Sumter County: Gardens, Nature and History

Sumter County offers a range of reasons to plan a trip: Swan Lake Iris Gardens combines distinctive garden landscapes with an annual festival, while forests, trails and Lake Marion offer opportunities to enjoy nature. Churches, a museum and an art gallery round out the cultural offerings. When choosing a hotel, you can first consider whether gardens and outdoor activities or architecture, art and local history will shape your stay.

Gardens and Festivals in Sumter County

Swan Lake Iris Gardens features more than 120 varieties of iris. It is also the only public park in the United States where all eight swan species are represented. In Bland Garden, a boardwalk made of cypress planks, about 1,000 feet long, leads into the swamp. The gardens bring together a variety of experiences: iris beds, a waterscape and distinctive themed areas.

Created in 2009, the Chocolate Garden pairs edible plants that look like chocolate with flowers that have a chocolatey fragrance. The edible plants should not be tasted. In the Butterfly Garden, visitors can learn to identify six butterfly species and their caterpillars, including information about their host plants and preferred nectar plants.

The three-day Sumter Iris Festival takes place every year in May. The program includes live concerts, arts and crafts, plants and flowers, food, and activities for children. On opening night, Taste at the Gardens features live music and dishes from restaurants, chefs and caterers from the region. Festival programs may vary from year to year, so it is a good idea to check the event dates and current program before traveling.

Forests, Water and Trails

Manchester State Forest stretches across Clarendon County and Sumter County. More than 29,830 acres are covered by mixed stands of pine and hardwood trees. Horseback riding is available on parts of the Palmetto Trail and on other forest trails. These riding opportunities are limited to certain sections and trails, not every path in the forest.

Lake Marion can be accessed from Sumter County via Packs Landing, Rimini Landing and Sparkleberry Landing. The lake is part of the Santee-Cooper Lakes, which span Sumter, Clarendon, Orangeburg and Berkeley counties and cover more than 110,000 acres. The landings listed here provide specific access points for a trip to the water; the larger lake system extends beyond the county boundaries.

For a workout on a designated multi-use trail, the 3.1-mile Prisma Health Shot Pouch Greenway connects Dillon Park with Swan Lake Iris Gardens. It is suitable for walking, jogging and cycling. Along Shot Pouch Branch, the greenway preserves a natural habitat for diverse wildlife. The Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Nature Trail offers another option for walking or cycling; the trail is paved and features historical information panels.

The nine-acre Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Memorial Park includes a replica of Bethune’s birthplace, an outdoor pavilion, a playground and a picnic area. These facilities complement the trails and forest areas with another public space featuring clearly identified amenities.

Architecture, Art and Local History

The history of Sumter Opera House can be seen in its present form, which was built between 1893 and 1895. An older church building offers another architectural reference point. Church of the Holy Cross was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1973. Its present building was constructed between 1850 and 1852 and is an example of Victorian Gothic rammed-earth construction. It also features the original 1851 Erben pipe organ, which is still in use today.

High Hills Baptist Church also has a long history: it was founded in 1772, and its present building dates to 1803. In April 1776, churches from across South Carolina gathered there to elect delegates to the Continental Association. First Missionary Baptist Church marks another part of the area’s religious history. It was the first Baptist church in Sumter built by an African American congregation and was founded in 1868 under the name Shiloh Baptist Church.

Opened in 2013, the Lincoln Museum displays historical artifacts. The Sumter County Gallery of Art presents rotating exhibitions of traditional and contemporary art, featuring local, regional and nationally recognized artists. Together, the churches, museum and gallery offer different ways to explore the county’s history and art. If a particular exhibition is important to you, check the current exhibition schedule as you plan your trip.

Explore More Destinations

Explore more destinations: Sumter, Clarendon, Chester County, Dillon County, Florence, Beaufort County, Pickens County, Hampton County.

For the broader travel overview: South Carolina.