11 Free Things to Do in Helen, GA
Helen is one of the most popular places to visit in Georgia, and luckily this Bavarian-inspired town is easy to do on a budget. Check out some of my favorite free things to do in Helen, GA here!
There are so many budget-friendly options around Helen, from scenic hikes to art galleries and museum to local festivals.
Don’t break the bank on your visit to Alpine Helen! Check out these top free things to do in Helen, GA.
Fun Free Things to Do in Helen
1. Visit the Folk Pottery Museum of Northeast Georgia
The Folk Pottery Museum of Northeast Georgia is a free museum in Sautee Nacoochee near Helen that details the history of pottery-making in White County.
The museum explores the process of making pottery, its role and uses in early Southern life, and the changes in folk pottery in the region. One of the main highlights is seeing works from the prominent pottery families in White County, where the museum displays different generations of pottery side-by-side.
2. Explore the Sautee Nacoochee Cultural Center
The Sautee Nacoochee Cultural Center is an 8-acre community arts center that offers free museums, art galleries, gardens, trails, and programing.
The Folk Pottery Museum is located here, as well as the Sautee Nacoochee History Museum, an African American Heritage Site, three art galleries displaying works in all different mediums, and a theater.
3. Photograph the Nacoochee Indian Mound
The Nacoochee Indian Mound is probably the most photographed spot in Helen. Located on part of the Hardman Farm State Historic Site, it’s not open to direct access but you can view it for free from a pull-off with a historical marker on SR-17.
The mound was built by the South Appalachian Mississippian people. In the 1870s, Captain Nichols, who owned the farmland at the time, built a gazebo on top. In 1915, a formal excavation of the mound revealed 75 human burials within the mound.
4. Walk the Helen to Hardman Heritage Trail
The Helen to Hardman Heritage Trail is a 1-mile one-way trail that runs from Helen to the Hardman Farm Stat Historic Site. There is free parking at both ends, so you can take a really easy and relaxing 2-mile round-trip walk.
The trail is ADA accessible, paved and boardwalked, and flat. It follows along the Chattahoochee river for a peaceful walk, with a few information signs posted along the way.
5. Hike the Unicoi to Helen Trail (starting in Helen)
The Unicoi to Helen Trail is a 2.6-mile one-way trail at Unicoi State Park that goes from the park to Helen. But here’s my little trick so you don’t have to pay the state park fee — start your hike in Helen.
Start at Unicoi Hill Park in Helen, which has free parking, and hike the trail into the state park to the lodge and back. Overall, it’s a 5.2 mile hike round-trip.
6. Visit BabyLand General Hospital
BabyLand General Hospital is the birthplace of the Cabbage Patch Kids, presented as a hospital, nursery, and adoption center where you can take home a Cabbage Patch Kids doll.
It’s basically just a giant toy store with a gimmick. But it’s free to visit, and they have some of the original dolls created by artist Xavier Roberts.
7. Attend the Helen Songwriters Festival
The annual Helen Songwriters Festival is a free, 3-day festival with live music from award-winning local and regional songwriters.
You can catch free performances in the Marketplatz and at local restaurants around town.
8. Shop around The Old Sautee Store
The Old Sautee Store is the longest-operated general store in Georgia. It’s like a little time capsule in the front room, which is still set up like the old 1872 general store. Further back, the store becomes a modern gift shop.
Step in and step back in time. Be sure to try some of their free samples while you’re here! When we visited, they were offering local cheese and local cider samples.
9. Visit Nora Mill Granary
Nora Mill Granary Grist Mill & Country Store is another long-time store in Helen. Established in 1876 as a gristmill alongside the Chattahoochee River, the store is still open and selling their famous grits.
It’s free to stop in and look around. You can see the original 1,500-pound mill stones powered by the river that they used to grind the grain. They also offer free samples here. And out back, you can look out over the river for a peaceful view.
10. Window Shop around Downtown Helen
Walking around the Bavarian-inspired downtown Helen is a treat of its own. You can do a little window shopping while you enjoy the Alpine design of the buildings.
Stop into The Glassblowing Shop to see unique hand-blown glass art, check out the largest display of authentic Black Forest Cuckoo clocks in America at Bavarian Clockworks, or pop into the Gourmet Shoppe and Fox Winery for free wine samples.
11. Get Free Samples at Hansel & Gretel Candy Kitchen
Hansel & Gretel Candy Kitchen is a popular chocolate and candy shop where you’re always sure to get free samples. Plus, you can watch them make fudge and other delicious treats.
They’ve grown so much, they new have two locations: at 8651 N Main St, Helen, GA 30545 and at 8078 S Main St, Helen, GA 30545.
Free Things to Do in Helen Map
Ready to explore these fun free things to do in Helen, Georgia? Use the map below to plan out your trip!
I hope you have a great time exploring Helen on a budget!
Where to Stay in Helen
Find the perfect place to rest your head on your visit to Helen, from the top rated accommodations to unique stays you can’t get anywhere else.
- Where I Stayed: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Helen
- Top Cabin Rental: Serenity Ridge Cabin
- Top Helen Hotel: Valhalla Resort Hotel
- Great for Small Groups: Helen Duplex
- Unique Stay: Alpine Village Inn
More Helen Travel Tips
Make the most of your trip to Helen, Georgia with these helpful posts:
- 3 Days in Helen, GA: Weekend Itinerary for First-Timers
- 25 Fun Things to Do in Helen, Georgia
- 12 Best Restaurants in Helen (That Aren’t Just German Food)
- Top North Georgia Wineries for a Weekend Getaway
- Unicoi State Park: Tips for Your Perfect Visit
- Unicoi to Helen Trail at Unicoi State Park
- Things To Do on a Day Trip to the North Georgia Mountains
- Hiking Anna Ruby Falls in Helen, GA
- Unicoi Lake Loop Trail at Unicoi State Park
- Walking the Helen to Hardman Heritage Trail in Helen, GA
Ready to visit Helen, Georgia? Plan your trip with these tips.
- Book Your Flight: Find the cheapest flights using Skyscanner, my favorite flight search engine.
- Find Accommodation: You can find top cabin rentals in Helen using VRBO.
- Start Packing: Check out my packing list resources so you’re prepared for your trip.
- Explore Helen in a New Way: Enjoy a Mystery Picnic Date in Helen to discover more of the town.
Cheers!
Paige
What are your favorite free things to do in Helen, GA? Let me know in the comments!
