History Comes Alive with Hands-on Experiences in Americus and Sumter County, Georgia

A train, Plains and two National Historic Sites make this a destination to remember

Think outside of the theme park and head to Americus and Sumter County, Georgia. This unsuspecting destination in west-central Georgia, convenient to I-75, three hours south of Atlanta and only two hours north of I-10, will expand your family’s understanding of the world through hands-on memory-making fun. Check out these top four can’t-miss experiences for engaging all ages:

1. Take a train ride through the rural landscape of Southwest Georgia and get a global perspective of the world. It’s all aboard the SAM Shortline Excursion Train where air-conditioned 1949 vintage cars take passengers through South Georgia’s quaintest towns. Scheduled weekend rides run through Plains, Leslie, and Americus, with longer trips also available to Cordele.
2. Explore the small town that became the Jimmy Carter National Site. Marvel at the unique treasure of two National Historic sites located within close proximity in small town Georgia. Learn about Presidential history in Plains and how a small-town boy became the President of the United States. Browse the shops and indulge in the peanut ice cream before touring the rest of the Jimmy Carter National Historic Site. Plains High School acts as the park’s visitor center and museum, with exhibits about the Carters before, during and after his presidency. Don’t miss the 25 minute, must-see video when starting the tour. Also in Plains, tour the Plains Train Depot which, in 1976, served as Jimmy Carter’s Presidential Campaign Headquarters and the Boyhood Farm, where Jimmy Carter lived from the age of four until he departed for college. The farm is restored to its appearance before electricity was installed in 1938.
3. Reflect on the somber experience of POWs at Andersonville National History Site, also home to the National POW Museum. Sumter County is a place where the complex history of a nation divided left an indelible mark on our consciousness. Honor history in different ways, see it through different lenses, and respect the lessons learned by reminding the planet that the horrors of war leave deep scars that demand reflection and thought. Beat the heat by starting the day at Andersonville National Historic Site, home to Camp Sumter (Andersonville Prison), the Andersonville National Cemetery and the National Prisoner of War Museum (Note: May be too graphic for young children). Start the tour by viewing the documentary video about the Andersonville (Camp Sumter) prisoner of war camp, designed for a maximum of 10,000 soldiers but which at one time held more than 32,000. The 26.5-acre prison camp may be toured on foot or by car. Nearby, the Drummer Boy Civil War Museum showcases Civil War uniforms, guns, swords, documents and photographs. Mannequins wearing 15 authentic Civil War uniforms, both Union and Confederate, including a colorful red and blue New York Fire Zouave uniform and a Union and Confederate drummer boy uniform complete with original drums, are highlights of the museum.
4. Pick out the ultimate souvenir when you shop local in Americus and Sumter County. The Maze is a unique space, offering individual booths to vendors selling all ranges of antiques, gifts, and home decor. It serves as a small business incubator, allowing owners to build up a customer base for their products before moving into their own individual shops. Shoppers will find three stories of locally made jewelry, well-known brands of candles, and quirky pieces connected to the area. First Friday is the perfect time to explore, when the businesses of Americus welcome locals for evening specials under varying themes. In nearby Plains, shop for all things peanuts and satisfy a sweet tooth with peanut butter ice cream from Plain Peanuts. Or, end your trip with a unique experience. Americus and Sumter County serves as a hotbed for entrepreneurial ingenuity and showcase successful businesses like Mobile Glassblowing Studios, a company that creates portable furnaces for amateur and professional glass blowers alike. Take a glassblowing class and bring home a one-of-a-kind art piece to commemorate your visit.

If you go

Satisfy hunger pangs–discover top picks for best bites in Americus and Sumter County.

At the end of the day, rest easy at the Windsor Hotel, the crown jewel of Americus since its opening in 1892, or choose from a variety of name-brand hotel options.