Swan Lake Iris Gardens — Attraction in Sumter

I am a native of Sumter and remember when I was a child playing on "The Beach" of what is the most well known and developed side, (The Heath Side). I am now enjoying the less developed side, more affectionately known as, "The Bland" side. There is a Great Blue Heron in "residence" on the Bland side of the lake and I have to be able to see him before I can leave the lake. He has a way about himself in that he poses without letting you know what he wants you to know he is willing to have you take his photo. I caught a series of photos of his landing on the Heath side and in one of the photos it looks like he is walking on the water. I have recently spent a few hours in the gardens with a very good and blessed friend and I have never experienced a more peaceful day than this past Sunday afternoon going from the different benches that I am most familiar with and one from which I was able to take a photo of the sculpture by Granger McCoy of the wing from a Pin Wing Duck 🦆 and since I was able to get this particular photo I have been taking more of this same area and observed my first one can't be reproduced because of the many changes that have taken place over the years to this particular area of my favorite place at the World Famous Iris Gardens at Swan 🦢 Lake in my hometown. Does anyone remember the AM radio station that used to be on the air and the call letters were "WFIG"??? Just wanted to share some of my memories about Swan 🦢 Lake that might be helpful to new neighbors in...

Review for North Side (boardwalk side) Its beautiful. Has a boardwalk through cypress trees and a nice green area. The boardwalk itself is not long at all. It takes maybe 10 minutes to walk it. Would be a great spot for photos. Biggest complaint. Tons of trash around the boardwalk in the water. People carved their names all over the wood and trees. People just can't keep things nice. Also the wood on some of the wood bridges are a little sketchy. Review for the south side (visitor center/playground side) The playground could be updated or some tlc but it does the job. It has 2 different sized playgrounds and a firetruck the kids like to climb on. I like that the playground has a fence around it to keep the littles inside (but one gate needs the lock fixed) Theres a bathroom close to the playground as well. Could use some floor paint but its functional. Theres 3 larges pavilions right by the playground as well. The lake area is very nice. (NO PETS ALLOWED) Nice scenery and almost a mile long walking trail around the lake with a couple small gardens along the way. The name is not joking when its called SWAN lake. If you are scared of large fowl then this might not be the trail for you or vice versa. The swans/geese are use to people so if you like swans its a great place to see them. They get right on the trail. But obviously...no petting. This is a great place to go out...

My boyfriend and I came here for a date and were blown away by how beautiful everything was. The garden is free to enter and has free parking, making it perfect for last-minute adventures, scenic strolls, or even a casual picnic. Seeing swans up close truly is a fairytale.

From the moment we arrived, it was clear how well taken care of the park is. The lawns were beautifully maintained, the gardens are lush and vibrant, and not a single piece of litter was in sight. Every path, bench, and playground area looked clean and lovingly maintained. You can truly tell that the workers and volunteers pour their hearts into this space. The attention to detail in the flower beds, the butterfly garden, and even the swan habitats speaks volumes about how much care goes into keeping the park beautiful and welcoming.

If you’re traveling through South Carolina or live nearby, this is a lovely spot to keep on your list.

• Free parking & entry • Clean, accessible restrooms throughout the park • Plenty of benches and shaded picnic spots • A visitor center with helpful staff and local information • Featuring all 8 swan species in...