Swan Lake Iris Gardens

Nice place to relax your mind. I remember we use to be able to feed the swans bread. Things are changing but overall still a nice place to clear your mind.

I was very pleasantly surprised when I stumbled upon Swan Lake Iris Gardens around the corner from where I was staying. And it’s free too!
This is the perfect place for relaxing and walking around. There were lots of clean benches to sit on too. As you walk around the lake, there are signs about the swans, and posts for the audio tour.
If you have very small children, be sure to keep an eye on them around the birds. The swans and the geese are not afraid to bite, if provoked.

Sumter is severely lacking in stuff to do for families with kids that doesn’t involve overpriced games and bad food (I’m looking at you Chuck E. Cheese) and this place is pretty much the best thing we’ve found so far. There really isn’t anything in the way of activities, it’s pretty much just a lake with a nice walking path around it. The path features little audio kiosks that tell a little bit about the flora and fauna to be found there but it’s the actual flora and fauna that is the real draw. My kids love seeing the turtles (there are seemingly thousands) and the swans. There is a playground which is a bit spartan and could use an upgrade and also some picnic tables so you can bring a lunch and a have a picnic if you like. The best part is that it is free so it makes for a nice little way to spend a few hours or so, get the kids outside and away from the TV and video games. And there’s no guy running around in a giant mouse suit throwing tickets which is a huge plus…

Not bad for being in Sumter. Kids enjoy walking around. Playground needs updated. Park is clean though.

Very beautiful. Great for birthdays weddings and other gatherings. Misses 1 star because of all the animal poop. Seriously someone needs to clean it.

I love Swan Lake for picnics/​playground time with my little ones. With picnic tables and a covered area right near the play area, the kids can eat and play and not have to travel out of my sight. We usually have lunch and play time followed by a walk around the lake before we head out. The birds are always fun to look at, and if you come during spring or fall, the foliage is wonderful as well.

Absolutely awesome … everything was clean and beautiful.
You could find many places to sit and just relax. Great place for a picnic and great place for pictures.

Our children love going here to see the swans and turtles. Sometimes you can see some alligators in a certain fenced off section as well (although the fence and steep drop from the walking path to the area where they are keeps them from getting too close). This is the part that one of our daughters wants to go to first every time we go.
They also have a playground for the kids to play

This is the most beautiful park in the area. It is worth the drive from the columbia area. I would prefer to go here over the congaree national park. The gardens are beautiful and the swans are fun to watch. There are many different picnic areas, a playground, a couple different restrooms, different walking trails, concessions. This is the perfect day trip destination!

An absolutely wonderful place to spend the day, take a walk, or just sit on a bench for your lunch break. Beautiful gardens, birds, turtles and water features. You have to check this place out. Best of all it is free!

Nice little walk around the ponds that are populated with various feral ducks, geese and swans. Some of the birds can be aggressive so beware~

For Sumter, this place is amazing. i have been enjoying this place, and the bird bites, since I was a kid kicking and screaming my way through the park. The little playground was always fun after feeding the birds and walk around the lake. I love the flowers that bloom here, that it’s free, and it is very user friendly. If it is a little smelly and not so great looking, most likely it is from the unkempt visitors and the fact that it is an outdoor LAKE with ANIMALS.
Still awesome is the fire truck on the playground. Much little people fun can be had on that and the entire playground. Have never played tennis here but that is also available. I also have not visited the new visitor center so I cannot vouch for that either.
If you are looking for something to do in Sumter, this is a great venue. Get some sunshine and some exercise and learn something too boot– now we’re talking!

I have fond memories of coming here as a kid to run around and feed the swans and geese. Now, as an adult, I like to wander the paths and take in the lovely scenery. The Bland Gardens across the street (connected by a covered walkway that goes over Liberty Street) are particularly nice for a quiet stroll.

This park is gorgeous! And the swans and other birds are beautiful until they start attacking you. It was fun!

I like to come here sometimes if I want to get a quick getaway from the daily grind. The trees around the park provide shade for most of the walking trail so it’s a pleasant trip.
There’s a playground off beyond the end of the South (main) parking lot as well as a big open grassy area with some picnic tables for lounging about or letting the kids run around.

Great place for exercise on the trail around the lake (1 ½ miles). Also a great place for the family. You can bring in bread or cereal and feed it to the ducks and swans. They will walk right up to you and take it out of your hand. You will also see many turtles too. For Christmas they put up thousands of lights and decorations and is also free to drive around. It continues on another street with characters from disney to pixar.

This beautiful public pond and garden is Sumter’s claim to fame. Walking trails take you around the pond where you will find all eight species of swan (the only public park in the US to feature all 8 species) as well as ducks & other birds. Pavillions are available on a first come first serve basis, great for grilling out next to the park. Restrooms and a snack bar are available as well. Admission is free. Swan Lake is home to the Sumter Iris Festival each May, which is SC’s oldest festival, and attracts approximately 10,000 people to Sumter. A covered walkway takes you over Liberty street, to the Bland Memorial Gardens on the North side of the road.