Swan Lake Iris Gardens
Swan Lake Iris Gardens
4.5
7:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday
7:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
7:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
7:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
7:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
7:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
7:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
7:30 AM - 7:00 PM
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
365 reviews
Excellent
281
Very good
66
Average
13
Poor
1
Terrible
4
Nicole R
13 contributions
Mar 2024 • Family
Swan Lake is a peaceful lake and garden area. The surrounds are beautiful and there is even a “Living Tree Museum” in which trees, accessed by a path, have recordings giving information about the species. The gardens are on both sides of the road connected by a walking bridge. Living up to its name, Swan Lake has a plethora of swans living on the grounds.
Written March 14, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Janet W
Ooltewah, TN6 contributions
Jul 2021 • Friends
Visited in July And even though the weather was very warm it was lovely to walk around and see all the beautiful birds. There are swans there that are only living in that particular place other than their natural habitat. It was a beautiful experience and I would return. Friends recently got married there.
Written September 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jonna
Greer, SC35 contributions
Mar 2024 • Family
These gardens are a beautiful little gem. Peaceful and quiet, it's always been a favorite to go and just have some quality quiet time. There are pavilions that can be rented for events, but the park is free and a wonderful spot for photos.
We've took our engagement pictures here, then later had family pictures taken here. This park has been a part of my life and has stayed incredibly beautiful and inviting over all the years.
We've took our engagement pictures here, then later had family pictures taken here. This park has been a part of my life and has stayed incredibly beautiful and inviting over all the years.
Written June 24, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
geomom01
Leesville, SC1,517 contributions
Mar 2022
Wonderful small park in Sumter. The park is actually on both sides of the road and you can cross over a bridge to get back and forth. The main side with all the swans is a short loop around and you see many swans from all over the world. The other side is less landscaped but also nice to visit. The park rangers are very nice and will stop and talk to you. We went in March and some flowers were blooming, but April would probably be better. It is a very nice way to spend an afternoon.
Written April 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tracy B
Circleville, Ohio, United States34 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
What is not to love about a free, well-maintained and beautiful park? The paths are lovely. The swans, geese and ducks were very active. There are so many benches to sit and enjoy the lakeviews. There is ample parking and restroom facilities throughout the park. It is a highlight of Sumter!
Written March 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nicole C
3 contributions
May 2023 • Family
Very nice peaceful atmosphere, beautiful swans and gardens. Go here if you love a good nature trail. The side we visited was about 3/4 mile long with plenty of places to rest and take in the beautiful scenery along the way. There was also a nice little playground for the children at the end as a special treat. Would definitely go here again if traveling to Sumter. Best part is this was totally free!
Written May 31, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Judith R
Stratford, CT243 contributions
May 2023
Loved this park in Sumter. Definitely a don't miss. Free, we wandered and saw both black and white swans, turtles, a great heron, a white egret, plenty of snow geese with their goslings. A few younger swans were in the area as well. Many of the trees and other foliage includes signs so you know what you are looking at. The cypress in the water were turtle faves. We stayed about 2 hours. On the weekends, there is a snack bar like place, and there are cold drinks in the small shop as well as in machines near the rest rooms. It was 95 today when we went, but there is so much shade, it certainly didn't feel that warm. Plenty of benches to park yourself on as well. There is a kids' playground, too.
Written May 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brenda
Kearney, NE43 contributions
Aug 2020
Just a lovely place to spend a few hours or so on a leisurely walk around the lake. This garden is noted for it's rehabilitation of injured swans. They do a great job! There are many different types and colors of swans - little did I know. It's a beautiful tree lined setting with many benches to sit, relax, and enjoy the swans and other fowl. There were a lot of families - great way for the kids to get out and get some exercise during this era of COVID. There is no fee.
Written August 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Natca M
28 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
Looking for something to do with your family? This is it! We spent two hours in the Swan Lake Iris Gardens. It wasn’t packed, it was free, and simply beautiful. My youngest enjoyed the walking tree paths as they were very educational. Great place for photography, picnics, and family bonding.
Written August 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RosieJC
Hendersonville, NC150 contributions
Sep 2020
What a surprise to learn about this lovely place as we passed through Sumter on our way to the coast. Spent a couple of hours walking and watching various water birds. Even though there wasn't a lot in bloom, it was still very much worth the visit. There's no admission and a lot of places to stroll or sit and enjoy the garden.
Written September 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is this place and the trails wheel chair accessible?
Written March 22, 2022
cityofsumter
Sumter, South Carolina
The gardens and trails have reopened; however, neither the playground or any facilities, including shelters and restrooms are not available at this time. Group events and rentals are not allowed at this time either. We are posting updates on our website swanlakeirisgardens . com, as things change. Thank you.
Written July 28, 2020
cityofsumter
Sumter, South Carolina
Iris Market (Cafe) on the grounds of Swan Lake is open:
Thursday & Friday, 11 AM-2 PM
Saturday, 12-5 PM;
Sunday, 1-5 PM
Closed December-March
Just a few others nearby (dozens of local and chains within a mile of the lake), some local suggestions are:
Guignard Diner (southern)
SideBar (BBQ)
J O'Gradys (specialty burgers/tacos/sandwiches)
Baker's Sweets (desserts and mix of southern and sandwiches)
more listed at: sumter tourism
Written May 31, 2019
cityofsumter
Sumter, South Carolina
Thank you for the question. Pets are not allowed inside the walking gates of Swan Lake, not even on a leash. This is for the safety of your pet and our birds. The only area where they are allowed is in the parking areas and on the lawn bedside the visitors center, but a leash is required. Thank you.
Written August 13, 2018
How much would it be to get married in the butterfly garden?
Written October 17, 2017
cityofsumter
Sumter, South Carolina
Sorry for the delay. We only allow weddings at certain facilities within the gardens. The Butterfly garden is not a facility. The reason... it's a public park and we do not allow any part of the gardens to put shut off from the public (unless it poses a danger). We do have a Japanese style gazebo, visitors center, and several pavilions that allow events. Photos are permitted anytime in the gardens; however, if you are a photographer that intends to sell your photos of Swan Lake, you must possess a current business license through the City of Sumter. Thank you.
Written May 24, 2018
was planning a motorcycle ride here with the hubby.Do you need alot of time to walk the park? Do you need to walk all of it to enjoy it? Thanks
Written March 28, 2017
Hi you dont have to walk the entire park to be able to enjoy some of it. As you go in the entrance there is a nice pond and places to sit and enjoy the scenery through out the park..you could stay as long or as short as you like, but to see the whole park, I'd put aside about 2 hours or so..
Written March 29, 2017
cityofsumter
Sumter, South Carolina
Pets are only allowed in the green space between the Visitors Center and Iris Market, however, they are not allowed anywhere inside the walk-in gates in the gardens or children's area. Thanks and hope to see you at Swan Lake Iris Gardens.
Written September 22, 2016
shortrose
Langley, South Carolina
When are the Iris's in bloom and when is the best time to visit?
Written April 21, 2015
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