Founded back in 1834, the city of Rome in Georgia is set on a series of seven hills and surrounded by three rivers that come together in the heart of the downtown district. The city’s past is well preserved in the ideal Southern atmosphere, dozens of trails, award-winning museums, and more.
There are numerous family-friendly attractions and activities, as well as many chances for visitors to take a step into the past. Along with the natural beauty and many historic sites, travelers will also find plenty of Southern hospitality.
1. Berry College Campus
Established in 1902 by Marth Berry, Berry College in Rome, Georgia boasts the title of being the largest college campus in the world, home to numerous historic homes and buildings of several architectural styles. Noteworthy sites and attractions on the campus include one of the largest wooden overshot water wheels in the world, miles of trails for biking and hiking, and historic chapels. A number of movies have been filmed on the Berry College campus, such as “Remember the Titans” and “Sweet Home Alabama.” The grounds are open to the public during daylight hours every day.
2277 Martha Berry Highway, Mount Berry, GA 30149, Phone: 706-232-5374
2. Oak Hill & The Martha Berry Museum
Oak Hill and The Martha Berry Museum opened to the public in 1972 as a history museum and historic house with a mission of sharing the story of Berry College and Martha Berry herself through educational programming, events, and a number of exhibits. The Greek Revival-style home of Berry College’s founder, Martha Berry, Oak Hill is open for tours and gives a glimpse into the life of one of the country’s most prominent women during the first part of the 20th century. Visitors can explore the beautifully designed gardens that surround the house and the permanent exhibit in the Martha Berry Museum.
24 Veterans Memorial Hwy NE, Rome, GA 30165, Phone: 706-368-6789
3. Myrtle Hill Cemetery, Rome
The Myrtle Hill Cemetery is considered to be one of the country’s most beautiful cemeteries, set on top of Myrtle Hill where the Coosa River, the Oostanaula River, and the Etowah River meet. Providing unobstructed views of the Appalachian foothills, the Etowah Valley and the downtown area of Rome, the Myrtle Hill Cemetery boasts historic significance and amazing vistas that combine to make its one of the world’s most unique cemeteries. Visitors are welcome to explore the rich history and six terraces of the historic, quintessential southern, surreal cemetery, including its more than thirty different types of trees.
20 Myrtle St SW, Rome, GA 30161, Phone: 706-236-4536
4. Rome Area History Museum
The Rome Area History Museum invites guests to take a “walk through time,” beginning with the early settlements of the region up through the more recent history of Rome, Georgia and the surrounding area. The storied and rich past of the area reveals diverse lifeways and people have helped to shape its unique Southern portrait. Open to the public Wednesday to Saturday, the museum is a great stop in Rome for any history buffs or people who just want to learn more about the place in which they live or are visiting, especially since there is no fee for admission.
305 Broad St, Rome, GA 30161, Phone: 706-235-8051
5. Rome-Floyd E.C.O. Center
The Rome-Floyd E.C.O. Center provides quality events and educational programs throughout the year designed to expose visitors and participants to an array of wildlife native to the northwestern region of Georgia. The E.C.O. Center is passionate about teaching the importance and value of natural resources and offers a variety of different opportunities for learning. Inside the center are aquariums home to frogs, turtles, and fish that are native to the Etowah River, the Coosa River, and the Oostanaula, also known as the “ECO rivers.” Visitors will also find indigenous plants around the exterior of the center.
393 Riverside Pkwy NE, Rome, GA 30161, Phone: 706-622-6432
6. Things to Do in Rome, GA: Chieftains Museum - Major Ridge Home
The former home of Major Ridge, a Cherokee Leader, and his family, the Chieftains Museum/Major Ridge Home share the story of the region’s Cherokee people. There are also several exhibits featuring Cherokee artifacts that have been unearthed at the site. The Chieftains Museum highlights the traditions and history of the Cherokee Indians, including the clash of cultures within the Southeast United States that ended up culminating in the tragic “Trail of Tears,” of which the home is a nationally designated site.
501 Riverside Pkwy NE, Rome, GA 30161, Phone: 706-291-9494
7. Things to Do in Rome, GA: Clock Tower
Formerly the water supply tank for the city of Rome, Georgia, the Clock Tower has become the city’s official symbol, as well as possibly its most beloved landmark. Housed inside of the clocktower is a small museum showcasing murals that depict the history of the city, along with the original clock works of the clock itself. Public tours of the Clock Tower are offered on a seasonal basis, or by appointment for group tours. Visitors can climb the slightly more than one hundred steps of the interior spiral staircase and be rewarded with excellent views of the downtown area.
