Visiting a museum is a great way to learn more about fascinating subjects, like history, science, art, and culture. While you can head into nearby Atlanta for a wide variety of museum experiences, you can also stick closer to home. In the Alpharetta, Georgia, area, there are dozens of cool museums that explore local history, the great outdoors located in our backyards, and other topics. That’s why Crème de la Crème of Alpharetta on Nesbit Ferry Road has put together this list of six of the best museums near Alpharetta.

Alpharetta & Old Milton County History Museum

Inage via Unsplash by Michal Parzuchowski using Unsplash License

Located inside City Hall is the Alpharetta & Old Milton County History Museum. This collection, managed by the Alpharetta & Old Milton County Historical Society, features artifacts, portraits, short documentary clips, and much more, all depicting the history of this region. You’ll find exhibits that depict what life was like for the Cherokee Indians who inhabited the area before settlers, how the area was transformed into Alpharetta and neighboring towns, and the people and events that shaped the region’s history over more than 100 years. 

The museum is free to visit, and you can even get a guided tour from one of the knowledgeable docents. It’s open Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and on the weekends by appointment only.

Original Selfie Museum – Alpharetta

That’s right, Alpharetta is home to its own Original Selfie Museum location. This museum is unlike any other — it’s a unique, contemporary art museum that features interactive exhibits that encourage you to take really awesome photos of yourself and your family. You’ll find Instagram-worthy backgrounds and creative stages where you and the kids can pose for the most fun family portraits you’ve ever taken. The museum’s stations even have a few props, like microphones, guitars, giant crayons, and more.

What’s more, you can add this unique museum trip to your to do list the next time you’re at North Point Mall, where it’s located. The Alpharetta Original Selfie Museum is open Friday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Computer Museum of America

Do you have a computer whiz in the family? Then you have to bring them to the Computer Museum of America, located in nearby Roswell. The CMoA showcases the evolution of computer technology, from early iterations, like the Enigma, to the latest tech being used for artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, automation, space travel, and much more. At this museum, you can get up close and personal with the NASA computer systems used to manage the Apollo missions, meet a real-life supercomputer, walk the timeline of computer evolution, and see WWII communication computing tech.

This museum rotates out various exhibits, so there’s always something new to see every few months. The CMoA is only open Fridays fro 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Bulloch Hall

Also located in nearby Roswell is Bulloch Hall, the historical home of some of the area’s original settlers, Major James Bulloch and his family. This Greek Revival-style home was built in 1839 and has a fascinating presidential connection. In fact, Bulloch’s daughter Mittie was married to Theodore Roosevelt Sr. The couple got married in her childhood home in 1953. They soon became parents to the 26th president, Teddy Roosevelt. 

You can learn more about the Bulloch family and their connection to the Roosevelts when you tour this historic home, which is full of vintage furnishings so you can experience a slice of mid-1800s life. You can do a self-guided tour of the house or sign up for a guided tour. These tours occur at various times during the day on Tuesday through Sunday, and you can purchase your tickets online.

Southeastern Railway Museum

In nearby Duluth is the Southeastern Railway Museum, the perfect destination for train aficionados, engineering enthusiasts, and history buffs alike. This museum features indoor and outdoor exhibits all focused on the history and evolution of the region’s trains and rail transport systems. You can check out some old locomotives and see where the conductor would operate the train, tour passenger cars, and even see some old MARTA buses from Atlanta’s history. In addition to touring their old trains, you can also take a quick train ride, too.

When you pay for admission to the museum, you get one free train ride. These rides take off at various times throughout the day when the museum is open. Hours are Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Hudgens Center for Art & Learning

Also in nearby Duluth is the Hudgens Center for Art & Learning. This arts center houses multiple art galleries that feature the work of dozens of artists at a time. The Hudgens Center rotates artwork from their private collection, features local artists, and invites curators from around the globe to put together a collection in one of their galleries. You can also learn to make various artwork by taking one or many of their art classes.

What’s great about this art museum experience is that you get to appreciate a variety of media and cultures on display. You can see everything from painted paper sculptures to photography to paintings to folk art. You can also enjoy the Georgia sun when you check out the Al Weeks Sculpture Garden, where you can stroll through pieces done by resident artists and sculptors from all over the world peppered among the lush plants and tranquil water features.

The Hudgens Center for Art & Learning is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

So there you have it, six awesome museums you have to check out around the Alpharetta area. Did we miss any of your family’s favorite museums around town? If so, contact us, and we’ll be happy to add them to our list!