Swan Lake Iris Gardens

Swan Lake Iris Gardens is a 150-acre park located in Sumter, SC. It is the only public park in the U.S. that is the home to all 8 swan species, and it also boasts of having one of the nation's most extensive plantings of Japanese Iris.

There is a lake within the Gardens, Swan Lake, that has a pedestrian walking trail around it, and visitors to the park can delight in views of the blooming Irises, along with searching for all 8 swan species. Please note that the Irises bloom mid-May through the start of June. Also, if you are going on a "scavenger hunt" for all 8 swan species, make sure to head left when entering the gardens, as the park has signs with names, identifying pictures, and descriptions of each of the swan species that will be of great help! There are seven types of white swans and only one type of black swan, so look closely when trying to identify the different species! It is much more difficult than you might think!

Also within the gardens are sculptures, including "Recovery" by Grainger McKoy that depicts the wing of a pintail duck in flight, so for nature lovers and photographers, photo ops abound! If you are not into photography, enjoy the peacefulness of environment, along with the creativity of the horticulturists, as there are 2 unique areas on the walking trail, a chocolate-themed garden and a butterfly Garden!  There is even a Braille Garden! The park is really unique and a must visit when near the city of Sumter, SC.