Emerson GeorgiaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Emerson, Georgia.
1. LakePoint Sports
PREMIER SPORTS VACATION DESTINATION
LakePoint Sports is one of the largest and most unique destinations for travel sports, spanning over 1,300 acres with state-of-the-art sports venues. The complex attracts approximately six million visitors annually, generating about $250 million in tax revenues. It features 5 million square feet of current and future amenities, including on-site hotels, restaurants, and themed retail.
2. Terminus Wake Park
THRILLING WATER SPORTS
Terminus Wake Park is a premier wakeboarding facility located near LakePoint Sports in Emerson. Visitors can experience the thrill of wakeboarding without the need for a boat, using a cable system instead. The park offers opportunities for beginners and experienced wakeboarders alike to enjoy this exciting water sport.
3. LakePoint Station
FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT CENTER
LakePoint Station offers a variety of indoor entertainment options for families visiting Emerson. The venue features bowling alleys and other recreational activities designed for all ages. It serves as a complementary attraction to the outdoor sports facilities at the larger LakePoint complex.
4. Payne Pottery
LOCAL ARTISAN CRAFTS
Payne Pottery showcases handcrafted ceramic works by local artisans in Emerson. Visitors can browse and purchase unique pottery pieces that reflect regional artistic traditions. The studio offers a glimpse into the creative process of pottery making in northern Georgia.
5. Allatoona Pass Battlefield Park
CIVIL WAR HISTORIC SITE
Allatoona Pass Battlefield Park preserves the site of an important Civil War battle fought on October 5, 1864. The park features hiking trails that wind through historically significant terrain where Union forces successfully defended the railroad pass. Visitors can explore interpretive displays that explain the battle's significance in the Atlanta Campaign.
6. Booth Western Art Museum
WESTERN ART COLLECTION
Booth Western Art Museum houses the largest permanent exhibition space for Western art in the country, located just north of Emerson in Cartersville. The museum's collection includes contemporary Western artwork, Civil War art, Presidential portraits and letters, and Native American artifacts. Its 120,000 square feet of exhibition space provides visitors with an immersive experience in Western American art and culture.
7. Tellus Science Museum
INTERACTIVE SCIENCE EXPLORATION
Tellus Science Museum offers a comprehensive science experience with exhibits on minerals, fossils, transportation technology, and astronomy near Emerson. The 120,000 square foot facility includes a digital planetarium and an observatory for stargazing events. Visitors can participate in hands-on activities such as fossil digging and gem panning in the museum's outdoor areas.
8. Etowah Indian Mounds
ANCIENT NATIVE AMERICAN SITE
Etowah Indian Mounds State Historic Site preserves six earthen mounds built by ancient Native Americans of the Mississippian culture between 1000 A.D. and 1550 A.D. The 54-acre archaeological site includes a museum displaying artifacts that showcase the artistic skills and cultural practices of the site's original inhabitants. Visitors can climb the largest mound, which stands 63 feet high, offering panoramic views of the Etowah River valley.
9. Red Top Mountain State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Red Top Mountain State Park encompasses 1,776 acres of wilderness on a peninsula extending into Lake Allatoona, just north of Emerson. The park offers more than 15 miles of hiking trails through hardwood forests, swimming beaches, boat ramps, and fishing opportunities. Visitors can stay overnight in the park's campground, yurts, or renovated cottage accommodations.
10. Allatoona Landing Marina & Resort
LAKESIDE RECREATION HUB
Allatoona Landing Marina & Resort serves as a gateway to Lake Allatoona with comprehensive boating facilities and services. The marina offers boat rentals, slips, and storage for visitors wanting to enjoy the 12,000-acre lake. Resort amenities include accommodations and easy access to water recreation opportunities.
11. Cooper's Iron Works
HISTORIC INDUSTRIAL SITE
Cooper's Iron Works is a National Historic Register site representing the only remnant of the 1830s town of Etowah and Georgia's Iron Empire. The facility was operated by Mark A. Cooper until its destruction by General Sherman in 1864 during the Civil War. Today, the site offers picnic facilities, hiking trails, and a playground at the base of Allatoona Dam.
12. Zipline Canopy Tours of Blue Ridge
TREETOP ADVENTURE EXPERIENCE
Zipline Canopy Tours of Blue Ridge offers exhilarating aerial adventures through the North Georgia mountains near Emerson. Participants glide along cables suspended high in the forest canopy, enjoying breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The course features multiple ziplines of varying lengths and heights, creating a progressive experience suitable for adventure seekers.
13. Rally Volleyball Center
INDOOR SPORTS FACILITY
Rally Volleyball Center at LakePoint Sports is a state-of-the-art indoor facility dedicated to volleyball competitions and training. The center hosts numerous tournaments throughout the year, drawing teams from across the region and country. Its professional-grade courts and amenities make it a premier destination for volleyball enthusiasts of all skill levels.
14. Coopers Furnace Day Use Park
SCENIC RIVER RECREATION
Coopers Furnace Day Use Park is situated along the north bank of the Etowah River, offering spectacular views of Allatoona Dam. The park, managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, is open seasonally and provides picnic facilities and hiking opportunities. Visitors can explore the historic remnants while enjoying the natural riverfront setting.
15. LakePoint Champions Center
MULTI-SPORT INDOOR VENUE
LakePoint Champions Center is a massive indoor sports facility featuring multiple courts for basketball, volleyball, and other indoor competitions. The venue regularly hosts major youth tournaments that attract teams and spectators from across the country. Its modern design and amenities make it a centerpiece of the LakePoint Sports complex in Emerson.