swan lake iris gardens

My favorite part of the trip and there is no fee to see the swans and the pond! The grounds are kept well and there was no one there so we felt like we had the whole park to ourselves.

Strolled around the lake enjoying some February sunshine. Had the place almost to ourselves. Visitor center was closed but we snagged a park brochure from a display at the restroom. There is no entrance fee to the park. Using the park brochure, took the time to identify all the swans we saw. Also saw an egret, heron, mallards and canadian geese. Very peaceful setting. I imagine it is quite beautiful when things are blooming. Spent about an hour there. There is a little market at the edge of the parking area that likely has snacks but we didn't check it out.

This is a nice place to walk and relax especially during the spring. The kids absolutely love going to the playground and watching the swans, ducks, and geese interact with each other. My family and I go all of the time. It is also beautiful during Christmas time with all of the pretty lights. The best part is it's free!

Ok place to enjoy a couple bourse. Kids enjoy walking around the lagoon and seeing the wildlife. Playground could use some updating.

It was windy and cool the day we visited. I would recommend visiting in April or May when the weather is nice and the garden is in full bloom. Wonderful place to walk and very peaceful during the week.

Always visit Swan Lake during the holiday season. Light displays are awesome. A lot of time and effort is put into getting them up and right...worth a drive thru or even a short walk. Don't forget to drive out and along the fence and thru the back.

We've visited Swan Lake several times during the holidays and the decorations are awesome. It is also a nice park to walk through. Always an enjoyable experience.

For the month of December, the City of Sumter erects a huge display of Christmas lights in Swan Lake Iris Gardens. We stopped here on the way home from Congaree and it was quite a display. With over a million lights, its one of the largest in South Carolina. You can drive through the parking area to see the lights or park and get out. We got out to walk around and take pictures. If you're planning to take pictures, bring a tripod for long exposure shots. There were traditional Christmas displays like Santa and elves, Nativity scene, and Christmas trees, but also some unexpected surprises for the kids - Ninja Turtles, Sponge Bob, dragons, and Sesame Street characters. It was definitely an interesting display and worth a stop if you're in Sumter during December.

We went to see the Holiday Light Display and were NOT at all disappointed. It was very well done. Staff were friendly and very helpful. In fact, we went back the next morning so we could actually see the swans and lake area since we could not see it while seeing the lights......the lake area with the swans is open during the daytime. Highly recommend visiting here.

Took a nature walk there with the college. Swans are gorgeous, just a nice place to take pictures and a playground for the kids.

The kids liked seeing the trees growing out of the water. We saw tons of turtles and every variety of swans. There is a nice sculpture and a little playground. We had a picnic and enjoyed our time. Parking was a challenge and the kids thought it was just OK. I don't know if I'd come here again.

What a lovely park to have stumbled upon! It was cold the day we visited, but that pretty much gave us the lake to ourselves, not counting the many varieties of swans, ducks, geese, and blue herons. The trails and gardens are well-maintained, and there were a number of flowers to enjoy even now. I can only imagine the beauty of the iris gardens in the spring!

. Swan Lake, like nothing else in this world, lies in the heart of Sumter, S.C and iI's walking trails with enchantingt swans, will take your breath away. .

If you want peace and tranquility then visit Swan Lake Gardens. This place is soothing to the mind and the swans will take your breath away. The flowers are beautiful and the grounds and facilities are well kept.

Swan Lake is a hidden gem in the heart of Sumter, SC. Between the nice, clean, well lit walking trail and the beautiful scenery and Swans, you will truly enjoy the peace & tranquility of the local favorite tourists attraction. Also, during the Christmas season, the Gardens go all out with the drive through Christmas lights show. Also there is 2 different sides of the property, the lake side and the swamp side. On the swamp side, they have built a raised walking deck out through the swampy areas to put you in the middle of the neatly kept swampy area that will give you a totally different experience than the Lake side. This attraction is a must see for couples and families of all ages and sizes!