Jimmy Carter National Historical Park

Jimmy Carter National Historical Park
Image credit: picture by davidwilson1949 licenced under Attribution License.

Located in Plains, Georgia, the Jimmy Carter National Historical Park is dedicated to preserving the life and legacy of the 39th President of the United States, Jimmy Carter. This historic site encompasses various key locations that played important roles in Carter's life, including his childhood home, the Plains High School, and the Plains Train Depot.

The park offers visitors the opportunity to step back in time and gain insight into the life and times of President Carter. The Carter Boyhood Farm, a notable highlight, is the place where Jimmy Carter spent his early years. Visitors can explore the farmhouse, which has been lovingly restored to its original appearance. The Plains High School serves as a reminder of Carter's education and displays several exhibits showcasing his achievements as a student and athlete.

Additionally, the Plains Train Depot holds great historical significance, as it is where Jimmy Carter announced his candidacy for the presidency in 1975. This restored depot now houses a museum that provides insight into Carter's presidential campaigns, as well as displays highlighting notable events during his presidency.

Beyond the historical sites within the park itself, there are several other attractions nearby that visitors can explore. Just a short distance away is the Jimmy Carter National Historic Site Visitor Center, where one can find visitor information and exhibits about Plains and the life of President Carter. The Maranatha Baptist Church, where Jimmy Carter still teaches Sunday school, is also located nearby and is a popular destination for visitors. Plains Peanuts, a shop that sells the famous peanuts grown by the Carter family, offers a delicious taste of local flavors.

Overall, the Jimmy Carter National Historical Park provides a comprehensive look into the life and accomplishments of President Jimmy Carter. From his childhood home to the sites where he made significant announcements, visitors can immerse themselves in the history and legacy of this notable statesman.

Location

Located in southwestern Georgia, Jimmy Carter National Historical Park encompasses the hometown of the 39th President of the United States, Jimmy Carter. The park is nestled within the rural region of Sumter County, near the small town of Plains. Characterized by its rolling hills, verdant farmlands, and vibrant landscapes, this picturesque area is representative of the American South. Surrounded by idyllic beauty, Jimmy Carter National Historical Park immerses visitors in the quintessential charm of Georgia's countryside, offering a tranquil and scenic retreat from the bustling city life.

Address & Contact

300 North Bond Street
Plains, GA 31780
Driving Directions
Phone: (229) 824 - 4104
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Jimmy Carter National Historical Park would be in the months of April and May. These months offer pleasant weather with average maximum temperatures of 76°F and 83°F respectively. The average minimum temperatures range from 52°F in April to 60°F in May. The monthly precipitation is moderate, averaging around 4.7 inches in April and 3.1 inches in May. These conditions make it ideal for outdoor activities in the park.

Things to do and learn in Jimmy Carter National Historical Park

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Jimmy Carter National Historical Park are: Guided Tours Self-Guided Tours - Walking Junior Ranger Program Park Film Museum Exhibits Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Biking

Topics

Learn about these topics at Jimmy Carter National Historical Park: Presidents Schools and Education Natural Sounds Great Depression Farming and Agriculture

Amenities

Visitor Centers

Plains High School Visitor Center and Museum

Plains High School is the main visitor center for the Jimmy Carter National Historical Park. The building has the parks orientation film, visitor services desk, exhibits, bookstore, and passport stamp location.

Passport Stamp locations

The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Plains High School Visitor Center and Museum.

Campsites within or near Jimmy Carter National Historical Park

This park doesn't have any campsites within its boundaries (or we haven't found them yet)).

Hotels within or near Jimmy Carter National Historical Park

Affiliate disclosure: When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network, Expedia and Amazon.

