Attractions and Places To See in Orangeburg County - Top 5

Orangeburg County is home to several significant natural features. You can visit Lake Marion, often called South Carolina's "Inland Sea," which offers extensive opportunities for fishing, boating, and birdwatching. The Edisto River, one of North America's longest free-flowing blackwater rivers, is also a prominent feature, ideal for kayaking and canoeing. Additionally, Santee State Park, located on the shores of Lake Marion, features a unique flooded cypress forest.

Yes, Orangeburg County preserves a significant Revolutionary War site. You can visit Eutaw Springs Battleground Park, which commemorates the final major battle fought in South Carolina on September 8, 1781. The park features a historic marker and the relocated grave of British commander Major John Marjoribanks.

For families, Santee State Park offers lakeside cabins, nature trails, and water activities on Lake Marion. The Orangeburg County Aquatic Park and the Santee Recreation & Water Park are popular destinations in warmer months, featuring zero-entry pools, water slides, and spray jets. Edisto Memorial Gardens also provides a beautiful and spacious environment for a family stroll.

The Cecil Williams South Carolina Civil Rights Museum offers an insightful perspective on the Civil Rights Movement. It documents the experiences of South Carolinians who played crucial roles, presented from the viewpoint of an eyewitness and participant, Cecil Williams.

Yes, the region offers several options for outdoor enthusiasts. Santee State Park provides over 10 miles of trails. Additionally, the Palmetto Trail: Santee Passage offers roughly 14 miles of hiking and biking through South Carolina’s lake country, with a mix of paved and natural surfaces winding past wetlands and pine forests.

Orangeburg County boasts several cultural sites. The I.P. Stanback Museum & Planetarium on the South Carolina State University campus integrates art and science, featuring a planetarium and collections of African art. The Orangeburg County Fine Arts Center supports local artists and hosts performances, while the Bluebird Theatre is home to the Orangeburg Part-Time Players, staging various productions.

The Orangeburg Downtown Historic District encompasses 44 contributing buildings constructed between 1883 and 1925. It features a variety of commercial, industrial, and governmental structures, including St. Paul's Methodist Church, the U.S. Post Office, Orangeburg City Hall, and Fire Department Headquarters. It offers a glimpse into the city's architectural and historical development. You can learn more about its history on Wikipedia.

The spring and fall months generally offer the most pleasant weather for outdoor activities in Orangeburg County, with milder temperatures ideal for hiking, biking, and exploring parks. Spring is particularly vibrant with the annual Orangeburg Festival of Roses held at Edisto Memorial Gardens.

Beyond the Civil Rights Museum, you can visit the Elloree Heritage Museum & Cultural Center, which provides a historically accurate view of the town of Elloree at its founding in 1900, complete with recreated towns and interactive exhibits on cotton production. The Orangeburg County Historical Society also maintains the Salley Archives, housing historical records and artifacts.

Santee, South Carolina, nestled on the shores of Lake Marion, is a hub for outdoor recreation. Visitors can fish, kayak, or take a boat tour on South Carolina’s largest lake. Nearby, Santee State Park offers lakeside cabins and nature trails, while the Santee National Wildlife Refuge is excellent for birdwatching.

Yes, the county has several architecturally significant buildings. The Orangeburg County Jail, built in 1857, features an imposing Gothic design with turrets. Dukes Gymnasium on the South Carolina State University campus, erected in 1931, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is notable for its connection to African American architect Miller Whittaker. The Church of the Redeemer is also admired for its stunning architecture.

The Orangeburg Festival of Roses is an annual event held in the Edisto Memorial Gardens. It showcases a stunning display of over 4,800 rose plants, including miniature and Old Garden Roses, and is a highly-rated event by the Southeastern Tourism Society, attracting visitors from across the nation.