
The Augusta Canal Discovery Center at Enterprise Mill tells the story of industrial revolution in the American South and how a city used its waterways to reinvent itself and define its destiny. Located in a former textile mill, the Discovery Center is your starting point of all canal boat tours. Be sure to allow time before or after your cruise to explore the exhibits, view the orientation film in the Rotary Club of Augusta Centennial Theater, and browse the Canal Gift Shop. Discovery Center admission is $6 adult/ $4 senior & student, or free with your boat tour ticket purchase.
Ready to Soak Up Some History?
The Exhibits
Orientation Movie
- "The Power of a Canal" - A 10 minute film on the history of the Augusta Canal.
The Hydropower Demonstration Turbine
- The waters of the Augusta Canal surge through this demonstration turbine, creating hydro-mechanical power that drives the line shaft mounted on the ceiling. The paddle fan above the gift shop operates directly from the line shaft power.
Braving the Rapids
- The Petersburg Boat
- Petersburg Boat Captain and Cargo
Building the Canal
- Augusta Before the Canal
- Henry Cumming, Canal Visionary
- How the Canal was Built
How the Canal Works
- Canal Model
- Transportation
- Water Works
- Hydropower
Mill & Boom Times
- Augusta’s Industrial Triumph
- From Cotton to Cloth - Textiles
- How It’s Done - Weaving Process and Looms
- Working the Mill - Mill Work and Mill Workers
- Wartime Industry - Serving the Confederacy
Hydroelectricity and the Canal
- The City Electric
- Electrifying Enterprise Mill
- The Penstock
- How Hydroelectricity Works
Boat Parties and Picnics
- Leisure and the Canal
Workers’ Life
- The Company House
- Living in the Factory District
- Eviction
- Labor vs. Management
New Waters, New Life -
The Canal in the 20th Century
- Floods and Fires
- What Happened to the Mills
- The Last Days of Enterprise Mill
- The Canal - Neglect and Decline
- Return to the Waters
- The Canal and River Today
- Augusta Happenings
Perfect for Field Trips
“I had no idea about the quality of this field trip. It's one of Augusta's "treasures" in my opinion. I plan on telling my fellow teachers & bring my guests here as well. Thank you for making our experience so great!”
-The Alleluia Community School

Free Visit With Every Boat Tour Ticket
Discovery Center FAQs
The closest parking is on the west side of Enterprise Mill, 1450 Greene Street, corner of 15th and Greene Streets. Parking also available on the east side of the main mill building.
Yes.
There is a restaurant close by in the Enterprise Mill complex. Fat Man’s Mill Café serves lunch only, Monday-Friday.
The Discovery Center and our multipurpose Cotton Room classroom can be rented for private functions.
