Jimmy Carter National Historical Park

Park Preserves Jimmy Carter's birthplace, farm, and presidential exhibits

Jimmy Carter National Historical Park in Plains preserves Carter’s boyhood farm, the Plains train depot and a museum; visitors explore exhibits on his life, presidency and rural Georgian community ties.

Main image

Jimmy Carter National Historical Park in Plains, Georgia, preserves sites associated with the life and public service of Jimmy Carter, including his boyhood farm and local buildings. The park focuses on Carter’s roots and community life rather than the presidential library in Atlanta.

On-site features include the Carter family farm, the town train depot and a museum that interprets Carter’s early life, political career and community role. Walkable exhibits and preserved buildings give a view of his upbringing and continued connection to Plains.

The park was established to protect buildings and landscapes tied to Carter’s biography and public life in Plains; it interprets his agricultural upbringing, local civic activities and presidential-era events connected to the town. The collection includes personal and community artifacts used in interpretation.

Located in the small town of Plains in southwestern Georgia, the park lies within the rural landscape where Carter grew up and returned after his presidency. Plains is a small community in Sumter County and serves as the local hub for the park’s sites.

  • Separate presidential library: The park preserves buildings and landscapes associated with Jimmy Carter's early life in Plains, distinct from the Presidential Library located in Atlanta.

What to See #

  • Boyhood Farm: The Carter family farm and adjacent acreage preserved to show agricultural life and the rural upbringing of Jimmy Carter.
  • Plains Train Depot and Museum: Plains' historic train depot and an on-site museum presenting artifacts, photographs and interpretation of Jimmy Carter's life and local ties.
Jimmy Carter National Historical Park
Walnut Grove / Plains, GA (multiple sites)
32.0263, -84.4324
Most site areas open daylight hours; Visitor Center hours vary seasonally
Free (national park managed sites)

How to Get to Jimmy Carter National Historical Park #

By car: Plains is about 2.5 hours south of Atlanta via I-75 and US-280; sites are within easy driving distance once in town. By bus/train: Limited regional services; driving is the most practical option.

Tips for Visiting Jimmy Carter National Historical Park #

  • Visit the Carter Boyhood Home and the Plains High School in the morning before afternoon heat; the Boyhood Farm area is a short walk between sites.
  • Check for ranger-led events at the Jimmy Carter National Historic Site - they often focus on peanut farming and local politics.
  • Combine with a visit to the Carter Center and Presidential Library in Atlanta if interested in later life and policy.

Best Time to Visit Jimmy Carter National Historical Park #

Spring and autumn are the most comfortable times to visit outdoor sites in Georgia; summer can be hot and humid.

Spring
March-May · 10-25°C
Blooming fields and moderate temperatures for walking the historic farm.
Autumn
October-November · 10-22°C
Pleasant weather and local festivals highlighting Plains' community life.

Weather & Climate near Jimmy Carter National Historical Park #

Climate

Jimmy Carter National Historical Park's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 2°C to 33°C. Abundant rainfall (1246 mm/year), wettest in July.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
33°
Warmest Month
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coolest month with highs of 14°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (130 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
14°

Weather

130 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is cold with highs of 16°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (124 mm).

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cold
10°C
Temperature
16°

Weather

124 mm
Rainfall
3.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (133 mm).

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
21°

Weather

133 mm
Rainfall
3.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is cool with highs of 25°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm).

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
10° 25°

Weather

91 mm
Rainfall
2.9 m/s
Wind
Calm

May

May is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 15°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm).

Comfort

22°
Feels Like Mild
22°C
Temperature
15° 28°

Weather

96 mm
Rainfall
2.6 m/s
Wind
Calm

June

June is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 19°C. Significant rainfall (112 mm).

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
19° 32°

Weather

112 mm
Rainfall
2.3 m/s
Wind
Calm

July

July is the warmest month with highs of 33°C and lows of 21°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (134 mm).

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
21° 33°

Weather

134 mm
Rainfall
2.2 m/s
Wind
Calm

August

August is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (103 mm).

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
20° 32°

Weather

103 mm
Rainfall
2.0 m/s
Wind
Calm

September

September is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (77 mm).

Comfort

24°
Feels Like Warm
24°C
Temperature
18° 30°

Weather

77 mm
Rainfall
2.3 m/s
Wind
Calm

October

October is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm).

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Mild
18°C
Temperature
11° 25°

Weather

52 mm
Rainfall
2.4 m/s
Wind
Calm

November

November is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 6°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm).

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
21°

Weather

83 mm
Rainfall
2.6 m/s
Wind
Calm

December

December is cold with highs of 16°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (111 mm).

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cold
10°C
Temperature
16°

Weather

111 mm
Rainfall
2.8 m/s
Wind
Calm

Nearby Attractions to Jimmy Carter National Historical Park