Things to Do in Augusta, GA (Beyond the Masters): Canal Boat Tours, the Riverwalk, Museums and Masters Ticket Facts, With Prices

An Augusta Canal boat tour costs $14 for adults ($12 for seniors 60+, military and students), runs Tuesday–Saturday and includes the Discovery Center, which is $6 on its own. The Riverwalk, the canal towpath and Phinizy Swamp Nature Park are free, the Morris Museum of Art is $5 and free every Sunday, and the other history museums charge $7–$10. The 2027 Masters is April 5–11, but its ticket lottery closed on June 20, 2026; applications for 2028 open June 1, 2027.

Prices, hours and rules below come from each operator’s own site, the City of Augusta, Columbia County and the Masters’ official ticket site (checked September 21, 2026). Where something isn’t published, we say so. Augusta is 140 miles east of Atlanta via I-20, according to the Augusta Convention & Visitors Bureau. For other cities in this part of the state, see our guides to Macon and Athens.

What do Augusta’s main attractions cost?

Adult admission and hours as each operator publishes them (checked September 21, 2026). Discounts and children’s prices are in the last column.

How much is the Augusta Canal boat tour, and what is it like?

The Augusta Canal Authority charges $14 for adults and $12 for seniors 60 and over, military and students (checked September 21, 2026); its calendar lists a Nature & History Boat Tour every Tuesday–Saturday into November. Guides narrate from open-air replicas of the canal’s old Petersburg cargo boats, passing 19th-century textile mills, the Confederate Powder Works and what the Authority calls “two of Georgia’s only remaining 18th Century houses.” The canal dates from 1845, and the Authority calls it the nation’s only industrial power canal still used for its original purpose.

• Where: the dock at the Discovery Center, Enterprise Mill, 1450 Greene St. (use Blome Lane in GPS). Park on the west side of the mill at 15th and Greene streets.
• Booking: reservations (706-823-0440 x502 or online) are “strongly encouraged”; walk-ups board if there’s space, and spring and fall often sell out.
• On board: no roof and no restroom, but umbrellas are provided. Snacks and drinks are fine; alcohol only on evening cruises. Boats stay on the canal’s first level, not the Savannah River.
• Heat and access: tours are canceled at a heat index of 105°F. You board down narrow steps with handrails (the page says four in one place, five in another), so the boats aren’t fully wheelchair accessible.

Not confirmed by the operator. The canal’s homepage, boat tour page and events calendar don’t give tour departure times, how long a tour lasts or a child’s fare. The Authority says to call 706-823-0440 x502 for the day’s options. Checked September 21, 2026. Tell us if you know more.

Evening music cruises

Moonlight Music Cruises cost $27 for adults and $25 for seniors 60+, military and students; payment is required up front and there are no refunds. The calendar lists them every Friday from Sept. 25 to Oct. 30, 2026, plus Saturday, Oct. 17. The 2-hour Harvest Moon (Sept. 26) and Hunter’s Moon (Oct. 24) fundraiser cruises are $50 and leave the Savannah Rapids Park dock at 6:30 p.m.

The Discovery Center

Inside Enterprise Mill, a former textile mill, the Discovery Center shows a 10-minute film, The Power of a Canal, and runs a demonstration turbine on canal water that drives a line shaft and a ceiling fan. Fat Man’s Mill Café in the complex serves lunch Monday–Friday only.

How long is the Augusta Canal towpath trail?

The Canal Authority measures the towpath from the headgates at Savannah Rapids Park: 2 miles to the I-20 bridge, 3.5 miles to the Raw Water Pumping Station, about 5 miles to the King and Sibley mills and about 7 miles to 13th Street downtown. The upper reach is sand and clay and the urban end is paved. Of the six trailheads, the headgates, Lake Olmstead (end of Milledge Road) and the Discovery Center are the easiest to find. Animals must be leashed, alcohol isn’t allowed, and the Authority’s rules include “Don’t feed the alligators.”

Kayaking the canal: Savannah Rapids Kayak Rental, in Savannah Rapids Park, charges $30 for a single kayak, $40 for a tandem and $30 for a paddleboard, for up to 4 hours (checked September 21, 2026). Its standard route runs about 5 miles to the Lake Olmstead boat ramp, which it says generally takes about 2 hours; the shuttle back is $5 a person, free for kids 15 and under and military. Rentals run daily 9 a.m.–3 p.m. (book 24 hours ahead September–March). There’s no minimum age, and pets can ride along.

Savannah Rapids Park

Columbia County’s 33-acre park sits at the canal headgates. The Lockkeeper’s Cottage (circa 1880) is now a state-certified visitor center, open Monday–Saturday 10 a.m.–4 p.m. The Savannah Rapids Pavilion is closed for renovation, with the county estimating completion in summer 2027; the trail and rentals are open.

What is there to do on the Augusta Riverwalk?

