Overview
Plains is a small town in Georgia which is best-known as the home of the 39th United States president Jimmy Carter.
8 sights · 2 places to eat · 1 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Plains
Jimmy Carter National Historic Park
Preserves sites associated with Jimmy Carter. The park is spread out with small sites all around the town, but the main site is the former high school (now a museum) north of downtown across the railroad tracks.
Jimmy Carter Peanut Statue
Statue of a smiling peanut, installed during Carter's 1976 presidential campaign by the Democratic Party.
Billy Carter's Service Station
Former Standard Oil station converted into a museum.
Plains Depot
Built in 1888, it was the headquarters of Carter’s 1977 campaign. It’s now a museum focusing on his campaigns for State Senate, Governor, and President. Parking available during daylight hours.
The Boyhood Home & Farm
Carter's childhood home west of Plains, with parking and restrooms available onsite.
The Carter Gardens & Burial Site
Jimmy and Rosslyn Carter are buried in this garden designed by Rosalyn. The area includes a pond built by the Carters, several butterfly gardens, and a picnic area nearby. Parking onsite only for passenger cars and truck…
Plan your trip
Getting there
US-280 connects Plains from Americus, a town to the east of Plains.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 2-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Jimmy Carter National Historic Park, Billy Carter's Service Station, Plains Depot
- Lunch Plain Peanuts
- Afternoon Jimmy Carter Peanut Statue, Plains Visitors Center
- Dinner Buffalo Cafe
Day 2
- Morning The Boyhood Home & Farm
- Afternoon Maranatha Baptist Church
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
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Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
The town has a population of fewer than 600 people, and despite a history of cotton and peanut cultivation, held little importance prior to Jimmy Carter's election as Georgia governor and, later, as president. The newfound fame of the town led to the creation of the Jimmy Carter National Historic Park to preserve the Carter family's ties to the town. Billy Carter's Service Station (Billy Carter was Jimmy Carter's younger brother), the Plains Depot, and Jimmy Carter's boyhood farm were incorporated into the historic park and have transformed the town into a center for historical tourism.
Plains has a continental subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and cool winters.
Get in
By car
US-280 connects Plains from Americus, a town to the east of Plains.
See
Eat
Eat Buffalo Cafe
Run as a nonprofit by the Friends of Jimmy Carter, with affordable American-style cuisine.
Eat Plain Peanuts
You can buy at their general store or even order to ship.
Sleep
Go next
- Americus is a larger town a few miles to the east.
- East Atlanta, 160 mi north, is the home of the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library
My experience
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