Guide to Warm Springs
Discover the poignant legacy of President Franklin D. Roosevelt in the Warm Springs area, with these things to do, places to stay and great restaurants.
The legacy of President Franklin D. Roosevelt in the Warm Springs area is one of the most stirring stories of 20th-century America. Many people don’t realize the full scope of this important chapter in Georgia history, but all can immerse themselves in it with a visit to area attractions. Warm Springs is located an hour's drive south of Atlanta.
Things to do
Roosevelt's Little White House State Historic Site
Start your experience at the Roosevelt's Little White House State Historic Site, a charming cottage nestled in the pine woods near town. As FDR’s getaway during his four terms as president – completed just before his inauguration in 1933 – the lovingly preserved site gives a glimpse of daily life for the pivotal figure. FDR, who had contracted polio in 1921, found swimming in the area’s mineral waters therapeutic for his paralyzed legs.
FDR died unexpectedly in one of the Little White House’s six rooms in 1945. You’ll see the carved inscription near the kitchen describing FDR’s last meal, prepared for him by longtime favorite cook Daisy, and a collar belonging to Fala, the presidential terrier. Also look for the one-of-a-kind presidential Victrola, which FDR would use to record his popular “fireside chats” on vinyl.
FDR Memorial Museum
Adjacent to the cottage is the FDR Memorial Museum, which is devoted mostly to FDR’s influence on helping people with disabilities and his impact on rural Georgia. Many New Deal programs were directly inspired by FDR’s concern for the socioeconomic conditions he saw in rural Georgia during his trips to the area’s healing waters.
The museum has fascinating exhibits of treatments for polio and other debilitating diseases during the early 20th century, and how FDR’s work at Warm Springs advanced their treatment. Also, don’t miss the famous and moving “unfinished portrait” of the president, a watercolor deliberately left incomplete by artist Elizabeth Shoumatoff when the president died.
F. D. Roosevelt State Park
FDR's influence extends beyond Warm Springs to what is now F. D. Roosevelt State Park, Georgia's largest. The park in nearby Pine Mountain was one of the earliest projects of one of FDR's signature achievements, the Civilian Conservation Corps, which landscaped the park and built the lodges in the late 1930s.
Situated on land purchased by FDR while he was governor of New York, the vast wooded and scenic park contains historic Depression-era stone camping lodges, a driving/walking trail often used by the president (take in the view from Dowdell’s Knob, a favorite presidential picnic spot) and the historic Liberty Bell swimming pool. All are open to the public.
Set in a beautifully scenic portion of west Georgia, the Peach State’s part of Roosevelt’s legacy is enriching both educationally and recreationally, making it a must-see for anyone with an interest in American history.
Find more things to do in Warm Springs
Where to stay
Hotel Warm Springs Bed & Breakfast Inn
A short drive into town is the Hotel Warm Springs Bed & Breakfast Inn, more than a century old and a frequent host to presidential guests. If you can't stay the night, check out the lobby and gift store.
The Delano
Step back in time to the 1950s and discover the perfect blend of vintage charm and modern luxury at The Delano, a remodeled cottage in the heart of downtown Warm Springs. Relax in the cozy living room, cook up a storm in the fully equipped kitchen, and unwind in the sumptuous bedrooms.
The Big House
Built in 1900 by one of the co-founders of Warm Springs, The Big House has been meticulously renovated to offer a modern twist while preserving its unique charm and character. "Something old & something new" perfectly describes this home's enchanting blend of vintage and contemporary elements.
Aiden by Best Western Warm Springs Hotel and Event Center
The Aiden by Best Western Warm Springs Hotel and Event Center is a newly built hotel that offers stunning views of the Meriwether and Talbot County hills. Unwind at The View Restaurant, Café & Bar with seasonal comfort food and handcrafted cocktails, and relax by the fire pit or on your private balcony in the poolside patio rooms. Each room includes plush bedding, a fridge, a microwave, a coffee maker, a safe, high-speed internet, and cable TV. The Pavilion Event Center is ideal for weddings, reunions, or meetings, set against a beautiful mountain backdrop.
Meriwether Country Inn
Less than one mile from the Little White House, the Meriwether Country Inn features an outdoor hot tub with Warm Springs water, a complimentary continental breakfast, and amenities like microwaves, refrigerators, and free high-speed wireless Internet.
Killian House Retreat
Stay in a home that once belonged to the mayor of Warm Springs, who owned a store in town when FDR was president. Killian House Retreat has four bedrooms, two bathrooms, and can accommodate eight people.
Where to eat
The Bulloch House Restaurant
Southern hospitality is not just a saying; it's a way of life that exists at the Bulloch House. As a classic "meat and 3" restaurant, Bulloch House serves a delicious variety of traditional Southern dishes like fried chicken, sweet potato soufflé, green beans, and sweet corn. Save room for their famous desserts, like caramel cake and red velvet cake.
Cowboy Town
Enjoy Western-style entrees (steaks, burgers, chuckwagon meals, and more) and a full bar in a spirited saloon setting at Cowboy Town. The immersive Western-themed experience features a rustic décor and a laid-back, yet lively, cattle-ranch ambiance. Watch rodeos from the deck, test your skills with auto-scoring darts, and enjoy an entertainment lineup that keeps the frontier vibe alive with live music, karaoke, and more.
