Jimmy Carter
National Historic Site

The rural southern culture of Plains, Georgia, that revolves around farming, church and school, had a large influence in molding the character and in shaping the political policies of the 39th President of the United States. The site includes President Carter's residence, boyhood farm, school and the railroad depot, which served as his campaign headquarters during the 1976 election. The Plains High School serves as the park's visitor center and museum. The Jimmy Carter National Preservation District, separate from the park, includes part of the town of Plains and its environs. The area surrounding the residence is under the protection of the Secret Service, and is not open to the public.

VISITATION:

Highest in March and April; lowest in December.

 

LOCATION:

Plains, GA

 

ADDRESS:

Jimmy Carter National Historic Site
300 North Bond Street
Plains, GA 31780

 

TELEPHONE:

(912) 824-4104

 

OPERATING HOURS, SEASONS:

Daily, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; all year. Closed: Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day

 

DIRECTIONS:

Visitors traveling north-south on I-75: Turn off on Exit 33 in Cordele. Follow GA-280 to Americus, and then on to Plains. The Plains High School serves as the visitor center and museum.  A ranger at the visitor center will provide a detailed map of places around Plains to visit. Visitors traveling east-west on GA-280: From Columbus, follow GA-280 to Richland. Turn left at Richland, back onto 280.  Map

 

TRANSPORTATION:

To Park: access by Interstate Highway (75), and various state roads. Albany, 40 miles away, is serviced by an airport. Americus, 10 miles away, is serviced by Greyhound Bus Lines.
In Park: personal vehicle, bicycle,tour vans and buses.

 

FEES, COSTS, RATES:

No admission fees. Donations accepted with a box available at the high school.

 

FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES:
Visitor Center/Exhibits:

Visitor center is located at the Plains High School.

 

Programs/Activities:

Orientation film in visitor center, rental of audio- cassette or self-guided tour book. A Jr. Ranger program is offered to children ages 7 to 12 years old.   

 

School Group Activities

For Information on school group field trips, visit the Plains HS Web Site.

 

Lodging and camping facilities:

None in park. A bed and breakfast is available in Plains, as well as recreational vehicle camping sites. Americus, ten miles east, has hotel and motel accommodations.

 

Food/supplies:

Local restaurants and small grocery store.

 

Other Concessions/NPS-Managed Visitor Facilities and Opportunities:

A bookstore is located inside the Plains High School, and is managed by the Eastern National.  Privately operated guided tours are offered for individuals and small groups.  Step-on guide services are also available to tour companies bringing visitors on buses.   Contact the park for more details. 

 

Accessibility:

The Plains High School is accessible to the disabled.

 

Special Needs:

Parking areas for buses and vehicles are located at the site or in the town of Plains.

 

RECOMMENDED ACTIVITIES/PARK USE:

Sight-seeing at various places around Plains, either by personal vehicle, tour van, bus or bicycles. Picnic area in town park.

 

RESERVATIONS/PERMITS:

Reservations for school groups, educational groups and commercial tour buses should be made at least two weeks in advance for tours.  At least one month notice for special use is required. Commercial film permits are given on a case-by-case basis. For additional information concerning reservations or permits, call (912) 824-4104.

 

BASIC VISIT RECOMMENDATIONS:

Stay from two to three hours for a visit to all the places in Plains associated with Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter.

 

SPECIAL EVENTS, PROGRAMS:

The last Saturday in September is ther Plains Peanut Festival with entertainment, road races, and arts and crafts.

 

ADJACENT VISITOR ATTRACTIONS:

Andersonville National Historic Site is located 22 miles away. Habitat for Humanity International Headquarters, a lovely Victorian historic district including the historic Windsor Hotel built in 1892 are located in Americus, 10 miles east of Plains. Westville, GA a living history 1850's village, and Providence Canyon State Conservation Park are both located within 40 miles west of Plains.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Write Park Headquarters: Jimmy Carter National Historic Site, 300 North Bond Street, Plains, Georgia 31780, or call (912) 824-4104.

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Last updated: Thursday, May 06, 1999

http://www.nps.gov/jica/index.htm