Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Smyrna, GA

Smyrna is situated just a mile northwest of Atlanta’s city limits and 15 miles from downtown Atlanta. Nonetheless, the city takes pride in its friendly ‘small town’ environment.

This region of northern Georgia was initially settled by white Americans in 1832, but it was not until 40 years later that it became widely recognized by the name of Smyrna.

The town played a significant role during the American Civil War, witnessing two battles and having residences occupied by Union General Sherman.

Consequently, Smyrna garners interest from those intrigued by the American Civil War. In addition to its historical significance, there are breathtaking nature attractions nearby, alongside the conveniences of metropolitan Atlanta being within easy reach.

Let’s explore the 15 premier activities to engage in while visiting Smyrna, Georgia.

1. Smyrna History Museum

To gain a deeper understanding of Smyrna’s rich history spanning two centuries, a visit to the Smyrna History Museum is highly recommended.

Housed in a refurbished historic train depot dating back to 1910, this institution safeguards thousands of artifacts and documents, showcasing early historical objects and photographs.

Exhibits trace the area’s heritage, from the ancestral lands of northern Georgia’s Native American peoples to the Civil War era and beyond.

The Smyrna History Museum is conveniently located on Atlanta Road, in the core of the downtown district.

2. Jonquil City Historical Trail

Smyrna is affectionately referred to as Jonquil City, a nod to the abundance of these flowers, also known as rush daffodils, that bloom in the area each spring.

The Jonquil City Historical Trail highlights some of Smyrna’s most significant landmarks, primarily focused around Atlanta Road, which began as a Native American route adopted by the first European-American settlers.

The trail encompasses the city’s original settlement, now known as Market Village, the site of the Smyrna religious campground that inspired the city’s name.

As you traverse the trail, you will encounter the city’s first Baptist Church, established in 1924, and Aunt Fanny’s Cabin, once a renowned restaurant that operated until 1994.

3. Reformation Brewery

Emerging as part of a new generation of breweries throughout Georgia, Reformation Brewery has garnered significant acclaim for its taproom.

Strategically located along the banks of the Chattahoochee River, visitors can indulge in an extensive selection of authentic and distinctive craft beers.

The beer offerings vary monthly and may include American Pale Ales, Belgian-style tripels, Japanese rice lagers, and rich porters.

Reformation Brewery is inviting to all, not just beer enthusiasts, and presents a warm, family-friendly atmosphere.

4. Ruff’s Mill and Concord Covered Bridge

This ensemble of historical structures features a grist mill, a miller’s residence, and a covered bridge, reflective of Georgia’s heritage in the latter 19th century.

It also marked the site of the Civil War Battle of Ruff’s Mill, notable for being the only battle where the Confederate south’s earthwork defenses were breached during the Atlanta Campaign.

The mill secured protection by serving as a field hospital, with bullet holes still visible on its stone exterior.

The covered bridge spans Nickajack Creek and remains one of only 16 such structures still standing in the entire state.

The mill and battle site are located approximately 3.7 miles southeast of the city center.

5. Fox Creek Golf Course and Driving Range

Located on the northern edge of Smyrna, Fox Creek Golf Course features a 62-par executive-style layout that presents challenges suitable for golfers of all skill levels.

The facility also includes a 100-tee driving range, partially illuminated at dusk, providing opportunities to practice throughout the day and night.

It has been recognized as one of the top 50 public driving ranges in the United States by the Golf Range Association of America.

Designed by Larry Nelson and John LaFoy, it stands as one of the premier venues for golf in the Atlanta area.

6. Six Flags White Water

Additionally, the Six Flags White Water theme park holds the title of the largest in the southeastern United States and is consistently among the top 12 in terms of visitor attendance.

Covering an area of 28 hectares, the park features 20 diverse attractions designed to entertain visitors of all ages.

It is divided into four distinct sections, including Wildwater Lagoon and Pine Valley. Wildwater Lagoon is home to the Mutiny Chute plunge slide and the 20-meter Typhoon Twister, in addition to child-friendly slides such as Lizard’s Tail.

Pine Valley boasts the park’s wave pool and lazy river, while the Slippery Ridge area features the Dragon’s Tail speed slides, and Flash Flood Canyon includes the tallest single slide, Dive Bomber.

The park is located less than 7 miles north of Smyrna, in Marietta.

7. The Anne Frank Exhibit

Created in partnership with Amsterdam’s Anne Frank House, this exhibition space is situated in Sandy Springs, approximately 12.5 miles east of Smyrna.

