Jimmy Carter National Historical Park, Plains, Georgia

Complete Guide to Jimmy Carter National Historical Park in Georgia, including things to do, history, directions, hours, and much more.

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Jimmy Carter National Historical Park

Jimmy Carter was the 39th President of the United States and continues to be a leader in international affairs. He grew up in Plains, Georgia, and had his election headquarters at the local train depot.

The Jimmy Carter National Historical Park is dedicated to celebrating the life and work of Jimmy Carter.

In January 2021, the Jimmy Carter National Historic Site was upgraded to a National Historical Park to reflect better the full scope of the park's natural, historical, recreational, and cultural resources.

Jimmy and Rosalynn lived in Plains, Georgia until they passed. Both enjoyed meeting park visitors Jimmy would stop by the visitor center, and Rosalynn would teach Sunday school every weekend. Mr. Carter also hosted book signings at the visitor center.

The town of Plains, Georgia, may not be significant in size, but it is substantial in heart and is a source of pride for Mr. Carter. You can't miss the love that the town has for Mr. Carter and what he has brought to the city.

During your visit, spend at least a few hours exploring the historic site and town. Try the local peanut butter ice cream and watch the butterflies in the Rosalynn Carter Butterfly Trail.

Old Plains High School that Jimmy Carter Attended not the Visitor Center for Jimmy Carter National Historical site Plains Georgia

Is Jimmy Carter National Historical Park worth visiting?

Yes, The park offers the opportunity to learn about Jimmy and Roslyn Carter and learn more about Plains, Georgia.

Historic School Room with old desks in Plains High School at Jimmy Carter National Historical Park, Georgia

History of Jimmy Carter National Historical Park

The Jimmy Carter National Historical Park preserves several sites in the small rural town of Plains, Georgia, related to America's 39th president, James Earl ‘Jimmy’ Carter.

Jimmy Carter served as the President of the United States from 1977 to 1981 and is a Nobel Peace Prize-winning humanitarian.

Jimmy Carter National Historical Park is home to Jimmy Carter's childhood home, his campaign headquarters, and the old Plains High School. The High School serves as the park's visitor center and museum. Jimmy Carter was born and raised in Plains and still lives there today.

The park explores Jimmy Carter's formative years, which impacted him greatly. His time living on the rural farm in Archery helped shape many policies Carter introduced while in office.

Carter continued his work promoting human and civil rights when he left the White House. In 2002 Jimmy Carter won the Nobel Peace Prize for his humanitarian work. He is one of four presidents to have received the prize but the only one who was not in office when he received it.

The Early Life of James Earl ‘Jimmy’ Carter

James Earl Carter was the first president to be born in a hospital on October 1st, 1924, in the small rural community of Plains, Georgia. Jimmy Carter and his family moved to the farm in Archery when Carter was four years old.

It was during his time living in Archery that Carter witnessed first-hand the toll of segregation on African American families. It was this experience with segregation that shaped Carter’s stance on the matter (Carter supported integration). While living in Archery, Carter attended Plains High School from 1937 to 1941.

Carter joined the U.S Navy and graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1946. Carter served in the Navy until 1953 when he returned to Plains where he grew his family's peanut growing business.

Jimmy Carter’s Entry Into Politics

While focusing on expanding his family’s business, Carter became increasingly concerned with the human rights issues surrounding segregation. Carter entered the political scene in 1962.

Initially, Carter kept his views concerning racial tolerance and integration to himself, even when became a state senator in Georgia in 1963. Carter served as a state senator from 1963 until 1967. When his second term as a state senator was up, Carter set his sights on Congress.

Carter won his second campaign for governor of Georgia by claiming to support segregation. In his first speech as governor in 1971, he promptly announced to the crowd that the time of racial discrimination was over.

As governor, Carter passed many reforms that aimed to improve the lives of the poorer communities in the state. He introduced prison reform programs, created a Civil Rights Council, and many more. When his term was up, Carter aimed for the White House.

Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of America

In 1976 Jimmy Carter ran for the presidency of the United States of America. Carter created a media frenzy during his campaign, which helped him to win the popular vote. In 1977 James Earl ‘Jimmy’ Carter was sworn in as the 39th President of the United States.

During his years as president, America was in the midst of an ongoing recession. The inflation rate increased to double digits by 1980. America experienced an energy crisis that Carter attempted to aid. Carter tried to get Congress to pass an energy reform bill that he believed would ease the energy crisis in America.

