta. The facility...
14
Parks
Patriots Park is a 34-acre multi-purpose recreational facility located in Acworth, Georgia, operated by the Cherokee Cou...
15
Parks
Ben Hill Strickland Sr Memorial Park is a community recreation space located in downtown Hiram, Georgia. The park featur...
16
Parks
Noonday Park is a sprawling recreational facility in Kennesaw, Georgia, noted for its extensive multi-purpose athletic f...
17
Venues
Fifth Third Stadium is an 8,300-seat multi-purpose venue located on the Kennesaw State University campus in Kennesaw, Ge...
18
Parks
Mt Tabor Park is a sprawling recreational complex in Dallas, Georgia, featuring a dense network of multi-use trails and...
19
Parks
Adams Park serves as a central recreational hub in Kennesaw, Georgia, featuring a wide array of athletic facilities. The...
20
Parks
Cobb County Kennworth Park is a community recreation space situated in Acworth, Georgia, primarily serving local sports...
21
Parks
Smith-Gilbert Gardens is a 17-acre botanical site featuring a significant collection of over 3,000 species of plants and...
22
Parks
Hubert Park is a 13-acre community park located in Acworth, Georgia, managed by the Cobb County Parks Department. The si...
23
Parks
Boling Park serves as a central recreational hub in Canton, Georgia, offering a blend of maintained athletic facilities...
24
Parks
The Park at City Center is a central green space located in the historic downtown area of Woodstock, Georgia. It functio...
25
Parks
Big Shanty Park is a multi-use community facility in Kennesaw, Georgia, managed by Cobb County Parks. The park features...
26
Parks
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Parks
28
Museums
29
Venues
30
Museums
Around Kennesaw, Georgia
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Kennesaw, Georgia on the map
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Plan your visit to Kennesaw, Georgia
Spring (April-May) and Fall (October-November) offer moderate temperatures, avoiding the intense humidity and heat of the Georgia summer.
2-3 days, providing sufficient time for regional history museums and the city's expansive park system.
A personal vehicle is necessary as the city is spread out and lacks a high-frequency public transit network.
The downtown Kennesaw area offers proximity to historic sites, while areas near the I-75 corridor provide convenient access to major amenities and hotels.
Mid-range; lodging and dining costs are generally consistent with suburban Atlanta pricing.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 58 curated attractions in and around Kennesaw, Georgia, ranked by traveller ratings.
Red Top Mountain State Park is the highest-rated place to visit in Kennesaw, Georgia right now.
The largest category is parks, with 30 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Downtown Los Angeles, Bayonne, New Jersey, Washington, D.C..
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