Tellus Science Museum
Discover dinosaurs, dazzling gems, and cosmic wonders at this Smithsonian affiliate museum with interactive exhibits for all ages.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
Tellus Science Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover dinosaurs, dazzling gems, and cosmic wonders at this Smithsonian affiliate museum with interactive exhibits for all ages.
"A fantastic place for families—hands-on, educational, and well-maintained."
🚗 Combine with Savoy Automobile Museum
If you love cars, visit the Savoy Automobile Museum too! It's only about 4 miles away.
✨ Bank of America Free First Weekend
Free admission for BofA cardholders first weekend of the month. Plan for crowds!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Dinosaur & Fossil Gallery
Fossil Gallery
Stand in awe of towering dinosaur skeletons and explore ancient marine reptiles. A must-see for paleontology enthusiasts!
Weinman Mineral Gallery
Weinman Mineral Gallery
Marvel at a dazzling collection of gems, minerals, and naturally fluorescent stones. It's a feast for the eyes!
Planetarium Shows
Planetarium
Experience breathtaking journeys through the cosmos with state-of-the-art planetarium shows. Educational and visually stunning!
Science in Motion Gallery
Science in Motion Gallery
Discover vintage motorcycles, electric vehicles, and other fascinating modes of transportation. Interactive and engaging!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Visit: Timing is Key
Bank of America Free First Weekend
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Combine with Savoy Automobile Museum
If you love cars, visit the Savoy Automobile Museum too! It's only about 4 miles away.
✨ Bank of America Free First Weekend
Free admission for BofA cardholders first weekend of the month. Plan for crowds!
🦕 Dig for Fossils!
The rock and fossil dig is a highlight for many visitors. Don't miss this interactive experience!
🚀 Consider a Planetarium Show
The planetarium shows are a standout, offering a fun and educational look at the night sky.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Combine with Savoy Automobile Museum
If you love cars, visit the Savoy Automobile Museum too! It's only about 4 miles away.
✨ Bank of America Free First Weekend
Free admission for BofA cardholders first weekend of the month. Plan for crowds!
🦕 Dig for Fossils!
The rock and fossil dig is a highlight for many visitors. Don't miss this interactive experience!
🚀 Consider a Planetarium Show
The planetarium shows are a standout, offering a fun and educational look at the night sky.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and exploring, so comfortable footwear is a must!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Tellus Science Museum for its engaging exhibits, particularly the dinosaur fossils and gem collections. The planetarium shows are a highlight, and the hands-on activities make it a great family outing. Staff are frequently noted as friendly and knowledgeable.
"Absolutely love this place!! This is a wonderful place to visit, and an amazing place to take children. The displays are amazing and up close. The staff is more than helpful, and extremely knowledge in every aspect of this museum. You must take make this a family outing for a day, I promise you won't regret it!!"
Brandy Marie Grizzard
"Absolutely loved our Sunday afternoon visit to the Tellus Science Museum with my wife and our two daughters! The planetarium show was a standout—beautifully done and a fun, educational look at the night sky. The gem and mineral gallery was stunning, and both kids were fascinated by the dinosaur and fossil exhibits. We also enjoyed the transportation wing with classic cars and space memorabilia, and the weather gallery was full of interactive elements that kept everyone engaged. It’s a fantastic place for families—hands-on, educational, and well-maintained. We’ll definitely be back!"
Robert Maddrey, Jr.
"This is a place you should visit if you haven’t visited at least once. They have rotating exhibits that keeps it interesting and the show was great, but I left really feeling like I wanted more- but not entirely their fault since they had construction for part of the area too (which is why I didn’t take off a Star). We went specifically for the dinosaur exhibit and it didn’t disappoint, but it was smaller than other museums we have visited- except for the rock and fossil dig, which was the highlight of our trip and where we spent most of our time (they were not busy and this wasn’t during peak times). The show was challenging for me to watch, but that was just because I wear glasses and it hurt my eyes a little- my daughter loved it and talked about the volcanoes from the show through lunch, so worth it!
Lunch was pretty good. I had the sandwich with chips and a drink. My daughter had a kids meal. The prices were typical for museum food. The best part here were the staff members. They were very kind and sweet to my daughter- the interaction was very positive! It was unexpected for a museum, but with the size of the place, I really did like the personable quality of those interactions.
Would I return? Yes, but for their star gazing or the telescope event, not so much for the rest of the museum. We live about 2 hours away so going back for one of those events was very appealing to my daughter."
MellyVG257
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Tellus Science Museum is located in Cartersville, Georgia, just off I-75. It's about a 45-minute to an hour drive north of Atlanta. Many visitors find driving to be the most convenient option.
Yes, there is ample free parking available at the Tellus Science Museum. You should have no trouble finding a spot, especially if you arrive earlier in the day.
Take I-75 North from Atlanta. The museum is located at 100 Tellus Drive, Cartersville, GA 30120, with clear signage directing you from the interstate.
Public transportation options to Cartersville are limited, and direct routes to the museum are not readily available. Driving is the most common and recommended method of transport.
