Augusta Canal National Heritage Area

The Augusta Canal was constructed in 1845 and was an important industrial and transportation center in 19th-century Augusta. Today it is preserved as the Augusta Canal National Heritage Area.

A museum, the Discovery Center (located at Enterprise Mill, 1450 Greene Street, Suite 400) has exhibits about the canal, its construction and the development of industries around it, including the hydroelectric plant, the mills and the lives of the workers. Adult admission to the museum is $6. More details

Several boat tours of the canal are available, some on a seasonal basis. Heritage boat tours focus on the canal’s historic landmarks and wildlife; Civil War boat tours examine Augusta’s Civil War history, the most visible legacy of which is the Confederate Powder Works, which stands alongside the canal. Adult tickets for regular boat tours are $14, which includes admission to the Discovery Center.

There are also several hiking and biking trails along the canal, from which you can see historic sites, and birds and other wildlife.

Museums In Augusta

Augusta Museum of History (560 Reynolds Street) Museum of Augusta’s history, with a historic locomotive and exhibits on transportation, military and other history topics, including golf in Augusta and local musician James Brown. Open Thursday-Sunday, adults $5.

Morris Museum of Art (1 10th Street) Museum of art dedicated to the works of southern artists, also hosts several special exhibitions annually. Open Tuesday-Sunday, adults $5.

Historic House Tours In Augusta

Boyhood Home of President Woodrow Wilson (419 7th Street) Childhood residence of the 28th President, located in downtown Augusta. Tours of the home are available by appointment, Wednesday-Friday, adults $5.

Meadow Garden (1320 Independence Drive) This late 18th-century wood-frame house is one of Georgia’s oldest surviving homes. Tours available Monday-Friday (and Saturday by appointment), adults $5.

Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History (1116 Phillips Street) A small house museum, former residence of African-American educationalist Lucy Craft Laney. Open Tuesday-Saturday, adults $7.

Ezekiel Harris House (1822 Broad Street) Late 18th-century house in the early Federal style. Open Saturday (and weekdays by appointment), adults $2.

Augusta Tours

Historic Augusta Walking Tour Free self-guided walking tours of sites of historic and architectural significance along several of downtown Augusta’s principal streets are available online.

James Brown Family Historical Tour Bus tours of historic sites in Augusta significant in the life of soul musician James Brown, operated by the James Brown Family Foundation. Tours available Saturdays only, $15 per person (includes admission to the Augusta Museum of History). Advance reservations required.

The Golden Blocks Free, self-guided tour of Augusta’s historic Black business district.

Patriot Riverboat Tours Hour-long narrated boat tours of the Savannah River, with views of downtown Augusta and wildlife-spotting opportunities. Tours available Wednesday-Sunday in season, adults $15.