A local history exhibit, the history of the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain, and the annual Big Shanty Arts & Crafts Festival give a stay in Kennesaw different focal points. The Smith-Gilbert Gardens add garden and nature themes. When planning your trip, it is worth considering the different schedules: the “Garden with Wings” exhibit is seasonal, festival dates vary, and guided hikes take place regularly.
Gardens and Seasonal Nature
The Smith-Gilbert Gardens are home to one of the largest bonsai collections in the southeastern United States. The historic Hiram Butler House, dating from around 1880, is located within the gardens. The collection and the house offer different points of interest: one puts the bonsai collection in the spotlight, while the other is a specific historic building with an approximate date.
The “Garden with Wings” exhibit is open from mid-May through mid-August. It features native butterflies and their host and nectar plants. If you want to make this the focus of your visit, plan your travel dates around this window. This makes the exhibit’s seasonal schedule a specific planning consideration alongside an interest in bonsai or the historic house.
City History at Historic Kennesaw at the Depot
The local history exhibit at Historic Kennesaw at the Depot covers the Indigenous groups who once lived there, the American Civil War, and the importance of the railroad. Other topics include the development of downtown Kennesaw, the city’s cultural offerings, and the history of the depot. The exhibit thus brings together several perspectives: earlier groups of residents and broader historical contexts are presented alongside the development of downtown and a specific building.
Those interested in city history will find a broad range of topics here, rather than a focus on just one episode. The role of the railroad, the history of the depot, and the development of downtown each provide a distinct focus within the exhibit. This can help you choose if you want to explore local history from different perspectives.
Battle History and Hikes
The Battle of Kennesaw Mountain was among the fiercest battles of the Atlanta Campaign. The park has a network of hiking trails covering more than 25 miles; the trails pass around and through historic areas of the battle. This figure describes the trail network, not the length of any one hike.
Park rangers and volunteers regularly offer guided hikes. Topics include the history of the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain, flora and fauna, and the wildlife found there. These hikes bring together historical and natural history topics. Dates are posted on the park’s event calendar. Also check trail conditions and access before your visit.
Choose Dates That Match Your Interests
Kennesaw hosts the annual Big Shanty Arts & Crafts Festival; dates vary from year to year. So check the date of the festival edition that may coincide with your trip rather than assuming it falls on a fixed calendar date. The time frames differ: “Garden with Wings” is open seasonally, festival dates vary, and dates for the regularly offered hikes are listed on the park’s event calendar. If you are looking for hotels in Kennesaw, first decide which of these interests you want to shape your stay, then plan your travel dates accordingly.
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