Jimmy Carter National Historical Park

Jimmy Carter National Historical Park is a national historical park run by the National Park Service in Georgia.

In the park service’s words

Few U.S. Presidents have had such close ties with where they were born and raised. The rural southern culture of Plains, Georgia revolves around farming, church, and school, which had a large influence in molding the character and shaping the political policies of the 39th President of the United States.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Things to do

• Visit the Jimmy Carter National Historical Park Bookstore (5 to 60 Minutes): Bookstore Jimmy Carter National Historical Park
• Self-Guided Walking Tour of Plains, Georgia (45 to 120 Minutes): A Self-Guided Tour of Plains, Georgia allowing the visitor to explore the town that raised a President, and where President and Mrs. Carter still call home.
• Self-Guided Tour of the Jimmy Carter Boyhood Farm (10 to 120 Minutes): The Jimmy Carter Boyhood Farm is where Jimmy Carter was raised from the age of four until seventeen. His father, Earl Carter, sold off the farm in 1949. The National Park Service purchased seventeen acres and the Carter Boyhood Home in 1994. After a multiyear restoration the Boyhood Farm and Home opened to the public i
• Self-Guided Tour of Plains Depot-1976 Campaign Headquarters (15 to 45 Minutes): Plains Depot-1976 Presidential Campaign Headquarters
• Self-guided tour of Plains High School (5 to 60 Minutes): Plains High School is where both Jimmy and Rosalyn Carter went grades one through eleven. It has been transformed into a museum detailing the life of the citizens of Plains, as well as the Carter's.

Fees and hours

Entrance fee: No entrance fee.

Hours: Daily, 9:30AM - 4:30PM. Plains Depot was chosen for President Carter's 1976 Presidential Campaign Headquarters because it was vacant and it had a public restroom. Today the building is a museum for Jimmy Carter's campaign for Georgia State Senate, Governor of Georgia, and President of the United States.

Getting there

In Americus take US 280W/ W Forsyth St. until it becomes US-19 S/US-280 W/S Martin Luther King Blvd. Turn left and go .08 mile. Turn right onto US-280 W and travel 8.9 miles. Turn right onto North Bond Street/ Hwy 45 North. Plains High School Visitor Center and Museum will be on the right side of the road 500 feet from the intersection.

Drive times run from the airport to Zion Canyon Visitor Center, estimated with OSRM routing on OpenStreetMap roads at normal speeds; allow extra for traffic, stops and construction.

Miles are straight-line distances.

Visitor centers

• Plains High School Visitor Center and Museum: Daily, 9:30AM - 4:30PM. The main visitor Center for the Jimmy Carter National Historical Park. Plains High School serves as the park museum and visitor center. Visitors find a restored and furnished classroom, principal's office and auditorium. Other rooms feature exhibits that explain the Carters' lives in Plains, including political and business careers, education, family, and post presidency. There is a 25 minute video that focuses on the life and accomplishments of Jimmy Carter told by those who know him best - his friends.

Weather

When visiting Southwest Georgia during the summer, expect hot and humid weather with the potential for thunderstorms. Check the local forecast before planning any outdoor activities in the region and be prepared with appropriate clothing, sun protection, and hydration to ensure a comfortable and safe visit.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Know before you go

Drones are banned at almost every park site, and you may not take rocks, plants or artifacts. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet where they are allowed. Bring no firewood from home.

Nearby

The nearest national park is Congaree, about 242 miles away in a straight line.

Sources

• National Park Service Data API: Jimmy Carter National Historical Park (public domain)
• Official website

Last checked 1 November 2026.