410 E 2nd St, Rome, GA 30161, Phone: 706-236-4460
More great college towns
8. Admiral Towers Plaza, Rome
The Admiral Towers Plaza in the city of Rome is dedicated in memory of Admiral John Henry Towers, the “Father of Naval Aviation” and a native Roman. Adjacently located to the Rome City Hall, the life-sized bronze statue of Admiral Towers and the surroundings tell his fascinating story. Born in 1885, Towers was born and raised in downtown Rome, and in 1911, became the third naval officer to receive the designation of “Naval Aviator” and is the first Naval Aviator to achieve Flag Rank (Admiral). Admiral Towers is included in the National Aviation Hall of Fame and the International Aviation Hall of Fame.
601 Broad Street, Rome, GA 30161, Phone: 706-236-4460
9. Lazy Creek Farms
Lazy Creek Farms is a fun and educational place to visit for families during strawberry and pumpkin season. It’s particularly popular for field trips because of the many activities that can be enjoyed in one place. Trips to the Lazy Creek Farms give visitors access to a fun hayride, farm fun activities, an indoor play area, corn holes, a jump pad, a wooden train, and even a duck race! There are also educational activities to enjoy such as the Life Cycles of a Honeybee and the Life Cycle of a Strawberry. The most popular activity at Lazy Creek Farms, of course, is strawberry picking. Guests shouldn’t miss out on enjoying ice cream and freshly baked goods at the Lazy Creek Bakehouse.
29 Yarbrough Bend Road, Rome, Georgia 30165, Phone: 770-547-8741
10. Things to Do Near Me Today: The Forum
Come and visit the Forum River Center in Georgia, Rome, a spacious multi-use convention center that is popular for special events thanks to its beautiful grounds. Nestled in the picturesque foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and featuring lovely views of the Oostunala River, the Forum is home to 21,000 square feet of space and can easily accommodate 1,000 people. Keep an eye on The Forum’s calendar to see what special events guests can enjoy at the center or drop by during the winter months to enjoy ice skating at The Forum. Other special events frequently held at The Forum include musical performances, theatrical performances, and even wrestling showcases!
301 Tribune Street, Rome, Georgia 30161, Phone: 706-291-5281
11. Statue of Ellen Axson Wilson
Enjoy local monuments of Rome, Georgia, when you drop by the Ellen Axson Wilson Statue. Made and dedicated to the former First Lady, Ellen Axson Wilson was a native of this small Georgia and was married to President Woodrow Wilson. The statue is situated on the quiet Town Green, across the Chief John Ross Memorial Bridge, and is a great place to enjoy a quiet moment or two and snap some photos. True to the personality of the First Lady, the statue, which was designed by Stephanie Hunter, depicts Wilson’s great love for the arts as she paints a scene, overlooking the Oostanaula River.
2 Government Plaza, Rome, Georgia 30162, Phone: 706-295-5576
12. Kingston Downs
Say hello to wide-open spaces at the Kingston Downs. Featuring 5,000 gorgeous acres of pristine North Georgia wilderness, 30 acres of eye-catching wildflower meadows, and 9 miles of private access to the Etowah River, Kingston Downs has a lot to offer when it comes to outdoor recreation and experiencing the best of Mother Nature. At Kingston Downs, guests can explore 8 miles worth of quiet and private trails or set off into 600 acres of upland bird hunting fields with the venue’s Hunt Club. Glamping tents offer the best of luxury and the great outdoors, while the Etowah River provides the ideal location for kayaking and other paddling activities. End your day start-gazing or chatting by the fireplace. Whatever you choose to do at Kingston Downs, you’re sure to feel a memorable connection not just with your companions, but with nature at well.
Gore Springs Road SE, Rome, Georgia 30161, Phone: 706-310-5150
13. Harvest Moon Cafe
Harvest Moon Café is known for its funky vibes and delicious grub and is a local favorite in Rome. Opened in 1998, the Harvest Moon Café started as a small bread market over in Cave Spring. Not long after, the café’s owner, Ginny, expanded into selling sandwiches until she opened her first brick-and-mortar establishment in 1999. Guests to the Harvest Moon Café can enjoy a meal off of their brunch or café menus, and in the evening, a drink at the Moon Roof Bar. Some of the crowd favorites at Harvest Moon Café include the Maine Lobster Roll, the Butchers Cut Ribeye, Shrimp and Grits, Thai Chicken, as well as the Grilled Salmon.
234 Broad Street, Rome, Georgia 30161, Phone: 706-292-0099
The top attractions to visit in Rome, GA near me today according to local experts are:
- 1. Berry College Campus
- 2. Oak Hill & The Martha Berry Museum
- 3. Myrtle Hill Cemetery, Rome
- 4. Rome Area History Museum
- 5. Rome-Floyd E.C.O. Center
- 6. Things to Do in Rome, GA: Chieftains Museum - Major Ridge Home
- 7. Things to Do in Rome, GA: Clock Tower
- 8. Admiral Towers Plaza, Rome
- 9. Lazy Creek Farms
- 10. Things to Do Near Me Today: The Forum
- 11. Statue of Ellen Axson Wilson
- 12. Kingston Downs
- 13. Harvest Moon Cafe
