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Tunnel Hill Heritage Center & Museum, Tunnel Hill, GA
MuseumsHistory BuffLocal GemFamily Favorite

Tunnel Hill Heritage Center & Museum

215 Clisby Austin Dr · Tunnel Hill, GA

Why you should go…

The heritage center covers more than 160 years of railroad and Civil War history in Tunnel Hill. Its centerpiece is the 1,447-foot Western & Atlantic Railroad Tunnel, completed in 1850 as the first major railroad tunnel in the South, where you can still see the original drill marks. The tunnel lay on the route of the 1862 Great Locomotive Chase. Tours also take in the museum and the 1848 Clisby Austin House, Sherman's headquarters in May 1864.

  • #railroad tunnel
  • #civil war history
  • #history museum
  • #guided tour

Good to know

General museums guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Check the special exhibition separately

    Touring shows usually carry their own ticket and their own opening hours, listed apart from general admission.

  • Look for the free window

    Many museums run community days, member evenings, or discounted late openings. It is worth a look before you pay full price.

  • Travel light through the door

    Large bags and backpacks often have to go to a coat check, and lines for it move slowly at opening.

  • Weekday mornings beat weekend afternoons

    School groups clear out by early afternoon midweek, while weekends stay busy from late morning on.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Tunnel Hill Heritage Center & Museum, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Stay
    Family Favorite

    Quality Inn Dalton East

    $50+

    A 96-room Dalton hotel on Chattanooga Road with continental breakfast, an outdoor pool and pet-friendly rooms.

    3.8 mi awaySwitch it up: Stay

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Outdoor Adventure

    Haig Mill Lake Park

    Free

    Walk or bike the 3.5-mile paved loop around Haig Mill Lake, paddle a kayak and fish from floating piers in Dalton.

    3.9 mi awaySwitch it up: Sport & Outdoor

  • Stay
    Family Favorite

    Home2 Suites by Hilton Dalton

    $50+

    A pet-friendly all-suite hotel on College Drive in Dalton with full kitchens, an outdoor pool and free hot breakfast.

    4.6 mi awaySwitch it up: Stay

  • Stay
    Family Favorite

    Best Western Plus Dalton Inn

    $50+

    A pet-friendly hotel steps from Dalton State College, with an outdoor pool, free breakfast and a local shuttle.

    5.5 mi awaySwitch it up: Stay

  • Eat & Drink
    Local Gem

    Native Cafe & Kitchen

    Under $25

    Casual cafe in a restored cotton mill serving coffee, breakfast, burgers and Southern-inspired plates.

    5.5 mi awaySwitch it up: Eat & Drink

  • Museums
    History Buff

    Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum

    $25–$50

    Ride vintage steam and diesel trains through the Tennessee Valley, including the scenic Hiwassee River Loop.

    18 mi awayMore like this