Swan Lake Iris Gardens is a city garden and park in Sumter, Sumter County, in South Carolina's Pee Dee. Admission is free. Hours: Daily from 7:30 AM to Sunset, except during inclement weather and special events such as the Iris Festival and Fantasy of Lights; Visitors Center: Monday-Friday 8:30 AM to 5 PM. Facts read from the official site on October 25, 2026.
- Hours7:30 a.m.–sunsetofficial hours below
- AdmissionFree
- WhereSumterSumter County, Pee Dee
- DogsNot allowed
About Swan Lake Iris Gardens
Swan Lake Iris Gardens is a free City of Sumter park built from gardens given by the Bland and Heath families. It is known for its Japanese iris plantings and its swans.
- Described by the city as the only public park in the U.S. with all eight swan species
- More than 120 varieties of iris; late-spring bloom
- Sensory Trail and talking tree trail
- Rose, azalea, butterfly and chocolate gardens
- Hosts the Iris Festival, which the city calls SC's oldest festival, and Fantasy of Lights
Plan It In Three Lines
Getting In
Admission: free. Parking: Free.
7:30 a.m.–sunsetBring The Dog?
All animals are strictly prohibited inside the gates, except ADA service
Full rule belowMake It A Day
Poinsett State Park is about 12 miles away (straight line).
6 places within 30 miles
Swan Lake Iris Gardens Hours
Hours in a day
- OpenEvery day7:30 a.m.–sunset
- Visitors CenterMon–Fri8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
Days of the week today is outlined
Bars that fade start at sunrise or end at sunset or dark, which move with the season. The full hours, word for word, are in the list below.
- Daily from 7:30 AM to Sunset, except during inclement weather and special events such as the Iris Festival and Fantasy of Lights
- Visitors Center: Monday-Friday 8:30 AM to 5 PM
Hours source: official site, read October 25, 2026.
Admission And Parking
- Admission to and parking at the gardens is free
Parking: Free
Directions And Contact
- Address: 822 W. Liberty Street, Sumter, SC 29150
- Phone: 803-436-2640
- Map point: 33.92061,-80.37212, from OpenStreetMap. Directions in Google Maps
- Official site: sumtersc.gov/tourism/things-do/parks-trails/swan-lake-iris-gardens
Dogs And Accessibility
- Dogs: All animals are strictly prohibited inside the gates, except ADA service animals.
- Accessibility: Sensory Trail for sight-impaired visitors (other accessibility details not published).
Near Swan Lake Iris Gardens
- 1Poinsett State ParkState Parkabout 12 mi
- 2Woods Bay State ParkState Parkabout 22 mi
- 3Lee State ParkState Parkabout 22 mi
- 4Congaree National ParkNational Parkabout 23 mi
- 5Goodale State ParkState Parkabout 27 mi
- 6Santee State ParkState Parkabout 28 mi
Straight-line distances between map points, not driving miles. Dots sit in their true compass direction; distance is stretched near the middle so close neighbors stay readable.
Coming Up Near Swan Lake Iris Gardens
- Through May 31EdVenture Children's Museum (Columbia)On nowColumbia · about 32 mi
- Through Oct 30Boo at the Zoo (Riverbanks Zoo & Garden)On nowColumbia · about 32 mi
- Oct 29Haunted Hotel Invades the Center (free trick-or-treat, Florence Center)Florence · about 38 mi
- Nov 1 – Mar 7South Carolina State Museum First SundayColumbia · about 32 mi
- Nov 2David SedarisColumbia · about 32 mi
- Nov 3Gamecocks men's basketball vs. Stetson (home opener)Columbia · about 32 mi
72 more on the full events calendar.
Events within 40 miles, measured in a straight line to the centre of the event's town. Dates come from our checked events list; confirm with the organizer.
FAQ
How much does Swan Lake Iris Gardens cost?
Free. Admission to and parking at the gardens is free
What are the hours at Swan Lake Iris Gardens?
Daily from 7:30 AM to Sunset, except during inclement weather and special events such as the Iris Festival and Fantasy of Lights; Visitors Center: Monday-Friday 8:30 AM to 5 PM.
Can I bring a dog to Swan Lake Iris Gardens?
All animals are strictly prohibited inside the gates, except ADA service animals.
What We Could Not Verify
- Size: the city page says 150 acres in one place and 120 acres (Heath Gardens 'most of the park's 120 acres') in another
- Hours and prices change; check the official site the day you go.
Sources
Last checked October 25, 2026 by the It’s South Carolina editor. Spot something out of date? Tell us.
Cite this page: It's South Carolina, “Swan Lake Iris Gardens”, itssouthcarolina.com/places-to-go-in-south-carolina/swan-lake-iris-gardens/ (updated ). By the It's South Carolina editorial team. Free to quote with attribution and a link to this page; data and tables are licensed CC BY 4.0.