Things To Do
Walk the Bavarian-style village, float the Chattahoochee, and choose a park, waterfall, coaster, or mini-golf stop.
Walk the Bavarian village core early
Walk Main Street, the river bridges, and the side streets before late-morning traffic fills the village center. The alpine-style facades date to Helen's 1969 reinvention, not an older Bavarian settlement.
Tube the Chattahoochee when conditions allow
Tubing is Helen's signature warm-weather activity, but water level and storms can change operations quickly. Read both outfitters' same-day notices before choosing a trip.
Fit it into the tubing weekend →
Climb to Unicoi Hill Park
The small city park above town has shade, a gazebo, and a playground within walking distance of the village. Unicoi State Park is a separate, larger outing east of Helen.
Georgia Mountain Coaster is a short village stop
The weather-dependent alpine coaster takes less time than a park or waterfall outing. Its Main Street location makes it easy to pair with the river bridges and nearby shops when operations are running.
Two mini-golf courses, two different themes
Pirate's Cove has a pirate-themed course near the village, while Alpine Mini Golf carries the Bavarian motif on the south approach. Either works as a compact family stop rather than the centerpiece of the day.
Candy shops, toys, and themed storefronts
Hansel & Gretel Candy Kitchen, Tim's Wooden Toys, Christmas decor, hats, and windmill-style buildings show how fully Helen commits to its modern Bavarian-village theme.
The themed village is a modern Helen story
Helen's business community began converting downtown buildings to Bavarian-inspired facades in 1969. The result is theatrical rather than inherited European architecture, but it is also a real local reinvention worth seeing beside the river and foothills.
Book Helen tours and activities
These bookable walks and regional outings include Helen history, ghost tours, and a North Georgia excursion that departs from Atlanta.
The Culture of Helen Tour
Enjoy a leisurely stroll that provides you with a comprehensive overview of Helen’s culture and history. This charming town is famous for its vineyards, so you’ll also get to try the local wine during a complimentary wine tasting. Learn about the history of gem mining in the area, and snack on candy from a local producer.
Helen Hike Wine and Dine Group Tour
Escape Atlanta for a scenic private day trip to Helen, hike beautiful trails, explore the Bavarian village, nature, culture, and flavour in one unforgettable tour!