It utilizes the narrative of this young German-Jewish girl’s experiences in hiding from the Nazis during World War II to explore the realities surrounding the Holocaust.

Frank’s life story is conveyed through excerpts from her renowned diary, along with over 500 photographs, and a recreation of the room where she and her family found refuge.

A film also chronicles more of Frank’s life, which tragically ended at the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp at the tender age of 15.

8. Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

Also situated in Sandy Springs is the headquarters and visitor center for the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area.

Managed by the U.S. National Park Service, this recreation area encompasses 48 miles of pristine, unspoiled riverside.

As one of the country’s pioneering National Water Trails, the park offers access to its waterways for various activities, including canoeing and kayaking, enabling visitors to paddle while enjoying the sounds of chirping birds and splashing fish.

This area is home to 23 species of game fish, which may be caught with a Georgia fishing license.

9. Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park

Kennesaw Mountain Park serves as another significant battlefield location in the Smyrna area, dating back to the Civil War.

The battle occurred in 1864 as part of the Atlanta Campaign and involved approximately 150,000 troops, 35,000 horses, and close to 450 cannons.

The visitor center houses a small museum, while the farmhouse of Peter Valentine Kolb, which played a part in the battle, has been meticulously restored.

The park features nearly 19 miles of interpretive hiking trails that showcase artillery positions and earthwork defenses.

The park is situated about 12 minutes west of downtown Smyrna by road.

10. Centennial Olympic Park

This urban park derives its name from the fact that the Atlanta Summer Olympics of 1996 occurred 100 years after the inaugural modern Olympic Games.

Encircled by the striking skyscrapers of downtown Atlanta, the park covers almost nine hectares of prime real estate.

Its most iconic feature is the Fountain of Rings, which boasts 251 computer-controlled water jets that dance to music several times daily, with jets soaring between three to ten meters high.

Additions include various sculptures, as well as SkyView Atlanta, a 20-story Ferris wheel providing panoramic views of the city.

By following Interstate 75 south, visitors can reach downtown Atlanta in approximately 20 minutes.

11. Sweetwater Creek State Park

Sweetwater Creek State Park, significantly larger than Atlanta’s Centennial Olympic Park, is located 35 km southwest of Smyrna.

This nature reserve features picturesque waterways, including Sweetwater Creek, and serves as a haven for nature enthusiasts, hikers, and history aficionados.

One of its more haunting features is the ruins of the New Manchester Manufacturing Company, which was producing over 300 kilograms of cotton daily before being set ablaze by Union forces during the Civil War.

Interestingly, the park is also home to a variety of native wildlife, including beavers, bobcats, skunks, rattlesnakes, and 33 species of birds.

12. Silver Comet Trail

For those seeking a lengthier walk, the Silver Comet Trail, a paved pathway that follows the route of the former Silver Comet passenger train from Smyrna to Anniston in adjacent Alabama, is worth exploring.

The trail connects with the Chief Ladiga Trail at the state border, creating a continuous 94-mile pathway—the second longest paved rail trail in the United States.

Open to cyclists and equestrians as well, the trail has a gentle gradient of just 2% as it follows a northeast trajectory.

13. Georgia Aquarium

The Georgia Aquarium, the largest in the United States and among the largest in the world, is home to hundreds of aquatic species and thousands of individual animals situated in downtown Atlanta.

The facility encompasses both freshwater and seawater environments, divided into seven themed areas, featuring colossal tanks that include sharks, sea lions, and manta rays.

The largest tank boasts a volume of 24,000 m³, serving as a habitat for a whale shark, while the overall capacity of its tanks approaches 40,000 m³.

Visitors can appreciate the enormity of the whale shark tank from the viewing theater, as well as walk through a glass-walled tunnel in the Ocean Voyager section.

14. Tolleson Pool

Tolleson Pool in Smyrna offers a refreshing escape during the hot Georgia summers.

This expansive outdoor pool operates throughout the summer season and features an average depth of 1.5 meters, accommodating both competitive swimmers and families seeking leisure.

For those looking to showcase their diving prowess, the pool includes one and three-meter diving boards, while younger children can enjoy the Spray Park.

15. Vinings Gallery

While Smyrna does not feature a municipal gallery, the Vinings Gallery located in Roswell serves as an excellent alternative.

The gallery’s walls showcase an array of works from emerging artists and well-established creatives.

Operated by artists and agents, the gallery aspires to host the Picassos of tomorrow.

While only time will determine the outcome, visitors are welcomed to enjoy the displayed paintings and sculptures.

Roswell is situated approximately 15 miles from Smyrna.