Earlier this summer we had a chance to visit beautiful Swan Lake Iris Gardens. Located in Sumter, SC, it is home to all eight species of swans, the only public park in the U.S. with this distinction. As the park’s name suggests, it is also home to a plethora of irises, as well as an amazing amount of other colorful flora.
Swan Lake Iris Gardens is not a large park, 150 acres total, but manages to pack in an incredible amount of beauty. The nature within its boundaries, is extremely enchanting and has come to be known as one of the most alluring botanical gardens in the country.
The main loop around the lake is less than a mile in length and very manageble. With so much to see, and take in, you’re sure to get lost in all the beauty before you.
As you’ll see below, the swans aren’t the only wildlife in the park. It’s also home to a variety of critters, including; blue herons, turtles, squirrels, ducks, dragonflies, butterflies, a variety of pollinating insects and you may even see the occasional baby alligator in the lake. All just one big happy family, coexisting in this magnificent and serene ecosystem.
A little research told me that the gardens offer a variety of blossoming flowers and trees throughout the year. Even coming in the summer, we were still rewarded with a fair number of blooming flowers. I can only imagine the beauty it has to offer in the springtime. It is truly a floral wonderland.
Swan Lake Iris Gardens is a very tranquil place. Between the swans, other wildlife, irises and all the captivating flora, it is a must visit if you’re in the area. All in all, another fun adventure. Below, you’ll find some of the many photos we took. I hope you enjoy looking at them as much as we did taking them. Please be sure to stop by my Photo Collections before you leave to check out a wide variety of photos from other adventures. Thanks for stopping by. We’ll see you soon.
