30 Best Things To Do In Helen, Georgia

1. Enjoy water rides at Helen Water Park & Tubing

Adrenaline junkies unite! If you are in Helen, Georgia, you cannot miss out on the water rides at Helen Tubing & Waterpark. Here you will find fun rides like tubing, slides, and the lazy river. The tall rides at this waterpark are definitely hair-raising and adrenaline-pumping. Combine the thrill of water slides along with the lazy cruise down the Chattahoochee River for a fun excursion with your family. Their newest attraction includes a 25 foot (7.62 metre) tall rock wall. Do note that the tickets for tubing stop selling before 6pm on weekends because of the high volume of people that go tubing on Saturdays and Sundays.

Helen Water Park & Tubing

Address: 222 Edelweiss Strasse, Helen GA 30545, USA

Website: Helen Water Park & Tubing

Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)

Price: 8 USD

2. Have an epic go kart experience at Alpine Fun Factory

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Enjoy the adrenaline pumping go-kart ride at Alpine Fun Factory in Helen, Northeast Georgia. Manoeuvre sharp turns in their slick track and push your limits with the fastest go-karts in Helen. You can bring a friend and ride doubles at the dominator races here. When you had your fill at the go-kart track, you can enjoy other games here like laser tag, nerf, arcade games, and human bumper balls. Alpine Fun Factory has everything under one roof for all age groups.

Alpine Fun Factory

Address: 115 Escowee Dr, Helen GA 30545, USA

Website: Alpine Fun Factory

Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 1pm - 8pm; Sat: 11am - 9pm; Sun : 12pm - 6pm (closed on Mon)

Price: 23 USD

3. Cruise down the Chattahoochee at Cool River Tubing

Rent out a tube and cruise down the Chattahoochee headwaters at Cool River Tubing in Helen, Georgia. Here you will find top-notch facilities with friendly and helpful staff to guide you around the place. This is the only tubing adventure in Helen to offer two trip options—a one-hour float and a two-hour float. If you’re not satisfied with that, you can also choose the all-day pass at just 14 USD. You can also choose the adventure park combos and avail free tubing experience.

Cool River Tubing

Address: 590 Edelweiss Strasse, Helen Georgia 30545, USA

Website: Cool River Tubing

Opening hours: 9am - 6pm (daily)

Price: 10 - 14 USD

4. Challenge yourself at Raven Cliff Falls Trail

If you prefer solitude and want to backpack it in, then definitely consider hiking the Raven Cliff Falls Trail. The 2.5-mile (4-km) hike follows Dodd’s Creek and makes it a 5-mile (8-km) round trip. Here, you will find tall trees, beautiful wildflowers and green moss in the hiking trail. The waterfall is majestic in its appearance as it falls over the lofty rocks and cascades down to form a large pool. The place also has a designated parking spot that is surrounded by gravel and it can accommodate 25 vehicles. You will also find an interpretive kiosk, vault toilet, and picnic spot at the site.

Raven Cliff Falls Trail

Address: 3000 Richard B Russell Scenic Hwy, Helen, GA 30545, USA

Website: Raven Cliff Falls Trail

Price: 5 USD

5. Indulge in some seared steaks at Paul's Steakhouse

If you’re in Helen and want to savour some delicious steaks, seared and cooked to perfection, then head to Paul’s Steakhouse. Here you will find steak, seafood, appetizing side items, and beverages. Their menu includes dishes with names taken from the region like the Chattahoochee Breeze and the Georgia Mountain Punch. The amazing food is priced reasonably and you can enjoy a wide variety of mouth-watering dishes at this place. You will also find a seafood menu and a designated children’s menu–therefore this place has everything for all the age groups.

Paul's Steakhouse

Address: 8537 S Main St, Helen GA 30545, USA

Website: Paul’s Steakhouse

Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 4pm - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 4pm - 11pm

6. Admire nature at Anna Ruby Falls

How about a visit to the falls for quick fun-filled day trips and outdoor adventures? Anna Ruby Falls is located in Helen, Georgia and is surrounded by the Chattahoochee National Forest. This picturesque waterfall stands at a height of 47 m (154.2 feet). The sound of the water flowing over the cliffs is so loud that is breaks the silence of the forest.

