Located in the northwest Georgia community of Cartersville, the Tellus Museum was once the humble Weiman Mineral Museum that has gone on to become one of the state’s best science museums.
A popular spot for field trips and homeschool groups, the curious will spend hours wandering the museum’s halls. It first opened in 1983 but closed in 2007 before reopening under the Tellus name in 2009. The museum still has the original minerals displayed.
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What to See at the Tellus Museum
Visitors are immediately greeted with one of the museum’s fossils, a large dinosaur. It’s just one in their permanent collection, which also includes a Tyrannosaurus rex, saber-tooth cat, and Megalodon jaw. Some of these species were even found in the land now known as Georgia. The exhibit features millions of years worth of history and is a favorite of visitors.
Another “gem” of the museum is its vast mineral collection. Over 50 cases include minerals and materials found worldwide, including some found in Georgia. It highlights the process of how these minerals become gems and tell of the types of fluorescent minerals. Another display is a large periodic table that has an item to represent each element.
Older children will appreciate the simulated fossil dig site and panning area. You never know what you might find! Younger visitors can play in the My Big Backyard children’s area, which has a tree you can walk through as if you’re the size of an ant. Study early to modern machines in Science in Motion and check out the prototype eco-friendly home on the Tellus grounds.
Tellus Science Museum also has changing exhibits as well as a planetarium and observatory. Its programming is also worth mentioning, especially its STEM lectures and family-friendly workshops.
Tips for Visiting the Tellus Museum
Tellus Science Museum is located at 100 Tellus Drive, Cartersville, Georgia 30120, a 45-minute drive north of Atlanta. Tickets cost $15.95 for adults, $11.95 for children and students, $13.95 for seniors, and free for active military. The planetarium is accessible for an additional fee. They’re open daily from 10 am to 5 pm and parking is included.
Where to Eat Near the Tellus Museum
Outside food and drink aren’t allowed inside the museum, but you can bring your own picnic for the pavilion. The museum also has its own cafe, selling light bites like sandwiches.
There are many fast food options nearby, but for something local, Fire It Up BBQ has barbecue with Southern sides like fried okra and Brunswick stew. El Dorado Salvadorian and Mexican Restaurant has dishes like tacos, fajitas, and pupusas.
Where to Stay Near the Tellus Museum
The Quality Inn & Suites is located across the street near the Anheuser-Busch plant, with pet-friendly rooms, free WiFi, and a seasonal outdoor pool.
The Baymont by Wyndham Cartersville offers daily breakfast and a fitness center. Hampton Inn Cartersville is closer to downtown, with breakfast and a seasonal pool.
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