The energy reform bill drafted by Carter proposed the use of non-fossil fossil fuels. Failing this, Carter submitted an emergency gasoline ration plan to Congress. Congress refused to pass either bill. Carter had issues with Congress which he commented on publicly.

Despite his issues with Congress, while in office, Carter created the Department of Energy and the Department of Education.

Several international issues arouse during Jimmy Carter’s time in the presentational office and much of his foreign policy was dominated by the ongoing Cold War with the Soviet Union. Carter's focus was on human rights, global poverty, and global armament with nuclear weapons.

Carter attempted to help bring peace to the Arab-Israeli Conflict in 1978 by mediating between the two sides. The Camp David Accords were the outcome of this endeavor and had a polarizing effect. Carter's intervention in the matter ended the war between Egypt and Israel but alienated the Palestinians.

The End of Carter's Presidency

Carter's presidency came to an end amidst a hostage crisis in Iran at the U.S Embassy in Tehran. In November 1979 a group of Iranian students took control of the Embassy and held fifty-two American diplomats, hostage, for 444 days.

The Iranian students supported the Iranian Revolution Carter supported the ousted Shah (king). The hostages were released when Carter was no longer president.

Post-Presidency

Carter lost the presidential election in 1980 to Ronald Reagan. After losing the election, Carter continued his global diplomatic efforts. In 1994, Carter was asked by Bill Clinton to help negotiate peace with North Korea.

In 2017 Carter offered his diplomatic services to the Trump administration during a particularly turbulent period between the United States and North Korea.

Jimmy Carter National Historical Park Entrance Fee

Jimmy Carter National Historical Park does not charge an entrance fee!

Learn more about National Park Passes for parks that have an entrance fee.

$80.00 - For the America the Beautiful/National Park Pass. The pass covers entrance fees to all US National Park Sites and over 2,000 Federal Recreation Fee Sites for an entire year and covers everyone in the car for per-vehicle sites and up to 4 adults for per-person sites.

2024 America The Beautiful National Park Pass

Buy your pass at this link, and REI will donate 10% of pass proceeds to the National Forest Foundation, National Park Foundation, and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry & Communities.

National Park Free Entrance Days -Mark your calendars with the five free entrance days the National Park Service offers annually.

Presidential Desk at Jimmy Carter National Historical Site Plains Georgia

Things to know before your visit

Time Zone

Eastern Time Zone

Pets

Pets are not allowed in the Carter Home, the Clark House, inside Plains High School, and Plains Depot.

Pets are permitted on the grounds and walkways but must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet.

Cell Service

We had great cell service in the park

Park Hours

The park is open from 9 AM to 5 PM but is closed during Christmas, New Year, and Thanksgiving.

Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi is available in the lobby of Plains High School, in the lobby of the Plains Depot, and in the porch area of the comfort station at the Jimmy Carter Boyhood Farm.

Parking

The Jimmy Carter National Historical Park offers free parking at Plains High School, Plains Depot, and the Jimmy Carter Boyhood Farm.

Large vehicles and RVs can be parked at all locations, though parking at Plains Depot is limited. Downtown Plains has visitor parking spots, but no overnight parking is allowed at any park locations.

Food/Restaurants

There are no restaurants within the park. There are restaurants in Plains, Georgia.

A 5-minute walk from the park will take you to Bonita's and The Buffalo Cafe` at the Old Bank. These two restaurants offer a variety of food choices.

Make sure to try the peanut ice cream.

Gas

There are gas stations available in Plains, Georgia

Drones

Drones are not permitted within National Park Sites.

Don't forget to pack

Insect repellent is always a great idea outdoors, especially around any body of water.

We use Permethrin Spray on our clothes before our park trips. Please read my article on preventing biting insects while enjoying the outdoors.

Sunscreen - I buy environmentally friendly sunscreen whenever possible because you inevitably pull it out at the beach.

Bring your water bottle and plenty of water with you. Plastic water bottles are not sold in the park.

Sunglasses - I always bring sunglasses with me. I personally love Goodr sunglasses because they are lightweight, durable, and have awesome National Park Designs from several National Parks like Joshua Tree, Yellowstone, Hawaii Volcanoes, Acadia, Denali, and more!

Click here to get your National Parks Edition of Goodr Sunglasses!

Binoculars/Spotting Scope - These will help spot birds and wildlife and make them easier to identify. We tend to see waterfowl in the distance, and they are always just a bit too far to identify them without binoculars.

Electric Vehicle Charging

There is currently 2 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations within a 10-mile radius of the center of Plains, GA. The nearest station is located near the Visitor Center.

