Tucked away in the heart of Moncks Corner, South Carolina, Cypress Gardens is a place where natural beauty, rich history, and cultural significance converge in unforgettable harmony. Spanning 170 acres, with an 80-acre blackwater bald cypress and tupelo swamp at its core, this historic preserve invites visitors to slow down, look closely, and experience the quiet grandeur of the South Carolina Lowcountry. For decades, Cypress Gardens has offered more than just scenic views—it has stood as a living monument to conservation, education, and Southern heritage.
The story of Cypress Gardens begins on the grounds of the former Dean Hall rice plantation, established in the 1700s and sustained by the tidal waters of the Cooper River. In the early 20th century, the land’s purpose shifted dramatically. In 1909, industrialist Benjamin R. Kittredge acquired the property not to farm, but to create a private duck hunting retreat. Recognizing its natural potential, he and a crew of over 200 workers, many employed during the Great Depression, transformed the swamp into a public garden. Cypress Gardens officially opened to the public in 1931.
The property eventually passed to Kittredge’s son, who gifted it to the City of Charleston in 1963. Later, it came under the care of Berkeley County. Like the resilient cypress trees that line its waterways, the gardens have withstood formidable challenges. Hurricane Hugo in 1989 caused severe damage and forced the park’s temporary closure. More recently, the floods of 2015 devastated much of the infrastructure, shuttering the gardens for nearly four years. After a $2.5 million restoration, Cypress Gardens triumphantly reopened in April 2019, drawing thousands of visitors and renewed public appreciation.
Today, Cypress Gardens welcomes guests year-round (except major holidays), offering a rich variety of immersive experiences. The gardens feature over four miles of walking trails, winding through diverse plantings of camellias, azaleas, daylilies, and native species. A functioning rice field pays homage to the area’s agricultural roots, while a rose garden offers a peaceful space to sit and reflect.
One of the most beloved features is the swamp boat experience. Visitors can choose a self-guided paddle through the dark, reflective waters, or join a narrated tour for a small additional fee. These quiet excursions offer close encounters with native wildlife, including herons, turtles, and the occasional alligator. The reflections of moss-draped trees in still water create an almost surreal atmosphere—one that feels both timeless and cinematic.
That cinematic quality is no coincidence. Cypress Gardens has served as the backdrop for over a dozen major films and television shows, including
The Patriot,
Cold Mountain, and most famously,
The Notebook. Fans from around the world visit to see the exact spot where one of the film’s most iconic scenes—the boat ride through the cypress swamp—was shot. The rustic bridge and winding waterways remain a favorite for proposals and photography sessions, thanks to their romance and natural beauty.
Cypress Gardens also serves as an educational hub and ecological preserve. The Swamparium, added in 1998, introduces visitors to local aquatic life with exhibits featuring alligators, snakes, turtles, and fish. The 2,500-square-foot Butterfly House, built in 1997, is a tropical sanctuary filled with koi, goldfish, and dozens of butterfly species. These facilities are especially popular with school groups and families, offering hands-on learning about South Carolina’s native flora and fauna.
In an age of constant motion and digital distraction, Cypress Gardens provides a rare opportunity to connect with something enduring. The stillness of the water, the quiet rustle of wind through the trees, and the sense of walking through a living museum of Southern ecology all contribute to a profound experience. It’s a place that invites reflection—on nature, history, and on the interwoven stories that shape the South Carolina Lowcountry.
Located just under an hour from Charleston, it is an easy day trip for Lowcountry locals and visitors alike. Whether your interest lies in botany, history, wildlife, or photography, Cypress Gardens offers something deeply meaningful to discover.
For more information on hours, events, and seasonal updates, visit
https://cypressgardens.berkeleycountysc.gov.
Related Articles:
Berkeley County At A Glance
Where History Comes Alive Amidst Natural Splendor
Neighborhoods in Berkeley County SC
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