Things To Do

Walk the Bavarian-style village, float the Chattahoochee, and choose a park, waterfall, coaster, or mini-golf stop.

First-visit note: Main Street, the river bridges, and the mountain coaster or mini golf are close together. Anna Ruby Falls and Unicoi State Park require a separate trip east of the village.
Helen Square and Bavarian-style downtown buildings in Helen Georgia

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.

Tubers floating past riverfront buildings in Helen Georgia

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 →
Quiet shaded park space at Unicoi Hill Park in Helen Georgia

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 ride car in Helen Georgia

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.

Pirate themed mini golf entrance in Helen Georgia

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.

Caramel apples at Hansel and Gretel Candy Kitchen in Helen Georgia

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.

Windmill-style building detail in Helen Georgia

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

Direct Viator activity result for Helen, GA; listed from $31.

Helen: Haunts Ghost Tour with Paranormal Investigation 1.5 hours 3.1 (18)

Direct GetYourGuide activity result for Helen, GA; listed from $10.

Helen Hike Wine and Dine Group Tour

Direct GetYourGuide activity result for Helen, GA; listed from $400.

Helens Ghosts Voodoo and Haunted Trails Walking Tour

Direct Viator activity result for Helen, GA; listed from $20.

Helen Haunts and History Walk

Direct Viator activity result for Helen, GA; listed from $31.