Theodore Roosevelt Presidential LibraryPublic Lands Directory

Alerts and conditions

All clear. The managing agency, the National Weather Service and wildfire reporting show no current alerts.

Overview

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

History

The designation history for this site (every law, proclamation and order, and the administration behind each) is being researched and checked by the Library’s historians.

What to see and do

Activities

  • Biking
  • Guided Tours
  • Self-Guided Tours - Walking
  • Junior Ranger Program
  • Park Film
  • Museum Exhibits
  • Shopping
  • Bookstore and Park Store

Browse hiking, biking and paddling routes on AllTrails

Plan your visit

Hours

Plains Depot: 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.

Jimmy Carter Boyhood Farm: Jimmy Carter's father, Earl Carter, moved the family to the community of Archery, Georgia when Jimmy Carter was 4 years old. He lived here until he went off to college. In 2000, the National Park Service opened up a restored Jimmy Carter Boyhood Farm to the public.

Carter Gardens: Jimmy Carter National Historical Park provides visitors with an opportunity to explore the lasting impact of President Jimmy Carter and First Lady Rosalynn Carter, including their final resting place.

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.

Visitor centers

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.

Phone: (229) 824 - 4104

Whose lands these are

These lands are the ancestral and present-day homelands of Native nations. A section on whose lands these are is being prepared with tribal review. In the meantime, Native Land Digital offers a starting point.

Photos

Front view of Plains High School Visitor Center and Museum
Plains High School Museum and Visitors Center · NPS Photo
The Plains train depot that President Carter used as the 1976 campaign headquarters.
Plains Depot, 1976 Campaign Headquarters · NPS Photo
Jimmy Carter speaking to the crowd; Presidents' Day 2016
Jimmy Carter Presidents' Day 2016 · NPS Photo
Rosalynn Carter signing a book, Presidents' Day 2016
Rosalynn Carter, Presidents' Day 2016 · NPS Photo

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