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Kennesaw is a city of about 34,000 people in Cobb County, about 25 miles northwest of downtown Atlanta, beside the mountain that gives it its name. It began as Big Shanty, a railroad camp on the Western and Atlantic line, and it became famous in 1862 for the Great Locomotive Chase, when Union raiders stole the locomotive General here and were chased north by Confederate railroaders.
The Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History displays the General itself, along with exhibits on the railroad and the war. The historic downtown, with its depot, small shops and Depot Park, keeps the feel of an old railroad town, and the city's Smith-Gilbert Gardens is a hidden gem of sculpture, bonsai and woodland plantings around an 1840s house. Swift-Cantrell Park and Adams Park offer trails, playgrounds and sports.
Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, on the city's edge, preserves the site of the 1864 battle, with miles of hiking trails and a summit road with wide views over the Atlanta skyline. Kennesaw State University, one of Georgia's largest universities, has its main campus here, and Town Center at Cobb and the Noonday Creek Trail are close by.
The Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History, a Smithsonian affiliate in downtown Kennesaw, is home to The General, the locomotive stolen in the 1862 Great Locomotive Chase. Exhibits also cover railroads, the Civil War and a recreated locomotive factory. Allow about two hours.
The Zuckerman Museum of Art on the Kennesaw State University campus shows contemporary art exhibitions alongside works from the university's collection, including sculpture by Ruth Zuckerman. Admission is free. Check the exhibition schedule and park in the nearby visitor deck on campus.
Historic Downtown Kennesaw grew around the railroad at a stop once known as Big Shanty, and keeps a small-town main street with shops, restaurants and the Southern Museum. Trains still pass through the center. Walk Main Street, watch the freight trains and visit the depot park next to the tracks.
Kennesaw State University is one of Georgia's largest universities, with a modern campus, a football stadium for the Owls, art galleries and performance halls. Visitors can attend games, concerts and exhibitions. Check event calendars, and use visitor parking decks, which are well signposted on campus.
Depot Park is a small downtown park in Kennesaw beside the railroad tracks, with lawns, a stage and seating used for concerts, movies and festivals. Freight trains pass close by, which children love. Check the city calendar for free summer events, and bring a blanket for evening concerts.
Smith-Gilbert Gardens is a botanical garden around a historic 1880s house in Kennesaw, with themed gardens, a bonsai collection, a waterfall, sculpture and seasonal blooms. Paths wind through a woodland setting. Visit in spring for camellias and azaleas, and allow about an hour for a relaxed walk.
The Noonday Creek Trail is a paved multi-use trail following Noonday Creek through woods and wetlands, connecting Kennesaw with neighboring areas and parks. It is popular with walkers, runners and cyclists. Shaded sections make it pleasant in summer; start at a trailhead with parking and restrooms.
Swift-Cantrell Park is one of Kennesaw's most popular parks, with a large playground, a splash area, dog parks, sports fields and walking trails. It is busy with families on weekends. Bring swimwear for the splash pad in summer, and arrive early on nice days to find parking near the playground.
Adams Park is a Kennesaw city park with baseball fields, tennis courts, a playground and picnic areas, hosting youth sports throughout the year. It is a convenient spot for families with active kids. Check the sports schedule if you want to avoid busy game days, when parking fills up quickly.
Town Center at Cobb is a large indoor shopping mall in Kennesaw with department stores, national retailers and a food court, surrounded by many restaurants along Barrett Parkway. It is the main shopping area for the north Cobb region. Visit on weekdays to avoid the heaviest crowds and traffic.
The Big Shanty Festival is a spring festival in downtown Kennesaw, named for the town's original railroad name, with arts and crafts vendors, food, live music and children's activities. It is one of the area's longest-running festivals. Arrive early for parking and expect road closures in the downtown area.
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