Few Who Come to Augusta Just Play Through.

Discover the History of the South and a New Nation.

Founded as a colonial trading post in 1736, Augusta is steeped in a rich history and nine neighborhoods with distinctive architectural styles and historic sites included on the National Register of Historic Places.

Tour Woodrow Wilson's Boyhood Home, the restored childhood home where the former president grew up during the Civil War, and the Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History, offering unique historical and fine art exhibitions honoring the achievements of one of Georgia's most influential African-American educators. Augusta's Springfield Baptist Church is the oldest independently formed black Baptist church still holding church services in its original location. It is also where Morehouse College was founded in 1867.

Other historic sites include the Ezekiel Harris House, built by an 18th-century tobacco merchant, and Meadow Garden, home of George Walton, youngest signer of the Declaration of Independence. Just up the "Hill" from downtown Augusta homes dating from the late 18th to the early 20th century grace the Summerville Historic District, a charming neighborhood that was once a separate community of summer homes for Augusta city-dwellers. Guided driving or walking tours can be arranged.

Not All Water is Considered a Hazard - Augusta's Riverwalk Area

While water hazards on the course challenge the avid golfer, Riverwalk Augusta, a two-tiered park along the historic Savannah River, creates a more relaxing atmosphere, offering art, history, and science museums; gardens and picnic areas; and an open-air concert pavilion. Stroll the river's leisurely meandering and explore the Augusta Museum of History and its permanent award-winning exhibition, "Augusta's Story." Visit the Morris Museum of Art, one of the only facilities dedicated to displaying the art of the South and work from Southern Artists, or discover the wonders of science at the National Science Center's interactive museum, Fort Discovery. Other Riverwalk attractions include the Hero's Overlook, Jessye Norman Amphitheater, and Springfield Village Park.

There's A Lot of Room to Play Around

After exploring the city's downtown Riverwalk, discover a different side of the Savannah River as you relive the Industrial Revolution on the Augusta Canal, an 8.5-mile waterway built in 1845 to power industrial mills. Federally designated as one of 18 National Heritage Areas, the Augusta Canal and the canal towpath are the perfect places for a picnic lunch, a canoe or kayak trip or a bike ride. If you would like to explore the Canal at a more leisurely pace, climb aboard one of the Augusta Canal's Petersburg Boats and traverse the canal the way they did prior to the turn of the century.

Don't miss the Phinizy Swamp Nature Park, an 1100-acre bird and wildlife preserve just minutes from downtown managed and developed by the Southeast Natural Science Academy. A short drive away in neighboring Columbia County, J. Strom Thurmond Dam and Lake, the largest man-made lake east of the Mississippi offers over 1200 miles of shoreline. Boat rentals and camping are available.

There's More Than One Level of Play - Kid's Play That Is!

When the kids are coming along, plan something special for them at one of Augusta's many kid friendly venues. With over 250 interactive math and science exhibits, Fort Discovery is a high-tech learning center must for children of all ages. Canoe, kayak, walk, or bicycle the historic Augusta Canal and its towpath trails, or spend some time at Adventure Crossing go-carting, playing miniature golf, or testing your skills in the arcade.

If sports are what they are into, the Augusta GreenJackets - a minor league class "A" affiliate of the Boston Red Sox, play at Lake Olmstead Stadium from April through August, or they can watch Augusta's minor league hockey team, the Augusta Lynx, heat up the ice at the Augusta Richmond County Civic Center from October through April.