3 National Parks to Explore in Richland County

American national park in central South Carolina which preserves the largest tract of old growth bottomland hardwood forest left in the United States. The lush trees growing in its floodplain forest are some of the tallest in the eastern United States, forming one of the highest temperate deciduous forest canopies remaining in the world.

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

A 1,419-acre park, situated in the middle of the sandhills region, features a beautiful 30-acre lake surrounded by trails, playgrounds, splash pad, dog park, picnic areas, and over 80 RV/tent site campground. It was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression and was given to the City of Columbia to mark 150 years following its incorporation, giving rise to the state park’s name.