Quality Inn Americus

With a stay at Quality Inn Americus in Americus, you'll be within a 15-minute drive of Global Village & Discovery Center and Statue of Charles Lindbergh. Featured amenities include a computer station, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and multilingual staff. Event facilities at this hotel consist of conference space and a meeting room. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1205 S Martin Luther King Blvd, Americus, Georgia 31709
Web: Link

Econo Lodge

With a stay at Econo Lodge, you'll be centrally located in Americus, within a 10-minute drive of Global Village & Discovery Center and Statue of Charles Lindbergh. Featured amenities include a business center, dry cleaning/laundry services, and multilingual staff. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1611 E Lamar Street, Americus, Georgia 31709
Web: Link

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham-Albany GA

Located in Albany, La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham-Albany GA is within a 10-minute drive of Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital and Albany Museum of Art. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a business center, and express check-in. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 2735 Dawson Rd, Dawson Road and Liberty Expwy, Albany, Georgia 31707
Web: Link

Days Inn by Wyndham Americus

With a stay at Days Inn by Wyndham Americus, you'll be centrally located in Americus, within a 10-minute drive of Global Village & Discovery Center and Statue of Charles Lindbergh. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, a 24-hour front desk, and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1605 E Lamar Street, Americus, Georgia 31709
Web: Link

Best Western Plus Windsor Hotel

A stay at Best Western Plus Windsor Hotel places you in the heart of Americus, a 1-minute drive from Global Village & Discovery Center and 9 minutes from Statue of Charles Lindbergh. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, express check-in, and express check-out. Planning an event in Americus? This hotel has facilities measuring 5000 square feet (465 square meters), including conference space. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 125 W Lamar St, Americus, Georgia 31709
Web: Link

Courtyard by Marriott Albany

When you stay at Courtyard by Marriott Albany in Albany, you'll be next to a golf course and 6 minutes by car from Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a business center, and express check-out. Planning an event in Albany? This hotel features 1028 square feet (96 square meters) of event facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 3019 Kensington Ct, Albany, Georgia 31721
Web: Link

Hampton Inn Americus

A stay at Hampton Inn Americus places you in the heart of Americus, a 3-minute drive from Global Village & Discovery Center and 8 minutes from Statue of Charles Lindbergh. Featured amenities include a business center, express check-out, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1609 E Lamar St, Americus, Georgia 31709
Web: Link

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Albany

Located in Albany, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Albany is within a 10-minute drive of Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital and Albany Museum of Art. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a 24-hour business center, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 3011 Kensington Ct, Albany, Georgia 31721
Web: Link

Motel 6 Americus, GA

Located in Americus, Motel 6 Americus, GA is within a 15-minute drive of Global Village & Discovery Center and Statue of Charles Lindbergh. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk and lockers. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1007 South Martin Luther King, Jr Blvd, Americus, Georgia 31719
Web: Link

InTown Suites Extended Stay Albany GA

Located in Albany, InTown Suites Extended Stay Albany GA is in a national park, within a 10-minute drive of Albany Municipal Auditorium and Theatre Albany. Featured amenities include laundry facilities, ATM/banking services, and a vending machine.
Address: 2731 Dawson Rd, Albany, Georgia 31707
Web: Link

News and Alerts

Date issued Details
2025-12-08Winter Hours
December 1, 2025, through March 7, 2026, (change to Daylight Savings Time) all sites are open from 10am to 4pm EST.
2025-07-14Carter Gardens Now Open at Jimmy Carter National Historical Park
Jimmy Carter National Historical Park is excited to announce the opening of Carter Gardens section of the Carter Home and Gardens for public access. The Carter Home remains closed to the public. More
2025-01-05President Jimmy Carter to be buried in Plains on Jan. 9
Jimmy Carter, 39th President of the United States, will be laid to rest on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025, at the Carter home and garden, part of Jimmy Carter National Historical Park, in Plains, Georgia. More
2024-12-29National Park Service Mourns the Passing of President Jimmy Carter
Jimmy Carter National Historical Park mourns the passing of James Earl Carter, Jr., 39th President of the United States and devoted supporter of the park that bears his name. His death follows the passing of his beloved wife of 77 years, Rosalynn Carter, in November 2023. More
2024-02-01Presidents’ Day Celebration at Jimmy Carter National Historical Park
Jimmy Carter National Historical Park is pleased to announce a Presidents’ Day program on Monday, February 19, 2024. More
2023-11-25Former first lady Rosalynn Carter to be buried in Plains on November 29
Rosalynn Carter, former first lady of the United States, will be laid to rest on Wednesday, November 29, at the Carter Home and Garden, part of Jimmy Carter National Historical Park. More