Rose beds, riverbanks and exhibitions reveal different sides of Orangeburg County. A particularly striking introduction is Edisto Memorial Gardens along the Edisto River: covering more than 150 acres, the gardens include wetlands and green spaces along the riverbank. Around 4,800 rose plants from more than 120 labeled varieties add to the grounds. Here, landscaped garden areas meet the river’s varied landscape features.
Gardens and history along the Edisto River
The rose collection also features in the history of the Orangeburg Festival of Roses: since it was founded in 1972, the festival has been held at Edisto Memorial Gardens. The gardens are therefore not only among the region’s described landscapes, but also the venue for this festival, which has been held there since 1972.
Museums, art and science
The I.P. Stanback Museum and Planetarium combines an art museum and a planetarium on the campus of a historically Black college. Its collections include African American art and artifacts, as well as fine art and photography. It also features a 40-foot planetarium with 82 seats and 20 planetarium shows about science. Art collections and scientific topics sit side by side here, offering different ways to explore culture and knowledge.
The South Carolina Civil Rights Museum focuses on civil rights events in South Carolina. Visitors are received by appointment only. The museum’s virtual tour also covers only civil rights events in the state. If you would like to include this part of history in your trip, be sure to schedule an appointment in advance for an in-person visit.
The Elloree Heritage Museum & Cultural Center explores South Carolina’s rural past and life around the time Elloree was founded. A reconstructed Cleveland Street shows what the street looked like in 1900, with shops, a bank and a hotel. Visitors can also explore a historic cotton gin on a plantation and learn how cotton is grown, picked and ginned. The reconstructed street and the facility illustrate different aspects of rural life.
The Orangeburg Part-Time Players perform at the Bluebird Theatre. If you would like to include a theater performance in your visit, check the schedule in advance for specific dates.
Lake Marion and outdoor trails
In southeastern Orangeburg County, near Eutaw Springs on the southern shore of Lake Marion, lies the Santee Cooper Wildlife Management Area. Santee State Park is also in the southeastern part of the county, but on the lake’s western shore. It has two boat ramps with private access to Lake Marion. The two places thus refer to different shores of the lake.
The Eutaw Springs Passage is an easy 21.3-mile hiking trail. A spur leads through the Santee-Cooper Wildlife Management Refuge to the southern shores of Lake Marion. The trail and its spur provide specific details about the route’s length, difficulty rating and course.
There is also a named access point to the water in downtown Orangeburg: Glover Street Landing is an access point to the Edisto North Fork Blueway at the US 301/601 bridge. This connection to the Edisto River adds another river destination in Orangeburg to the sites around Lake Marion.
Events with a regional connection
Held annually, the Orangeburg County Fair has highlighted local agriculture and encouraged young people to participate in their communities since 1911. It features local vendors, musical performances, rides and activities for all ages. Since the program varies with each event, check the current program information before your trip.
Discover more destinations: Orangeburg, Santee, Colleton County, Lexington, Hampton County, Allendale, Aiken County, Saluda.
For the main travel overview: South Carolina.
