Calhoun Rock Garden: A World of Tiny Marvels

Stepping into the Calhoun Rock Garden is like stepping into a whimsical Lilliputian world. I’ve had the pleasure of visiting three times, in different seasons, and can say I am still blown away by the creativity and intricate construction of these miniature stone cottages, cathedrals and castles. The Rock Garden is a folk art wonder worth seeing year-round.

Location

1411 Rome Rd SW, Calhoun, GA 30701
The Rock Garden is tucked behind the Calhoun Seventh Day Adventist Church, right outside of Rome, Georgia. It’s about a two and a half hour drive north of Athens, Georgia or about an hour from Atlanta.

a miniature stone replica of the Notre Dame Cathedral

Who Created the Rock Garden?

DeWitt “Old Dog” Boyd made the Rock Garden’s first miniatures in 2007. Today, Boyd is assisted by volunteers who have maintained the garden and helped it expand to over 50 stone structures, creating a playful and surprisingly sturdy art environment. In the fall, the community holds an illumination ceremony where the mini castles and buildings are lit by candlelight.

a man walking through a miniature village

Small but Mighty Replicas

While every structure in the garden showcases Boyd’s skill and imagination, there are a few superstar landmarks: the Himeji Castle, the Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Colosseum. I love how they capture the elegance of their iconic inspirations, while adding the cuteness and warmth you can only get from handmade art.

split image of a stone replica of Himeji Castle and detail of shells on the castle wall — Himeji Castle – the 17th century Japanese castle on a hill!

Man standing next to a miniature stone replica of the Notre Dame Cathedral

woman peeking through the windows of a miniature replica of the Notre Dame Cathedral — Notre Dame Cathedral – Paris’s medieval cathedral complete with stained glass windows

split image of the Colosseum and woman looking into the amphitheater — The Colosseum – Ancient Rome’s amphitheater sized for the garden’s butterflies

When to Visit

The garden is open year round, dawn to dusk. Admission is free, however, maintenance runs on donations so I encourage you to drop something in that donation box if able.

mother and child on a handmade bridge at the Calhoun Rock Garden

What’s Nearby?

Once you’ve explored the Calhoun Rock Garden, there’s plenty more to see and do:

New Echota Historic Site, 1211 Chatsworth Highway NE, Calhoun, GA – Learn about the Cherokee people and their tragic relocation at the site where the “Trail of Tears” officially began.
Sam’s Treehouse, 360 Piedmont St. Calhoun, GA – Park in El Rayo’s Mexican restaurant and check out a unique treehouse in the back! The treehouse incorporates parts of a 1960s movie submarine prop, a helicopter and the tail of an airplane. The treehouse is under renovation but may be open for tours again next year.
Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden, 200 N Lewis St, Summerville, GA 30747 – I usually stop in Calhoun en route to Paradise Garden or Chattanooga. If you’re heading west as well, you should definitely make it a garden-to-garden trip.

woman sitting by a creek next to a miniature stone castle

My first visit to the Garden in 2018

The Calhoun Rock Garden is a lovely place that welcomes visitors of all ages and beliefs (or non-beliefs). Make sure to add this hidden gem of miniature marvels to your travel list!