Hartwell: History, Culture and Activities on the Water

In Hartwell, history, cultural offerings and recreation around Lake Hartwell provide several ways to shape your stay. The offerings also vary in their requirements—for example, some group tours require reservations, and some events are seasonal.

Historic Buildings and Walking Tours

Hartwell’s business district includes preserved buildings dating from around 1879 to 1925. The Historic Hartwell Downtown Walking Tour covers 32 historic buildings. You can take the tour in print, audio or video format. Since the availability of these formats should be confirmed locally before your trip, it’s a good idea to check before planning around them.

The collections and architectural history also give your stay a historical focus. The Hart County Historical Museum displays artifacts about Nancy Hart, a Revolutionary War heroine, as well as other objects from the early history of Hart County. The Teasley-Holland House is a one-story Victorian-style wood-frame house built around 1881. These offer different perspectives: the museum focuses on historical objects, while the house showcases its architectural style and period.

Another historic building is High Cotton Music Hall, a restored former cotton warehouse, about 100 years old, on historic Depot Street in downtown Hartwell. In Railroad Street Park, the renovated depot building houses a museum and an event space. The Hartwell Art Center showcases artists from the area and highlights their work. Those interested in design and local history can explore several distinct themes without having to combine them into a single tour.

Activities at Lake Hartwell

Hartwell Lakeside Park offers opportunities for swimming, boating, water skiing and fishing. For time on Lake Hartwell, Lake Hartwell Kayak Rental and Delivery also offers single and tandem kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddleboards; the provider delivers throughout Lake Hartwell. The main difference between these options is the type of activity: you can spend time on the water or fish at the lake.

Lake Hartwell Wildlife Safari offers guided tours by safari bus or van. These tours are for groups of seven or more and require reservations. If you’re planning this kind of group activity, factor in group size and reservations early.

Culture, Events and Other Offerings

Downtown Hartwell offers locally owned shops, dining, live music and events throughout the year. The Antique Boat Festival is one of Hartwell’s seasonal festivals; if you’d like to plan your trip around it, check the dates in advance. You can follow the Hart County Quilt Trail in Hartwell and Hart County. The Hart County Botanical Garden has an amphitheater and a paved, covered pavilion available for rental; confirm the pavilion’s current availability before making plans.

Hartwell also has a range of offerings for families. Big Hart Farm offers a family-friendly farm experience with flowers and pumpkins. The Lake Hartwell Family Fun Center has a state-of-the-art arcade. Each has a different focus, so you can choose based on your interests rather than treating them as similar activities.

For an overview of the wider trip: Hart County.