Art and the American South
The Morris Museum of Art sits directly on the Riverwalk and focuses on Southern artists, landscapes, portraiture, and changing exhibitions. It pairs naturally with the riverfront because no cross-town transfer is required.
Savannah River, Augusta Canal, Southern art, music history, theaters, historic homes, and public golf
Things to do in Augusta
Augusta combines an industrial canal, the Savannah Riverwalk, Southern art, regional and music history, public golf, and two historic Broad Street theaters. Each belongs to a different part of the city, with current Canal access and downtown construction shaping the outdoor choices.
Savannah River and Riverwalk
Walk the multilevel brick riverfront between gardens, overlooks, the Jessye Norman Amphitheater, and the Morris Museum. Sixth, Eighth, and Tenth streets provide useful access points; riverfront work and events can redirect individual sections.
Augusta Canal
Begin with the Discovery Center inside Enterprise Mill. Boat tours currently have no scheduled departures, and the towpath is open only from the Headgates to the Interstate 20 bridge, so verify both official pages before adding either experience.
Museums and historic homes
The Morris centers art of the American South; the Augusta Museum of History includes regional and James Brown stories; Lucy Craft Laney's former home requires attention to tour schedules.
Broad Street arts and performance
Murals, galleries, the Imperial Theatre, Miller Theater, restaurants, and James Brown landmarks fill the blocks inland from the river. Construction currently affects Broad Street between 13th and Fifth streets; use the city's updates when choosing parking and walking blocks.
Museums with a local point of view
Southern art, regional history, and a city that shaped American music
The Morris Museum's Southern-art focus, the Augusta Museum of History's regional collection, and the Lucy Craft Laney Museum's education and Black-history work cover different ground. Check current hours and tour requirements rather than assuming all three fit one afternoon.
Four distinct collections
Art, city history, education, and Canal industry
City history and James Brown
The Augusta Museum of History covers transportation, regional life, golf, and James Brown. Its full-size locomotive and broader chronology make it the stronger choice for a first overview of the city.
Lucy Craft Laney's legacy
The Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History occupies the educator's former home and interprets her work alongside Augusta's Black history and arts. Check tour arrangements before crossing town.
Canal industry at Enterprise Mill
The Canal Discovery Center explains the 1845 waterway, mill power, and Augusta's industrial growth inside a restored textile mill. It is the reliable Canal visit even when boats are not running or trail access is limited.
Official resources
Current hours, tours, and performance calendars
Check the organizations responsible for canal departures, museum access, downtown events, and venue schedules.
Official sourceAugusta Canal National Heritage AreaOfficial boat-tour, Discovery Center, towpath, rental, event, and heritage information.Official sourceMorris Museum of ArtCurrent exhibitions, programs, hours, access, and visitor information for art of the American South.Official sourceVisit Augusta things to doCurrent destination information for museums, attractions, arts, events, and outdoor experiences.