Jimmy Carter's Presidential Campaign Headquarters Plains Georgia

Details about Jimmy Carter NHP

Size - 71 acres

Check out how the park compares to other National Parks by Size.

Date Established

December 23, 1987

Learn more about the most visited and least visited National Parks in the US

National Park Address

300 North Bond Street, Plains, GA 31780

National Park Map

Jimmy Carter National Historical Park Map

Map directions to Jimmy Carter National Historical Site in Plains Georgia

Where is Jimmy Carter National Historical Park?

Jimmy Carter National Historical Park is located in Plains, GA, 10 miles west of Americus on US 280.

This National Park near Columbus, Georgia is well worth visiting!

Estimated distance from major cities nearby

Atlanta, GA - 135 miles

Birmingham, AL - 215 miles

Jacksonville, FL - 225 miles

Charlotte, NC - 345 miles

Nashville - 375 miles

Greensboro, NC - 440 miles

Raleigh, NC - 480 miles

Lexington, KY - 490 miles

Louisville, KY - 500 miles

Indianapolis, IN - 620 miles

Estimated Distance from nearby National Park

Congaree National Park - 297 miles

Great Smoky Mountains National Park - 329 miles

Mammoth Cave National Park - 490 miles

New River Gorge National Park - 583 miles

Biscayne National Park - 595 miles

Everglades National Park - 605 miles

Dry Tortugas National Park - 721 miles + a ferry ride

Where is the National Park Visitor Center?

Plains High School is the main visitor center for the Jimmy Carter National Historical Park.

Getting to Jimmy Carter NHP

Closest Airports

Jimmy Carter Regional Airport - 20 miles

International Airports

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport - 130 miles

Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport - 220 miles

Nashville International Airport - 375 miles

Charlotte Douglas International Airport - 345 miles

Regional Airports

Middle Georgia Regional Airport - 75 miles

Asheville Regional Airport - 300 miles

Southwest Georgia Regional Airport - 45 miles

Driving Directions

From Atlanta (North):

Take I-75 South towards Macon. Take exit #177 onto I-475 South towards Valdosta. I-475 will bypass Macon and reconnect with I-75 South.

Take I-75 to exit #112 (GA-27) towards Vienna. Continue NW on GA-27 (Union Street) for 1.1 miles then turn left on GA-27 and continue for 25 miles to Americus.

In Americus, GA-27 connects with US-280 West and becomes a three lane one-way road. Move into the center lane and stay there until the road ends at US-19.

Turn left onto US-19 South/280 West and travel in right hand lane. At the second traffic light turn right onto US-280 West/GA-27 West and proceed 10 miles to Plains.

At the first intersection, turn right onto North Bond Street (Hwy 45 North).. The Plains High School (Visitor Center/Museum) will be on your right.

From Atlanta on Interstate 85:

Take I-85 South and bear right onto ramp at exit 21 to I-185 South (GA-411 S, Chet Atkins Pkwy). Continue on I-185 S (GA-411 S, Chet Atkins Pkwy) and bear right onto off-ramp at exit 1A to US-27 S (US-280 E, GA-520 E). See directions from Columbus to Plains below.

Jimmy Carter Boyhood Home Plains Georgia

Best time to visit

Visit Jimmy Carter National Historical Park in the spring because it is the perfect time to see the park's beautiful natural surroundings.

The park's gardens and fields are in full bloom, with a variety of flowers and plants adding color and beauty to the landscape.

You can take a leisurely walk through the park's trails and gardens, taking in the sights and sounds of nature as you go.

Weather and Seasons

The hot weather is from May 20 to September 19, when the average daily high temperature exceeds 85 degrees.

The cool weather is from November 29 to February 26, when the average daily high temperature is below 65 degrees.

The coldest month is January, when the average low is 38 degrees and the average high is 58 degrees.

Carter's Peanuts from Carter's Farms Plains Georgia

Best Things to do in Jimmy Carter National Historical Park

We suggest planning a minimum of a few hours to explore the park and Plains, Georgia.

Visitor Center at the Plains High School

The visitor center is the perfect place to start visiting the Jimmy Carter National Historic Site. The visitor center houses a museum, exhibits, maps of the area, videos, and a bookstore.

Learn more about Jimmy Carter growing up in the Plains, what life was like on the farm, the importance of teacher Miss Julia L. Coleman in Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter's Life, and so much more.

Junior Ranger Program

The Junior Ranger program is great at this site! You have the chance to learn a ton about Jimmy Carter and the site plus they have quite the package for Junior Rangers.

