Augusta Attractions

The Augusta Museum of History features displays on the history of the Augusta area. Exhibits are diverse and include such topics as the Art of Healing, a 1914 steam locomotive, a 1930s gas station, and a children's area. The museum was founded in 1937 and is considered one of the most established historical agencies in Augusta. It is accredited by the American Associations of Museums.

The Augusta Museum has three permanent exhibitions, the first of which is the Augusta story. This fascinating exhibit provides, in great detail, the history of Augusta and the region from 12,000 years ago to present day. Highlights include a 56 foot Petersburg boat, a 12 pounder bronze Napoleon cannon, and an 1869 steam fire engine.

The second permanent exhibition is called "A history of the Georgia Railroad and Banking Company. Some of the notable exhibits include historical documents, a locomotive bell, and interesting railway maps.

The third permanent exhibit is entitled the "Transportation Corridor". This exhibition features immaculately preserved and restored transport equipment. Featured are a 1920's trolley car, a 1914 steam locomotive, and a completely reconstructed 1930's gas station.

The Augusta Opera offers a full season of opera and musical theater with a cast of professional national and international performers. The company also tours for children.

The Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art is located in an 1818 Federal-style house. The institute features various works of art with an emphasis on American artists. The center features at least six exhibits annually of contemporary art by local and regional artists.

The Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art was founded in 1937 and is the area's only independent visual school and art gallery. The institute is a not for profit organization.

An extensive outreach program is run by the institute. This program reaches over 3000 elementary school children each year. Also on offer is an extensive program of youth and adult art education classes. The disciplines covered include: photography, drawing, painting, welding, ceramics, mixed media, pastel, calligraphy, and book arts.

The Historic Cotton Exchange Welcome Center in Augusta is located in an 1886 cotton brokerage building that has been restored and houses a cotton exhibit and an art gallery featuring changing exhibits. The visitors bureau is on the upper level.

Meadow Garden in Augusta is an 1792 home that is furnished in period. It once belonged to George Walton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence.

The Monument to Georgia's Signers in Augusta is an 1848 marble obelisk. It commemorates the Declaration of Independence and stands over the remains of George Walton and Lyman Hall.

The Monument to Poets of Georgia in Augusta honors the poets Sidney Lanier, James R Randall, Father Abram Ryan, and Paul Hamilton Hayne. All of them lived in Augusta at some point in their lives except Paul Hamilton Hayne who is buried in Augusta.

The Morris Museum of Art in Augusta focuses on the art and artists of the Southern United States. Themes include art of the Civil War, the African American image in Southern painting, the Southern still life, Southern impressionism, twentieth-century painting, Southern landscapes, and contemporary art. The Southern Landscapes Gallery reflects not only the natural landscape but also the cultural landscape, with paintings that span more than a century. Also interesting is the Southern Stories Gallery, featuring works which show the daily life and the various attitudes which existed in the South. The Civil War collection depicts war from a Southern perspective, and the reconstruction period which followed.

The museum's collection includes more than 5,000 pieces and as a result not all works are on display.

The National Science Center's Fort Discovery in Augusta is a 128,000 square foot facility that features more than 270 interactive and educational exhibits for children and families.

The Phinizy Swamp Nature Park in Augusta is an 1,150 acre park that features a number of nature trails and observation decks for wildlife viewing.

The Sacred Heart Cultural Center in Augusta is a former Catholic church that is now a cultural center with a concert hall and reception hall. The building, built in 1900, features stained glass windows, turrets, and detailed brick work.

The center is a popular gathering place and home to the following cultural groups, including but not limited to, the Augusta Ballet, the Augusta Choral Society, Symphony Orchestra Augusta, the Augusta Children's Chorale (SOA), the Greater Augusta Arts Council, and the Augusta Players.

The interior of the building features stunning arches complemented by yellow and ochre color schemes. One of the most exciting events of the year at the Sacred Heart Cultural Center is the Garden Festival. This event takes place in late April each year and features a stunning display of flowers artfully arranged throughout the grounds. Presenters also give talks on various topics and local vendors are in attendance selling all manner of interesting goods.

The center has an onsite gift shop that showcases and sells the work of local artisans. Items for sale include books, artwork, and is a good spot to find a unique one of a kind item.

Among the remains of Fort Augusta is one of James Oglethorpe's cannons and a historical marker which commemorates a visit by George Washington.

St Paul's Episcopal Church in Augusta is a 1919 Colonial-style church that replaced a church built in 1750 which was destroyed in the Revolution.

The Lincoln County Historical Park covers 4 acres and includes the Groves-May House, Dr May's Office, an 1830's cotton gin, a sawmill, and a smokehouse.

Price's Store was established near Lincolnton (pop. 1,600) in 1897 and is still in operation, making it one of the Georgia's oldest working general stores.