Things To Do Near Jimmy Carter National Historic Site
The Jimmy Carter National Historic Site is spread out over multiple sites throughout the town of Plains. The area is small and easy to navigate on foot, so you can alternate visits to the historic buildings with pleasant walks down quiet streets. The restored vintage buildings are fascinating for both adults and kids, making the park a fun family destination.
Hiking Trails
-
Jimmy Carter Boyhood Farm Trails
The only maintained trail in the Jimmy Carter National Historic Site is located at the Jimmy Carter Boyhood Farm. Here, a well-maintained path takes you past all of the buildings on the property. It also travels around the grounds, offering glimpses of the gardens and the fields. There's some shade along the way, but it's a good idea to bring water and sun protection during the summer months.
Location
402 Old Plains Hwy, Plains, GA 31780
Length
Varies
Intensity
Easy
-
Rosalynn Carter Butterfly Trail
The Rosalynn Carter Butterfly Trail is one of the most unique options in the national park system. It's inspired by Carter herself, who was passionate about the conservation of butterflies. In her honor, Annette Wise worked with the Georgia Department of Education to create the trail — it includes 12 different stops, each with a designated butterfly garden. Most of the stops are open to the public; the exception is the Carter Pond Garden on the grounds of the current Carter home. The entire trail stretches for miles, but you can hike the section that runs along Church Street in Plains, making detours to the different gardens along the way. Start at the Carter Roadside Garden and walk through town until you get to the Lillian G. Carter Nursing Center.
Location
Main St, Plains, GA 31780
Length
3.3 miles
Intensity
Easy
Sightseeing
-
Plains High School
Plains High School is the former center for education in Jimmy Carter's hometown. Today, it's the visitor center for the Jimmy Carter National Historic Site. As you walk through the halls, check out historic photos of Carter and his wife Rosalynn; both graduated from the school. The principal's office, auditorium, and a single classroom have been restored to look like they would have when Carter was a student.
Location
300 N Bond St, Plains, GA 31780
-
Jimmy Carter Boyhood Farm
See where the former president grew up at the Jimmy Carter Boyhood Farm. Carter lived here with his parents from the age of 4 through 18. Although the buildings had a life beyond the Carters, they have now been restored to look as they did in 1938. Explore the grounds to see the farmhouse, the gardens, a farm store, and other historic structures. The quiet, pastoral atmosphere gives you a sense of the peace and hard work that came with farm life before electricity.
Location
402 Old Plains Hwy, Plains, GA 31780
-
The Plains Depot
The Plains Depot is a historic train station that was built in 1888 and operated until 1951. When Carter was running for president in 1976, he used the depot as the headquarters for his campaign. Today, the depot contains a variety of exhibits and historical photos about Carter's candidacy and the way it changed life in the tiny town of Plains.
Location
Main St. and S Hudson St., Plains, GA 31780
Museums
-
Billy Carter's Service Station
Explore another facet of the Carter family at Billy Carter's Service Station. Jimmy Carter's brother, Billy, bought the station in 1972; in 1976, it became the center of operations for the members of the press who were in town to report on the presidential race. The station is now a museum dedicated to Billy Carter and the Carter family as a whole.
Location
104 E W Church St, Plains, GA 31780
Nearby Shops and Restaurants
-
Honey Hush Boutique & Gifts
Set in a historic building in downtown Plains, Honey Hush Boutique & Gifts is one of the best places in town to shop for women's clothing and accessories. This beautiful shop carries styles for women of all ages, including outerwear, casual clothes, belts, and jewelry.
Location
132 Main St, Plains, GA 31780
-
Plains Trading Post
If you're in search of a souvenir, head straight to Plains Trading Post. It's packed with a stock of politically-themed products ranging from buttons to wall signs. The selection of vintage buttons featuring iconic names from American history alone is worth a visit.
Location
124 E Main St, Plains, GA 31780
-
Plains Inn & Antiques
Add a few new items to your collection when you visit Plains Inn & Antiques. The store is located on the ground level; with its eclectic collection of furniture, decor, and memorabilia, it's easy to spend an hour browsing on a hot Georgia afternoon.
Location
106 E Main Street, 106 Main St, Plains, GA 31780
-
Bonita's Restaurant
Bonita's Restaurant is the type of friendly, familiar restaurant that you can only find in a small town. The menu changes daily but often includes dishes like fried chicken, ribs, and catfish with classic BBQ sides. There's a small dining area, but many people choose to take their food to go.
Location
203 Church St, Plains, GA 31780
-
Buffalo Cafe at the Old Bank
Take a break from exploring the Jimmy Carter National Historic Site at the Buffalo Cafe at the Old Bank. Sip a cold beer while you wait for your burger and tater tots in the historic brick dining area. While you're there, take a moment to examine the building — it used to be a bank, and the vault is now a storage unit.
Location
118 Main St, Plains, GA 31780
-
The 1800 Mexican Restaurant
Plains has limited options for dining, but if you drive 10 miles east, you can enjoy a feast at The 1800 Mexican Restaurant. Start your meal with a giant bowl of chips and salsa and finish with the delicious burrito and a cold margarita. The dining room is beautiful, and the service is friendly, making it a popular spot with locals and travelers.
Location
329 W Lamar St, Americus, GA 31709