Jimmy Carter National Historical Park
Plains, GA
The former Plains High School, now the visitor center, tells the story of the 39th president; the railroad depot that served as his campaign office and his boyhood farm are nearby. Free; the farm is 2 miles west.
Jimmy Carter National Historical Park is a National Park Service site in Plains in southwest Georgia, the hometown of the 39th US president. Congress established it on 23 December 1987 as a National Historic Site; in 2021 it became a National Historical Park. The park has three sites: the former Plains High School, which operated from 1921 to 1979 and is now the visitor center and museum; the Plains Depot, which was Carter's campaign headquarters in 1976; and his Boyhood Farm.
The farm is in nearby Archery. Carter lived there from 1928 to 1941. According to Lonely Planet, the house, blacksmith shop, garden and barn have been restored to how they looked around 1938. The guide lists guided walking tours on weekends (11:30 am and 3:30 pm); please check the times in advance, as well as the opening hours of the other sites.
- Nearest town
- Plains, GA
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 32.0330, -84.3980
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June, September and December. Hot in July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Extended Stay RV AmericaMotorhome stopover22 mi from Jimmy Carter National Historical ParkMotorhomes
All campsites in Georgia · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Jimmy Carter National Historical Park?
Jimmy Carter National Historical Park is in Plains, GA, at GPS 32.0330, -84.3980. It is about 10 mi from Americus.
Can you camp near Jimmy Carter National Historical Park?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Extended Stay RV America, about 22 mi away; within 25 mi there are 1 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Jimmy Carter National Historical Park?
Jimmy Carter National Historical Park is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Southwest Georgia: Warm Springs, Providence Canyon and Plains.
What is there to see near Jimmy Carter National Historical Park?
Places worth a stop nearby: Andersonville National Historic Site (19 mi), Providence Canyon State Park (30 mi), Roosevelt’s Little White House (61 mi) and Tuskegee Institute National Historic Site (81 mi).
When is the best time to visit Jimmy Carter National Historical Park?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June, September and December. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)