Swan Lake Iris Gardens
2019 Hiking week 27
I'm excited to share with you a new place this week. Swan Lake Iris Gardens is a free park in the City of Sumter. Sumter is only about an hour's drive east of Columbia and has a cute, recently renovated downtown area. Just west of downtown is the Swan Lake Iris Gardens. It's a large park that was made out of a cypress swamp. There is a walking path around a small lake where eight different species of swans live. Some of these swans were brought here as early as the 1930's.
The park is known for its iris that bloom in the spring. I had hoped to visit this past spring to see them but didn't make it out. There are various educational opportunities while walking around the lake, like a "Talking Tree Trail", which teaches you about the various trees, and a butterfly garden. There's even a braille garden and a chocolate garden (plants that are chocolate varieties, not made of chocolate!).
This past weekend, we brought our lunch and visited the park. Even though it was a hot day, we found a nice place in the shade to eat. Since people are not allowed to feed the swans, we weren't harassed by any birds. We were able to sit and watch the swans as they enjoyed swimming in the fountain.
The park has spaces for the community to rent for large gatherings, which were being used that day. There's also a playground for kids. The park spans both sides of the main road and there is a neat bridge that crosses over. I am looking forward to returning when the weather is nicer and we can explore the trails more. Also, I would like to come see their Christmas lights. They have a free Christmas light display that, I believe, you can drive through.
I think the Iris Gardens are a special place for Sumter. I appreciate that they are free and open to the public. I hope you can take a short trip there and explore the area!
I'm excited to share with you a new place this week. Swan Lake Iris Gardens is a free park in the City of Sumter. Sumter is only about an hour's drive east of Columbia and has a cute, recently renovated downtown area. Just west of downtown is the Swan Lake Iris Gardens. It's a large park that was made out of a cypress swamp. There is a walking path around a small lake where eight different species of swans live. Some of these swans were brought here as early as the 1930's.
The park is known for its iris that bloom in the spring. I had hoped to visit this past spring to see them but didn't make it out. There are various educational opportunities while walking around the lake, like a "Talking Tree Trail", which teaches you about the various trees, and a butterfly garden. There's even a braille garden and a chocolate garden (plants that are chocolate varieties, not made of chocolate!).
This past weekend, we brought our lunch and visited the park. Even though it was a hot day, we found a nice place in the shade to eat. Since people are not allowed to feed the swans, we weren't harassed by any birds. We were able to sit and watch the swans as they enjoyed swimming in the fountain.
I think the Iris Gardens are a special place for Sumter. I appreciate that they are free and open to the public. I hope you can take a short trip there and explore the area!
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