It will take at least 30 minutes in the museum and visitor center along with a trip to the farm to complete the Junior Ranger Book. The rangers on site were great about helping to point us in the right direction to find answers and make sure we knew what we were looking for.

You can also download the booklet ahead of time if you want to start working on it before your trip.

Take your picture sitting in the Oval Office

Have you ever wanted to feel presidential? You can have your chance to sit in the Oval Office and make proclamations all day long if you like at the Jimmy Carter National Historic Site.

Visit the Plains Train Depot

Plains Train Depot is located on the main street in the heart of Plains, Georgia. You have the opportunity to see the depot, which was completed in 1888.

The building was restored to its 1976 appearance as President Carter's campaign headquarters.

Visit Jimmy Carter's boyhood home and farm.

While visiting the park, one of the Park Rangers told us that he feels that the farm is one of the most important stops we could make during our visit.

He reminded us that not so long ago our relatives were living without electricity and working on farms just like this one. Two generations back from us had a much different life from our cell phones and constantly being connected.

Ranger-led tours are available on Saturdays and Sundays at 11:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. and start in front of the comfort station at the Jimmy Carter Boyhood Farm. The talks are weather permitting so stop by the visitor center to confirm the times.

Enjoy the Cell Phone Audio Tour of the park

You can enjoy a narrated tour of many key parts of the park with the audio tour.

If you are not sure you will be at the park during the hours they are open you can print this audio tour map ahead of time so you know which sites are available.

Try a scoop of Peanut Butter Ice Cream

When in Plains you have to try the world-famous peanut butter ice cream at Plain Peanuts and General Store.

They offer delicious samples when you enter the store of the ice cream and boiled peanuts. After one sample trust me you are going to want a cup of this delicious ice cream, especially on a hot Georgia afternoon.

Spending time in Plains is a great way to experience a rural southern culture which had a large influence in molding President Carter who was born and raised in Plains.

Rosalynn Carter's Gardens in Plains Georgia

Rosalynn Carter Butterfly Trail

Located on the main street of Plains, Georgia the Rosalynn Carter Butterfly Trail was created to help encourage the conservation of butterflies.

The Rosalynn Carter Butterfly Trail was established by Annette Wise with the Georgia Department of Education in April 2013. While we were there we had the chance to see birds, lizards, and multiple butterflies. This is a great area to enjoy your peanut butter ice cream cone.

The Carter Private Residence and Compound

The Carter's have donated their current residence and compound to the National Park Service so it is protected. The home and grounds are not open to the public as the Carter's still live here.

The Carter's purchased this 2.4-acre lot in 1960 and built their ranch home here. This is the only home they have ever owned.

Jack Clark House at Jimmy Carter Boyhood Farm Plains Georgia

Hiking

Always carry the 10 essentials for outdoor survival when exploring.

There are no real hiking trails within the park. You can walk along the Rosalynn Carter Butterfly Trail and explore the historic town of Plains, Georgia.

How to beat the crowds

We did not experience any crowds while visiting the park. There is so much to see you can easily wander in a different direction.

Where to stay when visiting

There are no National Park Lodges within the park.

Nearby Lodging includes:

Hampton Inn Americus - free breakfast, dry cleaning/laundry services, and a bar at Hampton Inn Americus. For some rest and relaxation, visit the hot tub. In addition to a gym and a business center, guests can connect to free in-room Wi-Fi.

Days Inn by Wyndham Americus - free to-go breakfast, a terrace, and laundry facilities. Free in-room Wi-Fi is available to all guests, along with a gym and a 24-hour business center.

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham-Albany GA - free breakfast buffet, a 24-hour gym, and a business center at La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham-Albany GA. Stay connected with free in-room Wi-Fi.

Courtyard by Marriott Albany - a coffee shop/café, and dry cleaning/laundry services at Courtyard by Marriott Albany. In addition to a bar and a health club, guests can connect to free in-room Wi-Fi.

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Albany - grocery/convenience store, dry cleaning/laundry services, and a fireplace in the lobby at Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Albany. Free Wi-Fi in public areas is available to all guests, along with a 24-hour gym and a 24-hour business center.

Click on the map below to see current vacation rentals and lodges near the park.

Camping

For a fun adventure check out Escape Campervans. These campervans have built in beds, kitchen area with refrigerators, and more. You can have them fully set up with kitchen supplies, bedding, and other fun extras. They are painted with epic designs you can't miss!