SC Botanical Garden welcomes you to 295 acres of woodlands and streams, award winning exotic gardens, a 70 acre arboretum, and miles of gentle hiking trails decorated with incredible nature based sculptures. The garden grounds are free to attend and open year around from dawn till dusk.
Notable attractions to see at the SC Botanical Garden
1. Bob Campbell Geology Museum – come see Clemson’s oldest tiger the Saber-toothed cat, hunt for gems, admire beautiful glowing rocks like the rose quartz and pegmatite and dig up some fossils. Open Wednesday to Saturday 10AM – 5PM and Sunday 1PM – 5PM (closed on Clemson University holidays). Admission fee: Adult $3, children $2, under 2 years is FREE. Free admission on every 3rd weekend!
2. Fran Hanson Discovery Center – home to the Botanical Garden visitor center provides maps and area attractions info. It features the Elizabeth Belser Fuller gallery and selective art by prominent SC artists. Kids will enjoy exploring the interactive exhibits inside the Nature Discovery room. Open Monday thru Saturday 10AM to 4PM.
3. Hanover House – 1716 French Huguenot house, listed on National Register of Historic places. Open Saturday 10AM -12PM and Sunday 2PM – 4:30PM; closed on home football games. Call (864)-656-4789 for group tours reservations.
4. Nature-based sculpture – country’s largest nature-based outdoor sculpture collection by artists from all over the world.
5. Hosta Garden – one of the largest collections of hostas in the Southeast featuring a lavish pond waterfall and shaded walking trails.
6. Hunt Family cabin – 1826 pioneer cabin located near the pretty Duck Pond it’s a great place to experience grassroots heritage programs held throughout the year.
7. Clemson Southern Caboose – legacy of the Class of 39th. This little red train will delight kids of all ages. Make sure to stop by the Heritage Garden nearby to learn more about Clemson University history.
We were amused by the old-school disciplinary methods applied to the young soldier pupils. Must have been something quite important since they dedicated a plaque to it!
More area attractions and FREE things to do with kids:
• Pendleton historic houses (Farmer’s Hall, Ashtabula, Woodburn) and art district
• Duke’s World of Energy Museum
• Stumphouse Tunnel and Issaqueena Falls
• Hagood Mill and Pickens County Museum of History and Art
Here is the Google Map with all the free and under $5 must see attractions around Greenville, Oconee and Devils Fork State parks.
Discover the beautiful gardens and mysterious dinosaurs of the South Carolina Upcountry!
Filed under: Animals and Pets, Free Things to Do, Greenville, Historic Carolina Sites, Museums, Oconee State Park, Outdoor Activities, Parks and Gardens, Walking and Jogging | Tagged: Greenville activities under $5, Greenville free area attractions, Greenville free family activities, Greenville free things to do, Oconee State Park free things to do, Pendleton historic houses, pictures of the SC Botanical Garden, SC Botanical Garden, SC Botanical Garden hiking trails, SC Botanical Garden nature sculptures, what to do with kids in Greenville
We have a summer camp with about 60-70 kids and we are interested in taking a fieldtrip to the sc botanical gardens. Would you please email me some information about setting that up and prices.
Thank you,
Candice Ehlenbach
Assistant Director
Abundant Life CDC
Hi Candice
Thanks for stopping by. I’m not affiliated with the SC Botanical Gardens I just wrote about them since we had such a great time on our visit last year. Here is their contact info I’m sure they’ll love to accommodate you:
Contact Dr. Lisa Wagner email: lwagner@clemson.edu or call 864-656-3679 to schedule your next school or group Garden program!
Meanwhile here is a link that has lots of info about school groups tours as well as a registration form
http://www.clemson.edu/public/scbg/education/school_programs.html
Have fun on your school trip!
Thanks
Elena