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Columbia
Riverfront Park & Historic Canal
Two and a half miles
of trail span the historic Columbia Canal. People can be found daily
walking, running, biking and fishing along the trail which is marked
every quarter mile to measure distance. Visitors may also walk through
one of the old pump houses to learn about the history of the Columbia
Canal and Water Works.
Congaree
Swamp National Monument - (803)
776-4396
The last significant tract of
oldgrowth bottomland hardwood forest in the U.S. covers the 22,00 acres
of Congaree Swamp. The park is located 20 miles southeast of Columbia
off SC Route 48. Guided nature walks are available at 1:30 pm on
Saturdays. Camping, canoeing, fishing and 18 miles of hiking trails are
free to the public.
Dreher
Island State Recreation Area - (803)
364-4152
Twelve miles of shoreline and
348 acres comprise three islands on Lake Murray, a 50,00-acre reservoir
in the Midlands. The islands are linked to the mainland by a causeway
and two bridges. These islands provide the perfect environment for
water activities, lakeside camping and picnicking. Lakeside villas and a
nature trail are also features of the recreation area.
Finlay
Park - (803) 733-8331
Named after a former Mayor of
Columbia, Finlay Park is a 14-acre peaceful retreat within downtown
Columbia. Since its official opening in 1991, Finlay Park has
become one of Columbia’s most popular recreation areas. Located in the
central part of the city, it provides an excellent setting for concerts,
festivals, picnics or long walks. A waterfall cascades down a rocky
landscape at the back of the park. The park has a stage, benches and
swings, two playgrounds and another ‘island stage’ located in a
half-acre pond.
Harbison
State Forest - (803) 896-8890
Harbison State Forest is only
nine miles from downtown in northwest Columbia. Its 2,176 acres of
forest serve as company to the northeast edge of the Broad River.
Daily or yearly passes can be purchased to bike its variety of
trails. Hiking the trails carries no fee, but donations
are welcome. The trails range from .4 miles to 4 miles. Pets are welcome
but must be on a leash.
Memorial
Park
Located at the corner of
Gadsden and Hampton Streets, Memorial Park is dedicated to the memory of
those who have fought and died in service of their country. The Vietnam
Memorial Monument features two free-standing granite walls inscribed
with the names of South Carolina soldiers killed or lost in action. An
inscription in the Pearl Harbor Memorial reads, “In memory of the
twenty- five men from South Carolina who gave their lives during the
Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and on other military bases on 7
December 1941.” A Korean War memorial has recently been added to this
peaceful sanctuary.
Riverbanks
Zoo & Botanical Garden - (803) 779-8717
Riverbanks is home to more than
2,00 magnificent and fascinating animals and one of the nation's most
beautiful and inspiring botanical gardens. The lush 170-acre site
features dynamic natural habitat exhibits, scenic river views,
spectacular valley overlooks and significant historic landmarks.
For more than 30 years, Riverbanks has provided individuals, families
and groups with a common place to connect with and learn about the
world's wildlife and wild places. Twice awarded the Governor's Cup
for South Carolina's Most Outstanding Tourist Attraction, Riverbanks is
the premier family choice for education and recreation in the Southeast.
Saluda
Shoals Park -
(803) 731-5208
Saluda Shoals Park,
developed and managed by the Irma Chapin Recreation Commission, is one
of the newest parks in the area. It is a regional park unlike any in the
United States. Saluda Shoals preserves an important combination of
woodlands and wetlands, yet still allows families and individuals to
come to the river for canoeing, kayaking, fishing, nature study,
picnics, walks through the woods, and even arts performances. Children
can play on playgrounds, go tubing, or learn about plant and animal
life. Also, there will be an outdoor amphitheater, top-notch tennis
courts, picnic shelters and meeting/banquet facilities. A greenway on
the banks of the river will allow unobstructed views of the water.
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