Are you thinking about a visit to Sumter’s unique Swan Lake Park? If you’re looking for a beautiful day trip from Columbia, look no further than Swan Lake Iris Gardens. We have all the details so you can plan your relaxing day at Swan Lake in Sumter, SC.
Swan Lake in Sumer, SC: Location
At 822 West Liberty Street (US 763) in Sumter, South Carolina, 29150, you’ll find ample parking and a visitor’s center and park office open Monday- Friday 8:30- 5 pm, though park officers remain around on weekends, after hours, and of course during events.
Swan Lake Park Hours
The gardens are open from 7:30 am until dusk, except in extreme weather.
Is there a cost for Swan Lake Iris Gardens?
The park is completely Free.
Things to Do at Swan Lake Gardens
The park is gorgeous throughout the year and provides a very calming atmosphere for kids to adventure. It is ideal for sensory-friendly families. The sensory trail enables the sight impaired to enjoy the scents and sensations of the garden, as it is filled with smells, textures, and sounds. The 1,000-foot boardwalk is wheelchair accessible and most of the sandy, shady path around the lake is level and easily doable in walkers and strollers, except after rough weather.
The walk around the lake is a less and mile loop, so it is very easy for newbies and toddlers to manage. You’ll spot several statues around the park.
In addition to other wildlife, this park features all eight swan species. You will see some species of swan, guaranteed, and learn about lots of swan facts as they are posted along the paths. Fun fact: this park is the only public park in the United States with all 8 species of swan.
You’ll also see hundreds of massive trees, other animals and plant species, and the “most intensive planting of Japanese Iris in the United States”, which are great to view in warmer seasons.
Lunch at Swan Lake
Food is available for sale in the Market for lunch at the end of the week, or there are picnic areas you may use yourself.
Market Hours are:
- Thursday and Friday – 11 am-2 pm
- Saturday 12 pm to 5 pm
- Sunday 1-5 p.m.
More Things to Do
Also, there is an excellent playground with swings, slides, climbing features, benches, and an old-timey firetruck, the favorite features. This park is gated, shaded by pines, and directly next to restrooms.
Please note, photography is permitted.
However, fishing and boating are not. Likewise, no pets are allowed.
Swan Lake Events
Perhaps, the Iris Gardens are most famous for the Iris Festival, a free festival that has won many awards and been featured in Southern Living and other magazines.
Here’s our Kidding Around review of the Sumter Iris Festival at Swan Lake.
In addition, other events throughout the year at Swan Lake include an Easter Egg Hunt, Earth Day event, and a holiday Festival of Lights. Find more Swan Lake Events here.
The park also allows weddings! Also, family reunions and birthday parties can be held at the Swan Lake Iris Gardens.
Swan Lake Iris Gardens
822 West Liberty Street (US 763)
Sumter, South Carolina
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