Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History

The Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History brings history to life with its star attraction,the actual General locomotive from the famous Great Locomotive Chase. Kids can explore interactive Civil War exhibits, climb aboard train cars, and participate in hands-on activities that make learning about the 1860s exciting and memorable for the whole family.

• ✓The famous General locomotive,the actual steam engine from the 1862 Great Locomotive Chase
• ✓Hands-on discovery room where kids can dress up in Civil War uniforms and handle replica artifacts
• ✓Interactive exhibits including telegraph stations and Civil War camp displays
• ✓Collection of historic train cars that children can board and explore
• ✓Documentary film about the Great Locomotive Chase that brings the dramatic story to life

1. 1.Visit on weekday mornings when school groups aren't scheduled for the quietest experience,call ahead to check their field trip calendar
2. 2.Don't miss the Glover Machine Works building behind the main museum, where kids can see historic locomotive restoration in progress
3. 3.The museum offers special scavenger hunts and activity sheets at the front desk,grab these to keep younger kids engaged throughout your visit
4. 4.Plan your visit around one of their Living History Days (typically held quarterly) when reenactors bring the Civil War era to life with demonstrations and period activities
5. 5.Parking is free and plentiful in the lot directly in front of the museum on Cherokee Street

Tuesday through Thursday mornings between 10 AM-12 PM offer the best experience with smaller crowds. Saturday mornings can be busy with families, while Friday afternoons are typically quieter. Spring and fall are ideal when you can combine your visit with a walk around historic downtown Kennesaw.

Admission is approximately $10 for adults and $8 for children (ages 4-12), with kids under 4 free. The museum is fully wheelchair accessible with elevators to all floors. No food is allowed inside, but there's a picnic area outside, and downtown Kennesaw's restaurants are just a short walk away.

The museum is closed Sundays and Mondays year-round. Special events include Civil War Living History Days (spring and fall), holiday train displays in December, and summer camps for kids. The indoor venue makes it perfect for hot Georgia summers or rainy days.

Walk to downtown Kennesaw (5 minutes) for family favorites like Trackside Grill or Taqueria Tsunami, both offering kid-friendly menus. For a quick bite, Big Pie In The Sky Pizzeria is popular with families and just two blocks away.