The waterfall is a junction point of twin waterfalls—Curtis Creek and York Creek, which then join and flow into the Unicoi Lake. The 4.6 miles (7.4 km) Smith Creek Trail is a challenge among the hikers who visit the Anna Ruby Falls.

For more adventures in beautiful waterfalls, come visit Dukes Creek Falls too.

Anna Ruby Falls

Address: Georgia 30571, USA

Opening hours: 9am - 7pm (daily)

Price: 3 USD

7. Visit the historic Hardman Farm

Travel through the iconic Unicoi Turnpike, which was once a Native American trail to visit the historical Hardman Farm. The most fabled feature of this historical landmark is the Sautee Nacoochee Indian Mound. A guided house tour will allow you to see interesting things belonging to the Nichols and Hardman families, like the bedroom belonging to Anna Ruby Nichols. The house epitomises Italian architecture and was originally known as the “West End”. If you want to understand how North Georgia’s earliest inhabitants thrived in this region, you should pay a visit to this place.

Hardman Farm

Address: 143 GA-17, Clarkesville, GA 30523, USA

Website: Hardman Farm

Opening hours: Mon: 10am - 4pm; Thu - Sun: 10am - 4pm (closed on Tue & Wed)

8. Play golf at Alpine Mini Golf

Looking for an outdoor activity with your little ones? If you fancy a game of mini-golf when you’re in Helen, Georgia, head to the Alpine Mini Golf. This golf course was designed like an alpine village surrounded by a beautiful garden with trees and sculptures. During the night, the entire garden gets illuminated with interesting lights that pass through the branches of the trees. You can stroll around the golf course and enjoy the village vibe while you wait for your turn to play. The place is well-maintained and can be enjoyed by travellers of all age groups.

For more mini-golf adventures, check out Bavarian Mountain Miniature Golf on Main Street too!

Alpine Mini Golf

Address: 7914 S Main St, Helen, GA 30545, USA

Opening hours: 9am - 10:30pm (daily)

Price: 17 USD

9. Sample some award-winning wine at Habersham Winery

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Know what it feels like to sample award-winning wine at the Habersham Winery in Helen, Georgia. This family-owned business has been making wines since 1983 and is recognised as one of Georgia’s oldest and largest wineries. They have a variety of wines that you can choose from and all of them go through crucial quality testing before letting the customer take a sip. From crushing the grapes to ageing them, everything happens under the supervision of a professional. This place has a lively ambience and will make for a fun outing with your friends.

Habersham Winery

Address: 7025 S Main St, Helen, GA 30545, USA

Website: Habersham Winery

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 6pm; Sat: 10am - 8pm ; Sun: 12:30pm - 6pm

10. Hike Whitley Gap Trail

The Whitley Gap Trail is a hiking trail located in Helen, Georgia. The trail is covered by thick bushes and trees whose leaves branch out to provide a thin outline to the trail. The walking path is lined with natural boulders with a lean turf present on either side of the trail. The Whitley Gap Shelter is a little far from the trail but the scenic views from this spot is breathtaking. The climb is steep but you will find switchbacks to make it to the top. You can take your kids and friends to have them experience the breathtaking views and enjoy the alluring forest.

Whitley Gap Trail

Address: Richard B Russell Scenic Hwy, Cleveland, GA 30528, USA

Website: Whitley Gap Trail

11. Enjoy an ice cream at Scoop-De-Scoop

Nothing feels more refreshing than ice cream after a hard day’s work. If you’re on the lookout for ice creams with yummy flavours, head to Scoop-De-Scoop ice cream parlour at Helen, Georgia. This small shop is located beside Alpine Mini Golf and attracts customers of all age groups. The interiors of this place are decent and the tables even have checkered table cloth typically found in cafes and parlours. The ice creams are priced reasonably and can be enjoyed any time of the day.

Scoop-De-Scoop Ice Cream Parlor

Address: 7914 S Main St, Helen, GA 30545, USA

Website: Scoop-De-Scoop Ice Cream Parlor

Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 10pm

12. Watch a magic show at Carl Michael: Magic & Illusions

Fool your vision and be mesmerised by the swift work of award-winning magician Carl Michael in Helen’s newest attraction, Carl Michael: Magic & Illusions. Carl Michael’s shows are known for having an energetic crowd and close audience interaction. Bring your kids and surprise them with Carl Michael’s magic shows. This is a one-time, one-of a-kind magic experience in Helen.

