Charleston, South Carolina

Founded in 1676 by the Drayton family, Magnolia Plantation has survived the centuries and witnessed the history of our nation unfold before it from the American Revolution through the Civil War and beyond.

It is the oldest public tourist site in the Lowcountry, and the oldest public gardens in America, opening its doors to visitors in 1872 to view the thousands of beautiful flowers and plants in its famous gardens. So join us here at Magnolia Plantation to experience the beauty of its gardens and its rich history today.

Sites you can visit

MAGNOLIA PLANTATION HOUSE The house tour is a 30-minute guided tour, giving history of plantation life and Drayton family ownership, still current through twelve generations since 1676.

NATURE TRAIN The Nature Train is a 45-minute tram tour of the Plantation’s diverse landscapes, lakes, woodlands, marshes, and rivers while guides describe plantation history and wildlife.

NATURE BOAT The Nature Boat is a 45 minutes boat ride that explores the Plantation’s 125 acres of rice fields while guides describe plantation rice and river culture. This tour offers excellent wildlife viewing, including up-close looks at alligators.

AUDUBON SWAMP GARDEN The Audubon Swamp is a black water cypress and tupelo swamp, is lovely, mysterious, and unique to this area. Once a freshwater reservoir used for rice cultivation, the entire 60 acres is traversed by boardwalks, bridges, and dikes, featuring all varieties of local mammals, birds, and reptiles, including bald eagles, herons and egrets, otters, turtles and yes, alligators. Allow at least 45 minutes for a self-guided walk.

Hours:
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens is open 365 days a year, including all major holidays. From March through October, we are open from 8 am until dusk, with ticket sales ending at 5:30 pm. Call for November through February hours, as they vary slightly. The Audubon Swamp Garden maintains the same hours as the Plantation.

Address:
Ashley River Road (SR 61), 10 min nördlich der US 17

Web: Magnolia Plantation and Gardens | Charleston, SC