20 Attractions to Explore Near Congaree National Park

Welcome to Poinsett State Park, a natural haven nestled in the heart of Sumter County, South Carolina! Situated amidst the serene landscapes of the Palmetto State, Poinsett State Park is a true gem for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. With its lush forests, pristine lakes, and a wealth of recreational activities, Poinsett State Park offers a perfect escape into the beauty of the great outdoors.

Welcome to the Palmetto Trail: Wateree Passage, an outdoor adventure of unparalleled beauty and serenity in Sumter, South Carolina! This segment of the Palmetto Trail, a long-distance hiking and biking trail that spans the entire state of South Carolina, offers nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers an opportunity to immerse themselves in the pristine wilderness of the Wateree River region.

Welcome to Manchester State Forest, a pristine natural sanctuary in Sumter, South Carolina! Nestled in the heart of the Palmetto State, Manchester State Forest is a hidden gem that offers outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers an opportunity to connect with the beauty of the South Carolina Midlands in its most unspoiled form.

Welcome to the Millford Historic Site, a captivating journey into the past in Sumter, South Carolina! Nestled amidst the charming landscapes of Sumter County, Millford Historic Site offers visitors a unique opportunity to step back in time and explore the rich history and architectural beauty of this storied estate.

The South Carolina State Farmers Market, located in West Columbia, is a bustling and vibrant hub for agriculture, commerce, and community in the Palmetto State. This expansive market complex serves as a vital link between local farmers, producers, and consumers, offering a wide array of fresh produce, artisanal goods, and cultural experiences.

Fort Jackson is a United States Army installation and is located within the city of Columbia, South Carolina. It is the largest and most active initial entry training center in the U.S. Army, training 50 percent of all soldiers and 60 percent of the women entering the Army each year.

anationally recognised museum which was located inside the Univerisity of South Carolina. I t houses many collections including in material culture, decorative arts, natural sciences, history and fine arts.

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.

The Chappelle Administration Building, on the campus of Allen University in Columbia, South Carolina, was designed by John Anderson Lankford, known as the "dean of black architects. The building name has been spelled Chapelle Administration Building in HABS and NPS reports. It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1976, cited as one Lankford's most important works.

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.

The Woodrow Wilson Family Home is located in Columbia, South Carolina and was one of the childhood homes of the 28th President of the United States, Woodrow Wilson.

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.

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 house museum at 1616 Blanding Street in Columbia, South Carolina which was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1973 for its architectural significance. It has been furnished with decorative arts of the early 19th century, including American Federal, English Regency, and French Empire pieces.

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 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.

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.

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 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.

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.