Carl Michael: Magic & Illusions

Address: 115 Escowee Drive, Carolina Comedy Club, Helen, GA 29572

Website: Carl Michael: Magic & Illusions

13. Add to your collection at Nacoochee Antiques

If you love collecting antiques and interesting items from different places then you can buy them from Nacoochee Antiques. The shop is set in a historic Martin House built in the year 1876. Here you will find three floors of peculiar gifts and treasures that you may not find elsewhere. This place is a haven among those looking for rare and interesting items and keepsakes and will surely intrigue a curious customer to take a stroll around the place. Head out to the Nacoochee Antiques to look for souvenirs that you can take back home to gain some extra points with your friends.

Nacoochee Antiques

Address: 7091 S Main St, Helen, GA 30545, USA

Website: Nacoochee Antiques

Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)

14. Enjoy the ultimate retreat at Unicoi State Park & Lodge

Located in the centre of the beautiful Unicoi Lake and the Chattahoochee National Forest, the Unicoi State Park offers exquisite hiking trails and recreational activities for travellers. Whether it’s a romantic escape, a corporate event, or a family trip, you will have a loaded experience with a wide variety of activities offered at Unicoi State Park & Lodge. You can discover your talent with archery or try paddle boarding. If that doesn’t suffice, check out other delights like fly fishing, zip-lining, and mountain biking.

Unicoi State Park

Address: 1788 GA-356, Helen GA 30545, USA

Website: Unicoi State Park

15. Learn to make candy at Hansel & Gretel Candy Shop

The Hansel & Gretel Candy shop in Helen, Georgia is not like any other candy shop you’ve ventured into. With tons of choices and mouthwatering delights, this place is all set to mesmerise your taste buds. You can sample several flavours of fudge until you find the perfect one. The makers of this place are connoisseurs of candy and have perfected the art, which is illustrated in their book “Candy Making For Dummies”. Head out to Hansel & Gretel Candy shop to learn how to make candy and chew on some of the best candies and truffles in Helen.

Hansel & Gretel Candy Shop

Address: 8651 N Main St, Helen, GA 30545, USA

Website: Hansel & Gretel Candy Shop

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 9am - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 9am - 10pm ; Sun : 9am - 8:30pm

16. Take a zip-lining course at Cool River Adventures

If you love aerial adventures and adrenaline-pumping zipline activities, you should check out ziplining at Cool River Adventures. The place features a 24-foot (7.3 meters) climbing wall which will challenge your climbing skills and test your body strength. The courses designed here are extremely challenging and will require you to push your limits. Their aerial adventure park courses are of three types—the big outdoor adventure course, the small adventure course, and the extreme courses. All of these aerial courses have a short zip line course that will take you across the Chattahoochee River.

Can’t get enough of fun experiences? Make your way to Nacoochee Adventures too.

Cool River Adventures

Address: 112 Poplar Stump Rd, Helen, GA 30545, USA

Website: Cool River Adventures

Opening hours: 9am - 6pm (daily)

Price: 35 USD

17. Explore Smithgall Woods State Park

The Smithgail Woods State Park is 5,664 acres (8.85 sq mi) of conserved forest area located near Helen, Georgia and is a popular tourist destination. The area is a paradise amongst anglers because Duke’s which is Georgia’s premier trout streams runs through this property. The wildflower-covered trails make up for a good hiking spot and it’s considered to be a masterpiece of nature. Hikers can explore 18 miles (29 km) of wilderness with their bicycles and enjoy the surrounding hardwoods, streams, and wildlife.

Smithgall Woods State Park

Address: Dummy address

Website: Smithgall Woods State Park

Opening hours: 8am - 5pm (daily)

Price: 5 USD

18. Decode unsolved mysteries at Escape Rooms MindEscapes

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At Escape Rooms MindEscapes, you can rent a game room perfect for families, friendly meets, and even corporate events. The experts at Escape Rooms MindsEscapes have gone out of their way to challenge their customers with fun and interesting game challenges. Popular games like the ‘Cabin in the Woods’ and 'Sherlock’s Unsolved Mystery’ is available here and can be enjoyed at a reasonable price depending on the duration and availability.