The City of Augusta lists the Riverwalk from 5th to 10th streets, open dawn to dusk, with a playground, picnic areas, restrooms and a marina. The Morris Museum of Art sits on it at 1 Tenth St. On weekdays, museum visitors park free in marked spaces on the south side of the Augusta Riverfront Center; after 5 p.m. and on weekends, any space in that lot is open.

Which Augusta museums should you see?

• Morris Museum of Art: the museum says it is the country’s oldest devoted to the art and artists of the American South; ten galleries cover the late 18th century to today.
• Augusta Museum of History: regional history plus a James Brown exhibit with stage costumes, a “King of Soul” crown he wore in the 1950s and listening kiosks.
• Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History: guided tours by reservation; the museum also publishes a walking or virtual tour of the Golden Blocks in the Laney Walker District.
• Boyhood Home of President Woodrow Wilson: the former Presbyterian manse that tells Wilson’s 1860s childhood, run by Historic Augusta, which calls it a National Historic Landmark. Park in the Historic Augusta lot next door.

Where can you see James Brown sites in Augusta?

The Augusta Museum of History’s James Brown exhibit is the one sure stop. The bronze statue that stood on Broad Street since 2005 is off display while the city builds James Brown Linear Park in the Broad Street median.

Not confirmed by the operator. The Augusta Museum of History’s statue page still lists it on Broad Street between James Brown Boulevard and 8th Street. WFXG reported on July 17, 2025 that it had moved into the museum’s care, off display, until construction ends, and WRDW reported on September 2, 2026 that the city’s schedule runs that section (9th to 8th streets) from Aug. 20 to Dec. 18, 2026. We found no official return date. Checked September 21, 2026. Tell us if you know more.

Is Phinizy Swamp Nature Park free?

Yes. The Phinizy Center for Water Sciences says the park is free and open 365 days a year, 7 a.m.–8 p.m. April–September and 7 a.m.–7 p.m. October–March, with free parking (checked September 21, 2026). Short walks include the 0.1-mile Floodplain Boardwalk to a covered observation deck, the Beaver Dam Trail (about 0.5 mile) and the 0.8-mile Pond Trail. Leashed pets are welcome. The volunteer-run visitor center has no set hours; call 706-828-2109. A guided “Harvest” Moon Hike on Sept. 26, 2026 is $15, with registration required.

How do you get Masters tickets?

By applying to the ticket lottery on the Masters’ official ticket site. The 2027 Masters is April 5–11, 2027: practice rounds April 5–7 and the 91st tournament April 8–11 (checked September 21, 2026). What the ticket site says:

• 2027 is closed. Applications ran June 1–20, 2026; the site says the selection “is now complete and all tickets have been awarded.”
• Next chance: the 2028 application “will become available on June 1, 2027.” Applicants hear by email in late July; tickets are mailed in mid-March.
• Rules: 21 or older; one application per household, from your permanent address, with a personal card billed there. No applying for others, as a gift or to resell. Series Badge patrons and club employees can’t apply for tournament days.
• The draw: request any or all days, but you can win only one. Tournament days are drawn first. Everyone entering the grounds needs a ticket, whatever their age.
• 2027 face value: $125 Monday or Tuesday, $150 Wednesday, $160 each tournament day; up to four tickets a day for practice rounds and two for tournament rounds, plus shipping.

Not confirmed by the operator. masters.com’s ticket pages are login-based app screens, so we couldn’t view a rendered price page. The 2027 prices, limits and deadlines above come from the public content file the official ticket site (tickets.masters.com) loads; the April 5–11 dates also appear in masters.com’s site menu. We don’t list resale prices. Ticket office: 706-667-6700. Checked September 21, 2026. Tell us if you know more.

When is the best time to visit Augusta?

October, for mild weather. Our Georgia weather by month page (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Augusta airport) gives Augusta 79°F highs and 53°F lows in October, its driest month. July averages 94°F, the hottest of our 13 stations, which matters because canal tours cancel at a heat index of 105°F. April, the Masters month, averages 78.5°F highs.

What should you do in your situation?

• With kids: Take the canal boat tour (ask about a child fare when you book) and the Discovery Center turbine. Older kids can paddle to Lake Olmstead; the shuttle is free for 15 and under. The Morris is free for 12 and under, and Phinizy’s 0.1-mile boardwalk suits short legs.
• A history weekend: Go Thursday–Saturday, the only days everything is open. Book the Laney Museum (required) and the Wilson house ahead, then add the Augusta Museum of History and a canal tour. On Sunday the Morris is free and the history museum opens at 1 p.m.
• Masters week (April 5–11, 2027): Without a lottery win, 2027 tickets are gone; mark June 1, 2027 for the 2028 application. Reserve a canal tour early. The Augusta Museum of History opened daily during 2025’s Masters week but hadn’t posted 2027 plans.
• With a dog: Phinizy, the towpath (leashed) and the kayak rental allow pets; the Morris allows assistance animals only.
• On a budget: Go on a Sunday: the Morris, the Riverwalk, the towpath and Phinizy are all free. For one paid stop, the $14 canal tour includes the Discovery Center.

