Background

Virginia Hand Callaway Discovery Center: Gateway to Callaway Gardens

Discover the wonders of nature and the legacy of Callaway Gardens at this informative and engaging visitor center in Pine Mountain, Georgia.

4.7

The Virginia Hand Callaway Discovery Center serves as the primary welcome point for Callaway Gardens, offering insights into the gardens' history, attractions, and the natural world. It features interactive exhibits, a gift shop, cafe, and access to outdoor attractions like the Birds of Prey show and TreeTop Adventure.

A brief summary to Virginia Hand Callaway Discovery Center

  • Monday 10 am-4:30 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-4:30 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-4:30 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-4:30 pm
  • Friday 10 am-4:30 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-4:30 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-4:30 pm

Local tips

  • Start your Callaway Gardens visit here to get an overview of the grounds and plan your day.
  • Check the schedule for the Birds of Prey show at the Discovery Amphitheater.
  • Explore the Vaughn-Jordan Backyard Wildlife Habitat Garden for inspiration on attracting local wildlife.
  • Consider the TreeTop Adventure zip lines for a thrilling experience.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Walking

    From the parking area, follow the signs leading to the main entrance of the Virginia Hand Callaway Discovery Center. The entrance is easily accessible and well-marked. Wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis [6, 10]. Note that some outdoor garden paths may be difficult for wheelchair travel [6].

  • Driving

    If arriving by car within Callaway Gardens, follow the internal roads to the Discovery Center. Parking is complimentary [2, 8]. Be aware that during peak seasons, parking areas may be crowded. From the parking lot, it's a short walk to the Discovery Center entrance.

  • Public Transport

    There are no public transportation options directly to Callaway Gardens [9]. If arriving via bus to a nearby city like LaGrange, you would need to take a taxi or rideshare service to reach the Discovery Center, which is approximately a 30-minute drive. Taxi fare could range from $40-$60 [11, 21].

Unlock the Best of Virginia Hand Callaway Discovery Center

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Virginia Hand Callaway Discovery Center

The Virginia Hand Callaway Discovery Center is a 35,000-square-foot facility dedicated to Virginia Hand Callaway, co-founder of Callaway Gardens, who had a passion for connecting people with nature [1, 13, 20]. The Discovery Center serves as an immersive experience designed to educate and inspire appreciation for the natural world [1]. Inside, visitors will find an information area staffed with knowledgeable individuals, as well as interactive kiosks providing an overview of Callaway Gardens' rich history and attractions [1, 13]. The center also houses an auditorium and frequently changing art exhibits [13, 16]. One popular past exhibit was the Crawlaseum, featuring over 40 species of insects and related animals [1, 7]. The Crawlaseum education wing offers hands-on learning experiences about insects and other creatures [1, 14, 16]. Outside the Discovery Center, the Vaughn-Jordan Backyard Wildlife Habitat Garden provides a living example of how to create a welcoming space for local wildlife [1]. Visitors can also enjoy the MEGA BUGS exhibit, featuring larger-than-life insect models, and the Discovery Amphitheater, home to the Birds of Prey show [1, 13, 14]. For thrill-seekers, the TreeTop Adventure zip lines offer a unique perspective of the forest canopy [1, 13]. The Discovery Center is a great starting point to explore Callaway Gardens and learn about the vision of Cason and Virginia Callaway, who transformed former cotton fields into a place where nature and people could coexist [14, 17].

Popular Experiences near Virginia Hand Callaway Discovery Center

Popular Hotels near Virginia Hand Callaway Discovery Center

Select Currency