Escape Rooms MindEscapes

Address: 8160 South Main Street Unit B-6 Alpine Village Shopping Center, Helen, GA 30545, United States

Website: Escape Rooms MindEscapes

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 9pm; Sun: 10am - 6pm

Price: 20 USD

19. Buy fresh honey at Betty’s Country Store

When you are in Helen, don’t forget to stop by at Betty’s Country Store because this shop has everything you need to stock up your pantry. Buy everyday items like locally produced fresh honey Apart from honey, you can also get freshly cut steak, seafood, jams and jellos, bakery items and even beer and wine. At Betty’s, you will find fresh locally grown produce at a reasonable price.

Betty’s Country Store

Address: 18 Yonah St, Helen, GA 30545, USA

Website: Betty’s Country Store

Opening hours: Fri - Wed: 7am - 9pm; Thu : 7am - 8pm

20. Check out the exhibit at Charlemagne's Kingdom

Charlemagne’s Kingdom is an Alpine model railroad museum that depicts the Bavarian-style railroads and the various terrains and architecture of Germany. The 50-foot (15.24 metres) exhibit is designed by Willi and Judi Lindhorst, who are passionate about German architecture and craftsmanship. The model beautifully depicts the railroad system and modern Germany from ‘the North Sea to the Alps’. The computerised trains, moving cable cars, lighted cities, town and villages are the top attractions of the exhibit.

Charlemagne's Kingdom

Address: 8808 N Main St, Helen, GA 30545, USA

Website: Charlemagne’s Kingdom

Opening hours: 9am - 9pm (daily)

21. Take a stroll along Chattahoochee River

The Chattahoochee River is a 430-mile (690 km) long river that forms the southern half of Alabama and Georgia border. The word Chattahoochee translates as ‘rock of many colours.’ The river is a major tourist destination in the alpine region and attracts many travellers. The river is a witness to several tubing activities and hiking and aerial adventures. Take a stroll along this beautiful river and witness the charm of nature that surrounds this river.

22. Buy interesting toys at Tim’s Wooden Toys

Watch wooden toys being made and buy them for your kids at Tim’s Wooden Toys. The toys are made in an ergonomic way to encourage kids to think out of the box and inspire creativity. They provide personalised toys for a small price and offer many laser engraved puzzles. Their range of toys includes cars, trucks, trains, and aeroplanes. Take your kids to Tim’s Wooden Toys and have them watch how wooden toys are made.

Tim’s Wooden Toys

Address: 8635 N Main St #8, Helen, GA 30545, USA

Website: Tim’s Wooden Toys

Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 10am - 7:30pm; Sat: 10am - 8:30pm; Fri: 10am - 8pm

Price: 6 USD

23. Splurge on a blown glass figurine souvenir

If you want to decorate your work desk with a creative souvenir from Helen, Georgia, check out Glassblowing Shop. Here you will find blown glass figurines made using the methods of flamework glassblowing, furnace working and stained glass work. Some of their glassware includes the hummingbird and flowers, butterflies and dragonflies, wedding cake tops, and others. These glass figurines will make for interesting birthday gifts, wedding gifts, and keepsake souvenirs.

The Glassblowing Shop

Address: 8600 N Main St Unit 1, Helen, GA 30545, USA

Website: The Glassblowing Shop

Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 10am - 6pm; Fri : 10am - 8pm; Sat : 10am - 9pm

24. See the majestic windmill at Heidi Motel and Windmill Suites

The Heidi Motel and Windmill Suites is located across Betty’s Country Store and is one of the most photographed buildings in Helen, Georgia. The building is situated amidst tall trees and surrounded by Bavarian village traditions. You can stay at this motel and tour nearby spots to enjoy the Bavarian culture that this place imbibes. The rooms are well- furnished inside the motel and the spacious rooms along with a private patio will accommodate a great weekend getaway.

Heidi Motel and Windmill Suites

Address: 8820 N Main St, Helen, GA 30545, USA

Website: Heidi Motel and Windmill Suites

25. Enjoy German music at The Heidelberg

A trip to Helen isn’t complete without a taste of Bavarian cuisine. The Heidelberg is a three-floor German restaurant situated in the back left corner of Helen’s Main St Square. The restaurant features a pub and a music hall to entertain the dining guests. The restaurant serves authentic German food like the schnitzel and goulash. They also serve German beer, bottled beer, wine and other beverages like coffee and tea. Guests can sip on their favourite drink and appreciate the German music playing in the background.

