Magnolia Plantation & Gardens
History comes to life beneath the oaks at Magnolia Plantation & Gardens! Tour our beautiful gardens today, with the Lowcountry's most stunning scenery providing the backdrop for the perfect day. Garden admission grants exclusive access to 66 sprawling acres of ancient trees, many of which have been growing on site since their original planting in the 1840s – as deeply rooted as the generations of local families who came before.
Enjoy a stroll along the river walk before stopping at the Wildlife Center. Get a unique peek at critters not easily spotted in their natural habitats, many of which have been rescued and rehabilitated.
Join us on our guided "From Slavery to Freedom" tour, where history comes to life before your eyes. Learn about those who designed, cultivated, and maintained the gardens over the centuries, first as enslaved workers and then eventually as paid garden staff. 350 years of history awaits, beginning when Magnolia was a working rice plantation and progressing to its debut as a public garden.
The Magnolia House tour is another must-see, offering an overview of family life from 1870 and 1975. Once your living history lesson has concluded, climb aboard the nature train to traverse Magnolia's wetlands, forests, marsh, and swamp. While chugging along, you'll learn about native species, as well as the history of rice cultivation and phosphate mining. Keep an eye out for alligators, turtles, and birds – from swamp grass to sky and everywhere in between.
Your appetite for adventure is sure to be satisfied, but if you're craving a cold drink or bite to eat, head over to the Peacock Café. Our mouthwatering menu features sandwiches, soups, and salads – plus, tasty treats and beverages! Fuel up, then check out the Audubon Swamp Garden, home to thousands of plant and animal species. Travel the boardwalks and bridges to truly immerse yourself, with egrets and herons nesting nearby.
While we've provided the broad strokes of what our gardens have to offer, words can never fully capture all there is to love about this Lowcountry gem. Whether you're visiting with a group or soaking in the solitude, our team is here to help you make the most of your visit. Contact us for additional information about current tours, memberships, and more.