Kennesaw is community with a rich history, a thriving business center, and an exceptional quality of life. Residents have access to excellent educational resources; welcoming and accessible parks, greenspaces, public buildings and athletic facilities; high quality, affordable and convenient recreation programs; and safe, attractive and well-maintained neighborhoods and central business district.

Kennesaw is located in the heart of Cobb County, approximately 20 miles northwest of downtown Atlanta, and minutes from I-75 -- providing easy access to shopping and entertainment in the Town Center area.

Downtown Kennesaw offers several specialty shops and restaurants, and is a popular gathering place for a variety of family-oriented activities throughout the year.

Take a trip back in time to the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History. With three impressive permanent collections and a membership in the prestigious Smithsonian Affiliations Program, the Southern Museum offers a wide range of exhibits, including a glimpse into the daily lives of soldiers during the Civil War; a reproduction of a turn-of-the-century locomotive factory; and an exciting depiction of the Civil War's Great Locomotive Chase. The Southern Museum's Jolley Education Center offers plenty of interactive and hands-on activities including a telegraph station, a locomotive cab simulator (where children have the opportunity to "drive" a train), and an authentic replica of downtown Kennesaw in the 1800s.

Swift-Cantrell Park serves as one of the premier recreation, relaxation and central gathering places for Kennesaw area residents. At 42 acres, the City of Kennesaw's largest community park features two colossal, state-of-the-art playgrounds, an off-leash dog park, a skate spot, one-and-a-half miles of lighted, asphalt trails, acres of open turf for passive recreation, picnic pavilions and shelters, a plaza area with park bench seating and free Wi-Fi service. Future plans for the park include a recreation center/gymnasium, aquatic center, and a skatepark.

If you're planning an event, the City of Kennesaw invites you to experience the value, convenience and simplistic style of the 26,000-square-foot Ben Robertson Community Center. Since opening in 2004, the center has played host to a multitude of events, including weddings, receptions, family reunions, birthday and anniversary parties, and small business meetings.

Unusual and beautiful blooming trees and shrubs are the foundation of the Smith-Gilbert Gardens. Visitors will encounter a restored plantation home, over 3,000 plant species, and 30 contemporary sculptures created by nationally known artists. Bird watchers and other lovers of wildlife will also appreciate the peace and sanctuary of the naturalistic woodland surroundings of the 13-acre site.
 
Events abound. In the spring, Kennesaw plays host to the Big Shanty Festival, one of the largest arts and craft shows in North Georgia. The event features hundreds of crafters, artisans and vendors, in addition to live entertainment, children's activities and plenty of festival food.

In the summer, bring your lawn chairs and blankets, and settle down for a night of music under the stars during the City of Kennesaw's Summer Concert Series. Or stop by the Kennesaw Farmers Market, where local farmers gather to sell fresh produce and other locally produced items.

In the fall, storytelling, folklore, music, crafts, poetry and entertainment converge during the City of Kennesaw's signature event, Folk Tales of the Rails.

And in the winter, Santa's arrival takes place with a family-friendly parade down Main Street featuring festive holiday characters, musical ensembles, marching bands, designer floats, live reindeer and the jolly old elf himself, Santa Claus.

Further afield, and just minutes from downtown Kennesaw, the 2,888-acre Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, with over 17 miles of trails is a popular destination for Civil War history buffs, hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.

City leaders are also busy promoting economic development and tourism. The City's Community Development Department is working to expand the Central Business District, attract new development to downtown, and create a comprehensive marketing plan designed to recruit new businesses and industry.

Additionally, the City will soon break ground on a new railroad-pedestrian underpass that will provide safe passage for visitors and residents between the Southern Museum and downtown commercial district.

Make your next stop Kennesaw. For more information, please call (770) 424-8274.