Last Updated on November 6, 2024 by Kimberly Stroh
Situated between Chattanooga and Atlanta, Cartersville, Georgia is the perfect midway point between the two cities that serves as a respite from the daunting traffic of I-75. While it’s truly a great stop along a Georgia-Tennessee road trip, it’s grown into a shining destination. Nicknamed “Museum City,” Cartersville is a North Georgia city that’s worthy of its own itinerary because it houses three world-class museums.
Just driving along the interstate, you’d never suspect that Cartersville houses a Tyrannosaurus Rex fossil, vintage cars or dozens of art collections. Cartersville is home to The Tellus Science Museum, the Savoy Automobile Museum, and the Booth Western Art Museum.
I recommend a Cartersville itinerary that includes all three, but there are definitely some that are more fitting to different ages of kids. So which ones do you prioritize when visiting Museum City? As a mom of three boys, whose ages range from toddler to tween, here are the differences between the Cartersville, Georgia museums.
The Tellus Science Museum
Of all the Cartersville museums, the Tellus Science Museum takes the cake as the most kid-friendly for little ones. From larger-than-life dinosaur fossils to interactive STEM kids exhibits, it’s a great destination for families with younger children. Unfortunately, those offerings also make it popular choice for local school field trips, so consider a weekend visit and arriving early.
The Fossil Gallery is home to a Tyrannosaurus Rex fossil (named Stan) and it’s one of the more popular exhibits amongst all ages of kids. Toddlers can get hands-on in the “My Big Backyard” exhibit which is designed with the younger ones in mind, and it’s always changing with rotating exhibits. The Mineral Gallery showcases rocks, gems, and minerals that are local to the SouthEast U.S. and that exhibit has some hands-on areas, but is of more interest to teens.
There’s also a planetarium, a fossil dig play area, and a gem mining experience. Overall, the Tellus Science Museum wins my vote as the most kid-friendly for toddlers to teens. You’ll see many parents with babies and toddlers enjoying their visit. They’ve got something for everyone to enjoy. Plus, it’s located directly off of I-75. I’m an advocate for seeing more of Cartersville, but if you can only pick one stop, the Tellus is a must-do.
Booth Western Art Museum
At first glance, it’s easy to assume the Booth Western Art Museum isn’t for kids, but they actually offer so much for families to enjoy. Considered one of the most premier museums in the SouthEast, the Booth combines American history with Western art. It’s home to home to a remarkable collection of Western art, with over 1200 works spanning paintings, sculptures, and photography.
It showcases pieces from iconic artists like Frederic Remington, Charles Marion Russell, and contemporary Western artists. The museum’s collection paints a vivid picture of the American West, from its exploration and settlement to the native cultures, wildlife, and landscapes that define the region.
In the basement of The Booth Museum, kids can get hands-on with a large play area. All three of my kids, with a ten year age span, were mesmerized for hours. They were quick to walk through the art galleries, but the kid’s play area won their hearts. There are 10 hands-on stations that include everything from riding in a stage coach, to cowboy attire for play dress up, and even practice for saddling a horse.
The Booth also curates a fantastic event calendar with engaging family-friendly activities occurring regularly. West Fest is the museum’s most popular festival. Guests will see demonstrations such as pottery making, chuck wagon cooking, blacksmithing and more. Plus, there are Native American performances that bring art to life. West Fest happens every October.
Between the family programming and kids area, there’s plenty for families to enjoy at Booth. Grade school kids, especially those learning about Native American history in school will truly appreciate the museum’s offerings. The Booth is a win for both adults and children.
Savoy Automobile Museum
The most recent addition to the family of Cartersville Museums is the Savoy Automobile Museum. GearHeads will love gawking at the vintage car collections, race cars, and automotive history that comes through the Savoy. When you walk into the museum, you’re blown away by the color paint, fine lines and even the scent of the rubber. The exhibits rotate, so there’s always something to look forward to and they keep the event calendar full.
Tweens and teens can truly appreciate the automobile beauty at the Savoy. It’s easy to appreciate history, art and technology when you’re admiring each showroom. Despite all there is to enjoy, the Savoy isn’t my top pick for young kids. What makes the Savoy so neat is how close you can get to the cars, to really admire all of the details. However, that makes it difficult for young kids who want to touch. Save the Savoy for tweens and teens, unless there’s a family-friendly calendar event to attend.
Can You Visit All The Cartersville Museums In One Day?
If you’ve got a one-day itinerary in Cartersville, you can certainly visit all three museums in a day. I recommend starting your day at the museum you think is best for your kid’s ages. Most likely, that will be the one your family spends the most time at. As of 2024, there’s no group discount for visiting all three of the Cartersville museums. Stop by the Only In Cartersville Barrow visitors center for more ideas of things to do in the area and, potentially, coupons to visit the museums.