Short answer
The Plains Visitors Center is a Georgia information center on U.S. 280 near Plains in Sumter County, home town of President Jimmy Carter. It is open Tuesday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and closed Sunday and Monday. Checked on gastateparks.org.
The state’s information stop for Plains, opened in 1977 on 17 acres with a pond, picnic tables and covered grills. It is a handy first stop before the Jimmy Carter sites, Providence Canyon and Andersonville.
Plains Visitors Center hours
- Tuesday-Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Closed Sunday and Monday
What it costs
- The state page lists no admission fee for the visitors center.
Where it is and how to get in touch
- Address: 1763 Hwy 280 West, Plains, GA 31780
- County: Sumter (West Georgia region)
- Approximate map point: 32.03750, -84.37670 (about a mile east of Plains town center, as the state page describes it; not a surveyed point; directions in Google Maps by address)
- Office: 229-824-7477
- Official page: gastateparks.org/Plains
Dogs and strollers
- Dogs: Georgia State Parks welcomes pets on a leash no longer than six feet, with the owner at all times. Pets are not allowed in park and historic site buildings, lodges, yurts, group camps, swimming areas or beaches (park rules).
- Strollers: the park does not publish stroller rules. Paths range from paved walks to rough trails, so call ahead (229-824-7477) if you need a stroller-friendly route.
What’s at Plains Visitors Center
Facilities the park lists: 17 acres with a 2.5-acre pond; Picnic tables; Covered picnic areas with grills; Georgia state tree and flower plantings.
Events coming up near Plains Visitors Center
- Oct 24: Fall Festival: Movie Night Edition, Columbus (about 46 miles away)
- Oct 24: Little Garden of Horrors, Columbus (about 48 miles away, from $15)
- Oct 25: Columbus Witches Ride, Columbus (about 47 miles away, free)
- Oct 25: BOOtanical: Not So Scary Halloween, Columbus (about 48 miles away, free to $12)
- Oct 30 – Nov 1: Christmas Made in the South (Columbus), Columbus (about 46 miles away, free to $10)
- Oct 31: Big Dog Howl 5K, Columbus (about 46 miles away, from $30)
Events within 50 miles in the next 90 days from our Georgia event calendar, as of ; distances are straight-line from the site’s GPS point. The park’s own ranger programs and events are on the Georgia State Parks events calendar.
Nearby state parks and historic sites
- Georgia Veterans State Park (state park, Crisp County), about 28 miles away
- Providence Canyon State Park (state park, Stewart County), about 32 miles away
- Sam Shortline Excursion Train (partner site, Crisp County), about 35 miles away
- Florence Marina State Park (state park, Stewart County), about 39 miles away
More on It’s Georgia
- All Georgia state parks and historic sites, by region
- West Georgia: more places to go in the region
Source: the Plains Visitors Center page on gastateparks.org (Georgia Department of Natural Resources), checked . Hours and fees change, so check the official page before a long drive. Spot something out of date? Tell us and we will re-check it.
Cite this page: It's Georgia, “Plains Visitors Center”, itsgeorgia.com/places/plains-visitors-center/ (updated ). Free to quote with attribution and a link to this page.