The Heidelberg

Address: 8660 N Main St, Helen, GA 30545, USA

Website: The Heidelberg

Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 10pm

26. Bike through the rough terrains of Smithgail Woods

Smithgail Woods is a part of the Smithgail Woods State Park which is a conservation park located in Helen, Georgia. The bicycle trail is 50% paved and 50% gravel with a trout stream following along with the road. Put your cycling skills to test and be ready to endure the tough terrain and scale the park as you make your way through the hills. If you are not very fit, you may have to carry the bicycle on your own. The Smithgail Woods is a great place to test the bicycle gears and have a quick morning workout.

Smithgail Woods

Address: 61 Tsalaki Trail, Helen, GA 30545, USA

Website: Smithgail Woods

Opening hours: 8am - 5pm (daily)

27. Get a pretty souvenir from Willows Pottery

At Willows Pottery, you can buy a custom dinnerware set, custom vessel sink, or a unique ceramic coffee mug. Located in the foothills of Appalachians, Willows Pottery is famous for handmade stoneware pottery. Catch a glimpse of potters Ben Dockins and Betsy Ledbetter as they turn clay into shining pieces of art that you can take away as a souvenir. Come to Willows Pottery and marvel at these shiny ceramic pots and dinnerware.

Willows Pottery

Address: 7275 S Main St, Helen, GA 30545, USA

Website: Willows Pottery

Opening hours: 11am - 8pm (daily)

Price: 15 USD

28. Enjoy a night out at Monday's Pub

Monday’s are always the toughest day of the week but at Mondays Pub will make you feel this is not always so. Monday’s Pub in Helen, Georgia is a great place to have your favourite burger and sip on some cold beer. Make new friends and talk about your tour experience in Helen with the friendly staff at this venue. The place packs a fun ambience and is a popular spot among locals as well. If you are seeking a great place to finish the night after a long day of touring, Monday’s Pub is the place to be.

Monday's Pub

Address: 7934 S Main St, Helen, GA 30545, USA

Website: Monday’s Pub

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 11am - 1am; Sun: 12:30pm - 12am

29. Learn jewellery-making at Helen Arts & Heritage Center

Helen Arts and Heritage Center is located in the alpine Bavarian village of Helen in Georgia and is a popular tourist attraction welcoming around three million visitors every year. It is also the second most visited destination in Helen. The Bavarian-style building is an art gallery, pottery studio, history museum, and an educational facility. The organisation fulfils its commitment to the art community by offering educational courses related to art like jewellery making, pottery, and painting courses. If you wish to check out beautiful artworks and handmade jewellery, visit the Helen Arts & Heritage Center.

Helen Arts & Heritage Center

Address: 25 Chattahoochee Strasse, Helen, GA 30545, USA

Website: Helen Arts & Heritage Center

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 12pm - 4pm (closed on Sun)

30. Wander around Lavender Lamb Farm

If you love to wander around and enjoy the smell of flowers, head out to Lavender Lamb Farm in Helen, Georgia. This place is the perfect location to snap a quick photo for Instagram or to just lay back and relax. You can also buy products locally grown on the farm like soaps, bath bombs, linen spray, lip balm and others. This place is a great pick if you want to bring your loved one and disclose your emotions on this picture-perfect farm.

Lavender Lamb Farm

Address: 176 Bugle Dr, Cleveland, GA 30528, USA

Website: Lavender Lamb Farm

Opening hours: Sat : 11am - 5pm (closed from Sun - Fri)

Make your days count at Helen

If you are looking for a fun-filled weekend retreat with your family, consider staying in a luxury cabin in this quaint German town. Whether it’s hiking, cycling, or aerial activities, Helen has everything that you need to make your holiday season special. What are you waiting for? Pack your bags and visit Helen today.

Want to explore more? Visit these other attractions in and around Helen, too: Nora Mill Granary, Outpost Gold & Gem Mining Co., Stovall Mill Covered Bridge, and DeSoto Falls.