20 Attractions to Explore Near Saluda Dam

The Lexington County Museum, located in the heart of Lexington, South Carolina, is a captivating destination that offers visitors a journey back in time to explore the history, heritage, and culture of the region. With its well-preserved historic structures, exhibits, and artifacts, the museum serves as a living testament to the past and a valuable resource for learning about the history of Lexington County.

The Icehouse Amphitheater, located in Lexington, South Carolina, is a dynamic and vibrant cultural venue that has become a focal point for live entertainment, community events, and artistic performances. This open-air amphitheater provides residents and visitors with a unique space to enjoy a wide range of cultural and entertainment experiences.

Virginia Hylton Park, situated in Lexington, South Carolina, is a cherished community park that offers a tranquil and natural escape in the heart of the city. This park is a popular destination for residents and visitors alike, providing a peaceful oasis where individuals and families can enjoy the outdoors, engage in recreational activities, and appreciate the beauty of nature.

Harbison State Forest is a South Carolina State Forest in Richland County, South Carolina. The forest is found in the Midlands region of central South Carolina and comprises 2,177 acres of woodland, meadowland, and bottomland located alongside the Broad River in Richland County, South Carolina.

The Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is a 170-acre zoo, aquarium, and botanical garden located along the Saluda River in Columbia, South Carolina. The zoo is home to over 2,000 animals, with collections of mammals, birds, reptiles, and fish. It is one of the main tourist attractions in Richland county

The Columbia Canal is the surviving canal of a series of canals built by the State of South Carolina in 1824 using the labor of indentured Irishmen to provide direct water routes between the upstate settlements and the towns on the Fall Line and the Riverfront Park is a nice place to unwind and get away, being only a short distance from Columbia's business district and the University.

The West Columbia Riverwalk Park and Amphitheater, located in West Columbia, Lexington County, South Carolina, is a picturesque urban oasis that blends natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and cultural events. This popular destination along the Congaree River offers residents and visitors a serene escape from city life and a hub for outdoor activities and entertainment.

The Gervais Street Bridge is a notable and historic landmark that spans the Congaree River in downtown Columbia. It is one of the iconic symbols of the city and holds historical and architectural significance. The bridge has undergone several renovations and improvements over the years to maintain its structural integrity while preserving its historical character.

Gervais Street Bridge is a historic bridge in South Carolina in the United States and it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is an arch bridge constructed from reinforced concrete. Construction began in 1926 and the bridge was completed in 1928. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.

The Cayce Historical Museum, located in Cayce, Lexington County, South Carolina, is a captivating destination that preserves and celebrates the rich history and heritage of the local community. This museum offers visitors an opportunity to step back in time and gain insights into the cultural, social, and economic evolution of Cayce and the surrounding area.

This is a historic U.S. governor's mansion in the Arsenal Hill neighborhood of Columbia, South Carolina and the official residence of the Governor of South Carolina. It is a Federal style home influenced by British Colonial plantations.

The Downtown Columbia Historic District in Columbia, Louisiana, is a charming area rich in history and cultural significance. Nestled along the banks of the Ouachita River, this district is characterized by its well-preserved architecture, which includes historic homes, churches, and commercial buildings dating back to the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Guignard Brick Works, located in Lexington, South Carolina, is a historic site that stands as a testament to the region's industrial heritage and its role in the production of bricks. This site, with its remnants of brick kilns and associated structures, provides a glimpse into the history of brickmaking in the area, showcasing the craftsmanship and industry of a bygone era.

It is the largest and most visited park in downtown Columbia, South Carolina opened in 1991. the prime attraction in the park is a beautiful waterfall along with cascading mountain type stream falling to the park lake along with so many attractions.

The Basilica of St. Peter, also known as St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church, is located at 1529 Assembly St. in Columbia, South Carolina. This is the second building of the oldest Catholic parish in Columbia and the Midlands of South Carolina. On June 24, 2018, it was announced that the Vatican's Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments issued a decree granting Saint Peter's Catholic Church in Columbia the title ‘Minor Basilica.

The Columbia Museum of Art is South Carolina's premier international art museum established in 1950 with extraordinary collections of European, American, Asian, and modern and contemporary fine and decorative art that span millennia. It is one of the main attractions in Richland county.

Dreher Island State Park, located in Newberry County, South Carolina, is a picturesque and recreational haven that encompasses the natural beauty of Lake Murray, one of the state's largest and most beloved lakes. This state park offers a diverse range of outdoor activities and amenities, making it a sought-after destination for outdoor enthusiasts, campers, boaters, and nature lovers.

The James Petigru Boyce Chapel is a historic church building at 1306 Hampton Street in Columbia, South Carolina. It is a Greek Revival building built in 1859. A convention met here on December 17, 1860, whose delegates voted unanimously for South Carolina to secede from the United States, leading to the American Civil War. It was designated a National Historic Landmark as First Baptist Church, the role it played at the time.

This is a historic mansion that was the home of members of the prominent Hampton family. The house is of a post-Colonial, Classical Revival style which was constructed in 1818. Now the house was restored and reopened to the public in 1970 as a museum that epitomizes the lives of the planter elite in antebellum South Carolina and is operated by the Historic Columbia Foundation.

The South Carolina State House is the building housing the government of the U.S. state of South Carolina, which includes the South Carolina General Assembly and the offices of the Governor and Lieutenant Governor of South Carolina. Located in the capital city of Columbia near the corner of Gervais and Assembly Streets, the building also housed the Supreme Court until 1971.