Nature Centers in Manning, SC

South Carolina has great weather all year, making it the perfect place for people who love the outdoors. There are state parks and forests to visit within a short drive of Manning, along with natural areas and town parks where you can just relax and enjoy the fresh air. Here are some nature centers worth visiting in Manning.

Swan Lake Iris Gardens

Swan Lake Iris Gardens is a fun place for the whole family to visit. True to its name, this area has lots of swans to see along with some turtles and even alligators. These animals are in a fenced-in area to keep them away from visitors, but they are fun to look at from a distance. This park has a playground for the kids, walking paths to explore all around the grounds, and some beautiful scenery to explore. You’ll see lovely flowers as you walk along the paths, and there is even a butterfly garden.

Santee National Wildlife Refuge

The Santee National Wildlife Refuge in Summerton is located just a few miles outside of Manning. This 13,000-acre refuge sits along the shores of Lake Marion. It is a winter destination for many ducks and geese, and it’s a nesting place for several migrating birds and raptors. There are all sorts of activities for visitors to enjoy including fishing, bird watching, and hiking. Some of the wildlife you might come across at this refuge includes alligators, painted bunting, and over a dozen different species of ducks.

Woods Bay State Natural Area

Visit Woods Bay State Natural Area for a quiet sanctuary where you can enjoy nature. Located just a few miles off Interstate 95, this park features a boardwalk that takes you through a forest that sits in standing water. As you walk along the path, make sure to read the signs that provide information about the dark waters and the trees. This natural area is home to many migratory birds, and depending on the time of year, you might even see an alligator.

You can also take a walk to the historic Mill Pont to see old grist mills. Or, you can bring your kayak and paddle along the 1-mile Kayak Trail to see all the birds in their natural habitat.

Santee State Park

Santee State Park has a little of something for everyone. It sits along Lake Marion, which has an abundant population of large catfish. Camping is available on the lake, or you can stay in one of the cabins. Some of these are even on piers right on the lake. This area offers many activities for visitors such as fishing, boating, bird watching, swimming, and both hiking and biking trails. For a more leisurely stroll, three different nature trails offer short walks. These include the 1-mile Limestone Nature Trail and the half-mile Sinkhole Pond Nature Trail.

Get out and explore these natural areas near Manning, South Carolina. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery found only in South Carolina and see some of the wildlife, native plants, and flowers.

Image by chrismeller via Flickr | CC BY 2.0 | Cropped from original

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