Named one of America’s Most Beautiful Gardens by Travel + Leisure
Stepping onto the grounds of Magnolia Plantation & Gardens is like journeying through centuries of Lowcountry history. This remarkable estate, owned by the Drayton family since 1676, offers a unique and deeply moving experience that goes far beyond just pretty flowers. While the breathtaking gardens are undeniably a highlight – renowned as America’s oldest public gardens and a pioneer in “romantic” garden design – Magnolia also provides a crucial lens into the complex history of the American South.
Here’s what awaits you on your visit:
- The Historic Gardens: Prepare to be enchanted by the Romantic Gardens, where winding paths, ancient live oaks draped in Spanish moss, and a kaleidoscope of camellias, azaleas, and other blooms create an ethereal landscape. Reverend John Grimké Drayton began transforming these gardens in the 1840s, and his vision created a truly unique horticultural masterpiece. Don’t miss the iconic Long White Bridge, a favorite for photographers, or the tranquil Japanese Garden with its moon bridges. You can also explore niche gardens like the Biblical Garden and the Barbados Tropical Garden Conservatory, offering diverse botanical experiences.
- “From Slavery to Freedom” Tour: This powerful and essential tour takes you to four preserved and restored original enslaved cabins on the property. Each cabin is interpreted to represent a different time period, from the antebellum era through the post-Civil War period and into the 20th century. This tour provides a candid and vital look into the lives, labor, and enduring legacy of the enslaved African Americans who were integral to the plantation’s existence and prosperity, particularly in rice cultivation. It’s a poignant and educational experience that enriches your understanding of American history.
- Magnolia House Tour: Step inside the third Magnolia house, parts of which date back to before 1773. This guided tour offers a glimpse into the lives of the Drayton family through generations of antiques and memorabilia. You’ll learn about the evolution of the house and the family’s connections to the enslaved and free African Americans who lived and worked there.
- Nature Train Tour: Hop aboard the Nature Train for a narrated ride that takes you through various ecosystems of the plantation, including wetlands, forests, and swamps. Your knowledgeable guide will point out native plants and wildlife, and share insights into the history of rice cultivation and phosphate mining on the property. It’s a fantastic way to see more of Magnolia’s expansive natural beauty and spot local creatures.
- Audubon Swamp Garden: Immerse yourself in a wild, mystical cypress-tupelo swamp, accessible via boardwalks, bridges, and dikes. This area is a haven for incredible wildlife, including alligators, turtles, herons, egrets, and a vast array of other bird species. It’s a truly immersive experience for nature lovers and photographers.
- Wildlife Center: Get up close with rescued, non-releasable animals that serve as ambassadors for their species. You’ll find domesticated animals like ducks, chickens, goats, and even miniature horses, alongside native wildlife. It’s a fun and educational stop, especially for families.
- Wildlife Boat Tour: For another perspective on Magnolia’s natural wonders, consider a pontoon boat tour of the former rice fields, now flooded by the Ashley River. This tour offers excellent opportunities to spot alligators, various marsh birds, and perhaps even an eagle or osprey.
- Walking and Biking Trails: With over six miles of walking and biking trails, you can truly explore the vastness of the plantation, including the 60-acre gardens, a 125-acre waterfowl refuge, and the Audubon Swamp Garden.
Magnolia Plantation & Gardens provides a unique blend of breathtaking beauty, rich horticultural history, and a crucial exploration of the complex and often difficult history of slavery in America. It’s a place that engages all your senses and leaves a lasting impression.
