Presidential Pathways

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Georgia's Presidential Pathways district is 19-county area in west central Georgia that is deeply rooted in American history. Visitors today soak up reflections from the antebellum era, Civil War years, proud heritage of two U.S. presidents and birth of the modern South.

Andersonville marks the site of the Civil War’s largest prison, where nearly 13,000 Union soldiers died. Walk solemn grounds and explore the National POW Museum, which tells the story of captivity and honors all American prisoners of war.

Enjoy loads of naturally entertaining activities at Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain. The Sibley Horticultural Center features the only Mediterranean garden of its kind in the Southeast, an orchid grotto and a tropical garden. Don’t miss the daily Birds of Prey show or the Day Butterfly Center. 

In the Columbus Arts and Entertainment District, entertainment abounds. The RiverCenter presents Broadway shows and concerts, or take in a play or musical at the 1871 Springer Opera House. The Columbus Museum features an art collection and gallery depicting the heritage of the Chattahoochee Valley, while the Liberty Theater Cultural Center reflects its history as a venue for legends like Lena Horne, Ella Fitzgerald and Cab Callaway.

The Global Village & Discovery Center in Americus shows how Habitat for Humanity is changing the world one house at a time. Life-size replicas of Habitat houses built around the world share the mission of Habitat for Humanity.

Hills & Dales, in LaGrange, is the 1916 estate of textile magnate Fuller E. Callaway Sr. The gardens surrounding the Italianate-style home were developed in 1841 and include extensive boxwood plantings, fountains, an herb garden and greenhouses.

The Jimmy Carter National Historic Site and Boyhood Farm chronicles the beginnings of Jimmy Carter’s legacy in the towns of Plains and Archery, where the foundation of his life is richly visible.

Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Little White House in Warm Springs shares Georgia’s impact on President Roosevelt. A film narrated by Walter Cronkite recounts FDR’s role in America’s recovery from the Great Depression, his leadership during World War II and his struggle with polio.

At the National Civil War Naval Museum in Columbus, stand at the bow of the CSS Jackson, the largest surviving scratch-made ironclad ship in the world. This innovative museum explores Northern and Southern naval operations during the Civil War.

The National Infantry Museum at Fort Benning houses an amazing collection of artifacts in a 30,000-square-foot exhibit space. Follow the steps of the American infantry soldier across two centuries of courage and determination.

At the Oxbow Meadows Environmental Learning Center in Columbus, learn about natural history while exploring wetlands and wildlife trails.

Along the 68-mile SAM Shortline route, glimpse pecan groves, cypress swamps, and scenic country farms from the comfort of antique rail passenger cars.

More than 260 species of birds have been identified along the Southern Rivers Birding Trail, which offers 30 magnificent sites from the Georgia piedmont to the coastal plain. Bird lists and trail maps are available in Georgia’s Visitor Information Centers.

West Point Lake provides championship fishing and 500 miles of shoreline offering a full array of recreation and water activities.

The living history town of Westville near Lumpkin will take you back to the pioneer heroes of 1850. Taste homemade biscuits, play an 1850s game of baseball and watch as craftsmen demonstrate the work of an earlier era.

“Talk to the animals” at Wild Animal Safari. This 500-acre wildlife preserve just outside Pine Mountain brings you face-to-face with endangered and exotic animals from six continents.