Yes, the Savoy Automobile Museum is only about 4 miles away, making it a great combination visit for car and science enthusiasts.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, but general admission typically includes access to the main galleries and planetarium shows. It's best to check the official Tellus Science Museum website for the most current pricing information.
Yes, Bank of America cardholders can get free admission on the first weekend of each month. Keep an eye out for other potential discounts or special offers on their website.
While not always mandatory, booking tickets in advance, especially for weekends or special events, is recommended to ensure entry and potentially save time. Check their website for online booking options.
The museum typically operates from Tuesday to Sunday, with varying hours. It's crucial to check the official Tellus Science Museum website for the most up-to-date operating hours before your visit.
Yes, Tellus Science Museum offers membership options that can provide benefits like unlimited visits, discounts, and exclusive event access. This is a great option for frequent visitors.
🎫 ✨ Onsite Experience
The museum features four main galleries: the Weinman Mineral Gallery, the Fossil Gallery (with dinosaurs!), the Science in Motion Gallery (cars and transportation), and the Collins Family-My Big Backyard for younger children. 
Absolutely! The Tellus Science Museum is highly recommended for families. It offers numerous hands-on activities, interactive exhibits, and engaging displays that children of all ages will enjoy.
The planetarium offers state-of-the-art shows that take you on journeys through space, exploring the night sky, planets, and galaxies. It's a visually stunning and educational experience.
Yes, the museum is known for its interactive and hands-on exhibits, particularly in the Science in Motion Gallery and the Fossil Gallery's dig sites, making learning fun and engaging.
To see everything without feeling rushed, plan for at least 3-4 hours. Arriving early on a weekday is ideal. Prioritize the exhibits that interest you most, especially if you have limited time.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the Tellus Science Museum has a cafe that offers a selection of food, including sandwiches, kids' meals, and snacks. Prices are typical for museum dining.
The cafe typically serves sandwiches, chips, drinks, and kids' meals. It's a convenient option for a quick bite during your visit.
Cartersville has several dining options nearby. For a quick bite, the museum cafe is convenient. For more variety, explore restaurants in downtown Cartersville.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally best to consume outside food in designated picnic areas if available, or to check the museum's policy. The cafe is available for purchased meals.
The prices at the Tellus Museum cafe are generally considered typical for museum food, meaning they might be slightly higher than off-site options.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography for personal use is generally allowed at the Tellus Science Museum. However, flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to protect exhibits.
The dinosaur skeletons, the gem and mineral displays, and the vintage vehicles in the Science in Motion gallery offer fantastic photo opportunities. The planetarium dome can also be visually striking.
While personal photography is usually permitted, always be mindful of signage regarding flash photography or areas where photography might be prohibited to preserve the exhibits.
You can capture stunning images of fossils, minerals, gemstones, classic cars, electric vehicles, and celestial scenes from the planetarium shows.
Definitely! The exhibits are visually impressive and make for great memories and shareable content. The sheer scale of the dinosaur fossils and the sparkle of the minerals are perfect for photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pro-tip: Arrive early on weekdays to avoid the biggest crowds and give your kids ample time to explore the interactive exhibits without feeling rushed. Pack snacks or plan to use the museum cafe, which offers kid-friendly meals.
🚗 Car Enthusiasts
+1 It's a well-curated display that appeals to anyone interested in automotive history.Bonus: For an even more comprehensive automotive experience, consider visiting the nearby Savoy Automobile Museum, which is only about 4 miles away. This combination makes for an excellent day trip for car lovers.
💎 Gem and Mineral Lovers
+1 The sheer variety and beauty of the specimens make this gallery a standout attraction. It's a perfect spot for photography and appreciating the Earth's natural artistry.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Galleries
+1 For those fascinated by ancient life, the Fossil Gallery is a must-visit, featuring impressive dinosaur skeletons, marine reptiles, and other prehistoric specimens that transport you back in time. +2The Science in Motion Gallery appeals to a different kind of wonder, displaying vintage motorcycles, classic cars, and early electric vehicles, offering a glimpse into the evolution of transportation.
+1 Younger visitors will find their niche in the Collins Family-My Big Backyard, an area designed for interactive play and discovery. Beyond these core galleries, the museum also features a state-of-the-art planetarium and an observatory, providing opportunities to explore the cosmos.
The Planetarium and Observatory Experience
Complementing the planetarium is the museum's observatory, which allows visitors to engage with astronomy in a more direct way. While specific public viewing times might vary, the presence of an observatory underscores the museum's commitment to celestial education.
For those interested in stargazing or astronomical events, checking for special observatory events or programs is highly recommended. Interactive Learning and Hands-On Fun
The Fossil Gallery, for instance, often features a 'dig' area where visitors can unearth replica fossils, providing a tangible connection to paleontology. Beyond the dedicated dig sites, the Science in Motion Gallery offers interactive elements related to transportation and mechanics.
The museum's commitment to hands-on experiences ensures that learning is an active process, fostering curiosity and a deeper understanding of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects. +1
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