Some Of Our Great Attractions

Cayce-West Columbia Riverwalk Park

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The Cayce-West Columbia Riverwalk is a 3.5 mile system of paths and boardwalks running along the banks of the Congaree River.  The Riverwalk accomodates all levels of physical access including baby carriages and wheelchairs. The Park provides spacious walkways with picturesque views of the River and the Skyline of downtown Columbia. The natural beauty of the park provides a peaceful backdrop to a walk, run or bike ride.

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Riverbanks Zoo & Botanical Garden

500 Wildlife Pkwy
Columbia SC 29210
Phone: (803) 779-8717

Riverbanks is a 170-acre Zoo & Garden featuring two distinct parks along the scenic Lower Saluda River. Since opening day on April 25, 1974, it has been our mission to foster an appreciation and concern for nature.

Riverbanks Zoo houses more than 2,000 animals in natural habitat exhibits. Each area of the Zoo offers a combination of animal exhibits, graphics, enrichment programs and special feedings to make your visit enjoyable and informative. In addition, the Zoo offers a variety of interactive programs and educational experiences that can be enjoyed by all age groups.

Riverbanks Botanical Garden is 70 acres devoted to woodlands, Gardens, historic ruins, plant collections and a visitor facility. The Walled Garden features hundreds of unique plantings suitable for home gardens. The Woodlands Walk features the ruins of an antebellum textile mill and a log cabin interpretive center. The Botanical Garden opened in June 1995.

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Congaree National Park

100 National Park Rd
Hopkins, SC 29061
(803) 776-4396

Congaree National Park preserves the largest tract of old growth bottomland hardwood forest left in the United States. Located in South Carolina, the park is 22,000 acre (89 km²). The lush trees growing in this floodplain forest are some of the tallest in the Eastern U.S., forming one of the highest natural canopies remaining in the world. Bald cypress is a common tree in the park. The Congaree River flows through the park. 15,000 acres (60.70 km²) or about 70 percent of the park is designated wilderness area.
Congaree National Park houses a museum quality exhibit area within the Harry Hampton Visitor Center, a 2.4 mile boardwalk loop trail, over 20 miles of backwoods hiking trails, canoeing, kayaking, fishing and more. Click here for more information.

Canoe Tours

There’s no better way to see the park than by canoe, and Congaree National Park offers FREE ranger guided canoe tours most Saturdays and Sundays. Click here for more information.

Research and Education

As a designated Wilderness area, International Biosphere Reserve, Globally Important Bird Area, and the largest intact tract of old-growth floodplain forest in North America, Congaree National Park is home to a variety of ongoing research and education projects.

Walks and Talks

Congaree National Park offers guided walks, talks and presentations throughout the year.  All are free of charge.  Click here for more information.

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The South Carolina State House

Gervais and Main Streets
Building Hours:
Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
1st Sunday of each month 1 to 5 p.m.
Free tours available.
(803) 734-2430

Look for bronze stars on the building, marking hits made by General Sherman’s cannonballs during the Civil War. The State House is the seat of SC’s government, housing both the Governor’s Office and the General Assembly.

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