The General
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Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History

4.7
·1k reviews·Kennesaw, United States

Explore Civil War history and iconic locomotives, including 'The General,' at this Smithsonian affiliate. Engaging for all ages!

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Tuesday - Saturday Mornings

Beat the crowds, enjoy quieter exploration.

CrowdLow
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The General

Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History

Best Time

Tuesday - Saturday Mornings

Beat the crowds, enjoy quieter exploration.

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore Civil War history and iconic locomotives, including 'The General,' at this Smithsonian affiliate. Engaging for all ages!

4.7
(1k reviews)

"A great museum for train enthusiasts and families, offering a fascinating glimpse into Civil War history."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Check Hours Before You Go

Museum hours can vary. Always confirm opening times online before your visit.

🚂 Train Lover's Paradise

Don't miss 'The General' and the impressive model train layouts. Perfect for families and enthusiasts!

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.7 · 1,030 reviews

Type

Museum

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The General Locomotive

The General Locomotive

Main Exhibit Hall

See 'The General,' the actual Confederate locomotive central to the Great Locomotive Chase. A must-see for history buffs!

Civil War Locomotive Exhibits

Civil War Locomotive Exhibits

Various Halls

Explore the vital role of railroads during the Civil War through detailed displays and artifacts. Understand how war is the locomotive of history.

TikTok
Great Locomotive Chase Film

Great Locomotive Chase Film

Theater

Watch a compelling film detailing the daring 1862 raid and the pursuit of 'The General.'

Interactive Train Displays

Interactive Train Displays

Children's Area

Hands-on exhibits and model train layouts that delight younger visitors and train enthusiasts alike.

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Planning Your Visit

Plan Your Visit to The General

See 'The General' locomotive, a star of the Great Locomotive Chase! Check operating hours before you go, as they can vary. Consider visiting during special events for a more immersive experience. Instagram

Engage with History

This Smithsonian affiliate offers a deep dive into Civil War history and the crucial role of locomotives. Interactive exhibits make it engaging for all ages, from kids to seniors. Instagram+1

Best Times

When
Tuesday - Saturday Mornings
Why
Beat the crowds, enjoy quieter exploration.
Crowd
Low
When
Special Event Weekends
Why
Unique activities and lively atmosphere.
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

This museum is incredible. Located in northern Georgia. If you’ve seen Band of Brothers this is museum is about those men and their units. And where they trained. These men were really what changed WW2 and the outcome. Highly recommend the show Band of Brothers and this museum!! #bandofbrothers #militarymuseums #georgia #curraheemountain #datenight
@bigmomma_lea
68.8K likes • 675.2K views

🎯 Check Hours Before You Go

Museum hours can vary. Always confirm opening times online before your visit. Instagram+1

🚂 Train Lover's Paradise

Don't miss 'The General' and the impressive model train layouts. Perfect for families and enthusiasts! Instagram

300% mortality for one surgery? #surgicalhistory #medicalhistory #medhist #museumtiktok #historytiktok #civilwarhistory
@civilwarmed
62.1K likes • 999.5K views
The Southern Museum of Civil War & Locomotive History is open weekly Tuesday- Saturday, 9:30 AM - 5 PM! The museum has something to offer for all ages! Come and visit today! 🚂
southernmuseum
15 likes • 221 views

💰 Affordable Gift Shop

Find reasonably priced souvenirs and historical items in the gift shop. Reddit

🚗 Easy Parking

Ample free parking is available at the back of the building. Reddit

📍 The Southern Museum of Civil War & Locomotive History - Kennesaw, GA 🚂 Today, I chaperoned Nick's class on a field trip to the Southern Museum to learn more about locomotives and the Civil War. It was fascinating to learn about this topic, especially since I didn't know much about the Civil War in the United States. The 30-minute video they showed us was very informative, particularly regardin...
joy_of_simplicity
0 likes • 205 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Check Hours Before You Go

Museum hours can vary. Always confirm opening times online before your visit. Instagram+1

🚂 Train Lover's Paradise

Don't miss 'The General' and the impressive model train layouts. Perfect for families and enthusiasts! Instagram

💰 Affordable Gift Shop

Find reasonably priced souvenirs and historical items in the gift shop. Reddit

🚗 Easy Parking

Ample free parking is available at the back of the building. Reddit

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Kid-Friendly Fun

Interactive exhibits and a play area make it a great outing for children. Instagram+1

What Travellers Say

4.7
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Southern Museum for its engaging exhibits, particularly 'The General' locomotive and the detailed Civil War history. It's highly recommended for families and train enthusiasts, offering a good balance of educational content and interactive fun. While most experiences are positive, some visitors have noted issues with staff training regarding discounts.

"A great museum to take elderly family. We toured around and looked at the old machinery. The displays have thorough information to learn the histories of the objects on display. The place to go for train enthusiasts - even the gift shop. Ample free parking in the back of the building."

Kaeti MacNeil

"Great history and artifacts, my kids loved it, it’s our second time to visit! The gift shop has a lot of affordable items! The fees are very good"

Carole Faraj

"Great museum for all ages showing Southern history and connected with the importance of trains. Really enjoy visiting with a 5 and 7 year old - so much to see and learn.

Activities for young folks and history for older folk - lovely balance and so friendly.

Easy access and parking and close to restaurants when the hunger gets you.

Recommend visiting and revisiting."

Shane O'Toole

What People Like

The General locomotive
Engaging Civil War history
Interactive train displays

What People Dislike

Inconsistent staff training

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The museum is located in Kennesaw, Georgia. It's easily accessible by car, with ample free parking available at the back of the building. InstagramReddit

Yes, the museum is located in Kennesaw, which is a suburb northwest of Atlanta, making it a convenient day trip from the city. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission fees are generally considered very good and affordable. It's recommended to check their official website for the most current pricing. Reddit

There have been reports of confusion regarding veteran discounts. It's best to clarify the museum's policy on veteran and military ID acceptance directly with staff upon arrival. Reddit

The museum is typically open Tuesday through Saturday from 9:30 AM to 5 PM. It's always wise to verify hours on their website before visiting. Instagram+1

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Key attractions include 'The General' locomotive, exhibits on Civil War railroads, the Great Locomotive Chase film, and interactive train displays. Instagram+1

Absolutely! The museum offers interactive exhibits, a play area, and engaging displays that are great for kids of all ages. Instagram+1

Photography is generally permitted for personal use, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions on certain exhibits. TikTok

While specific guided tour availability can vary, the exhibits are designed to be informative and engaging for self-guided exploration. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The museum itself may not have extensive dining facilities, but it is conveniently located near restaurants in downtown Kennesaw. Reddit

Outside food and drinks are typically not permitted inside museums. It's best to enjoy meals at nearby eateries. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture stunning shots of 'The General' locomotive, the detailed model train layouts, and the historical artifacts. Instagram

Professional photography sessions may require prior arrangement or special permits. It's advisable to contact the museum directly for their policy. TikTok

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