Plains, Georgia, Business District

PARK OVERVIEW

Jimmy Carter National Historical Park is located in Plains, Georgia, the town where former president Jimmy Carter grew up and lived out his life. Opened in 1987, the park is officially made up of the Plains High School Visitor Center and Museum, the train depot from where Carter ran his presidential campaign, and the farm that he grew up on, which is located about three miles outside of downtown Plains. Visits to all three attractions are self-guided.

The Carters’ home and garden are also part of the park, but they are currently closed to visitors. There has always been plans to open them to the public after Jimmy’s death, which occurred on December 29, 2024, but preparing the house will take some time. Both he and Rosalynn are buried in the garden.

In addition to the official National Park Service-run sites, there are plenty of other historical landmarks in and around Plains that played significant roles in Carter’s life. Most are within a half mile of the Visitor Center, and those that are not in town are no farther than a five-minute car ride.

The business district of Plains amounts to nothing more than one side of the street of a city block. There are a few shops, a seven-room historic hotel, and two restaurants in town, though most everything closes early. However, the town of Americus is just ten miles to the east and bolsters a wonderful historic downtown filled with shops and original restaurants. Outside of downtown Americus are plenty of hotels, fast food joints, and chain restaurants.

You can easily spend the entire day at Jimmy Carter National Historical Park and in and around downtown Plains. At a bare minimum, block off four hours to see the National Park Service sites only (School, Farm, and Train Depot).

OPERATING HOURS

Jimmy Carter National Historical Park is open every day except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s days. The Plains High School Visitor Center, Boyhood Farm, and the Campaign Headquarters are all open from 10 AM to 5 PM.

Times can always change, so before making travel plans be sure to get the latest schedule on the National Park Service’s official Operating Hours and Seasons web page for he park.

FEES

There are no fees to tour Jimmy Carter National Historical Park. Donations are always welcome.

SCHEDULING YOUR VISIT

Visitor Center and Museum
allow 30 minutes to 1.5 hours

Campaign Headquarters Museum
allow 30 minutes

Jimmy Carter Boyhood Farm
allow 1 hour

Other Sites of Interest in Plains
(allow 1-2 hours)

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