Driving back west? Our Madison day trip and weekend getaways from Atlanta cover more trips.

FAQ

How much is the Augusta Canal boat tour?

$14 for adults and $12 for seniors 60 and over, military and students, according to the Augusta Canal Authority. Tours run Tuesday–Saturday from Enterprise Mill, 1450 Greene St., and include Discovery Center admission. The Authority doesn’t publish departure times or a child fare; call 706-823-0440 x502 (checked September 21, 2026).

How long is the Augusta Canal trail?

About 7 miles from the canal headgates at Savannah Rapids Park to 13th Street downtown, the end of the first level, according to the Augusta Canal Authority. The trail is free, and animals must be leashed.

Is the Augusta Riverwalk free?

Yes. The City of Augusta lists the Riverwalk, between 5th and 10th streets downtown, as open dawn to dusk, with a playground, picnic areas and restrooms. The Morris Museum of Art is on the Riverwalk and is free on Sundays ($5 for adults other days).

How do you get tickets to the Masters?

Through the lottery on the Masters’ official ticket site. You must be 21 or older, and each household may apply once. You can request every day but can win only one. Applications for the 2027 Masters (April 5–11, 2027) ran June 1–20, 2026 and are closed. The site says the 2028 application opens June 1, 2027. The 2027 face values were $125–$150 for practice rounds and $160 for tournament rounds (checked September 21, 2026).

When is the 2027 Masters?

April 5–11, 2027, according to the Masters’ official site. Practice rounds are Monday–Wednesday, April 5–7, and the 91st Masters Tournament is played Thursday–Sunday, April 8–11, at Augusta National Golf Club.

Is Phinizy Swamp Nature Park free?

Yes. The Phinizy Center says the park is free and open 365 days a year, 7 a.m.–8 p.m. April–September and 7 a.m.–7 p.m. October–March, with free parking. Leashed pets are welcome. It’s at 1858 Lock and Dam Road, Augusta.

Where is the James Brown statue in Augusta?

It is off display while the city builds James Brown Linear Park on Broad Street. WFXG reported in July 2025 that the 2005 statue had been moved into the Augusta Museum of History’s care until construction ends, and WRDW reported that the city’s schedule runs that section until Dec. 18, 2026. The Augusta Museum of History ($7 adults) has a James Brown exhibit.

How we checked this guide: Dates, hours, admission and parking prices, and access details were verified against the official sources listed below on September 21, 2026. Operators change schedules and raise prices without notice, so confirm anything time-sensitive before you drive. The figures in this guide also feed our Georgia Attraction Transparency Index and Family Day-Out Cost Index.

Sources

• Augusta Canal Authority — Home (boat tour prices, 1845, canal facts)
• Augusta Canal Authority — Boat Tours (schedule, boarding, FAQs)
• Augusta Canal Authority — Exhibits (Discovery Center admission, parking)
• Augusta Canal Authority — Trails (towpath distances, trailheads, rules)
• Augusta Canal Authority — Nature & History Boat Tour calendar entry
• Augusta Canal Authority — Moonlight Music Cruise (Double D, Sept. 25, 2026)
• Augusta Canal Authority — Harvest Moon Music Cruise (Sept. 26, 2026)
• Augusta Canal Authority — Hunter’s Moon Music Cruise (Oct. 24, 2026)
• Savannah Rapids Kayak Rental — Rates & Routes
• Savannah Rapids Kayak Rental — Rentals & FAQs (ages, pets)
• Columbia County — Savannah Rapids Park
• Columbia County — Savannah Rapids Park facility listing (address)
• City of Augusta — Augusta Riverwalk facility page
• Morris Museum of Art — Visit
• Augusta Museum of History — Admission & Hours
• Augusta Museum of History — James Brown exhibit
• Augusta Museum of History — The James Brown Statue
• Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History — Home (admission effective April 1, 2026)
• Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History — Tour Times
• Boyhood Home of President Woodrow Wilson — Visit
• Boyhood Home of President Woodrow Wilson — Tour Times & Tickets
• Historic Augusta, Inc. — Wilson House
• Phinizy Center — Location & Contact (hours, fees, pets)
• Phinizy Center — Trails & Features
• Phinizy Center — Phinizy Swamp Nature Park events (Harvest Moon Hike)
• Masters Tournament — Tickets
• Masters Tournament — site menu data (2027 dates)
• Masters Tournament ticket site — published content and settings (2027 lottery, prices, limits)
• WFXG — James Brown statue moved from downtown (July 17, 2025)
• WRDW — Augusta updates Broad Street schedule (Sept. 2, 2026)
• Augusta Convention & Visitors Bureau — Transportation (distance from Atlanta)
• It’s Georgia — Georgia Weather by Month (NOAA normals, Augusta station)

About Hank Whitlock

Hank Whitlock is the pen name of the It's Georgia editor. Every guide is built around the questions a busy family actually asks before a trip: how long is the drive, what does parking cost, can the stroller make it, are dogs allowed. Details are checked against official park, city, and venue sources, and each guide shows the date it was last updated.