Cordova South CarolinaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Cordova, South Carolina.
1. Edisto Memorial Gardens
HISTORIC BOTANICAL GARDENS
Edisto Memorial Gardens is a beautiful public garden featuring an extensive collection of roses and other flora. Visitors can stroll along peaceful pathways while enjoying the diverse plant displays and serene water features. The gardens also host seasonal events and offer a perfect setting for photography enthusiasts.
2. I.P. Stanback Museum & Planetarium
ART AND SCIENCE MUSEUM
The I.P. Stanback Museum & Planetarium offers an enriching blend of art exhibits and astronomical presentations. This cultural institution houses significant African and African-American art collections alongside interactive science displays. The planetarium component provides visitors with immersive cosmic experiences and educational programming about the universe.
3. UFO Welcome Center
QUIRKY ROADSIDE ATTRACTION
The UFO Welcome Center is an unusual homemade flying saucer structure created by local resident Jody Pendarvis. This eccentric attraction has become a popular stop for those seeking offbeat roadside curiosities in South Carolina. Visitors are drawn to its unusual design and the creator's imaginative vision of a landing pad for extraterrestrial visitors.
4. Coffee Pot Diner
ICONIC LOCAL LANDMARK
The Coffee Pot Diner features a distinctive sheet metal coffeepot atop a now-defunct restaurant building in rural Cordova. This conspicuous local landmark has become a point of interest for those exploring Orangeburg County's unique architectural oddities. Though no longer operational as a restaurant, the structure remains a photogenic piece of local history and Americana.
5. South Carolina State University
HISTORIC HBCU CAMPUS
South Carolina State University is a historically Black public university with a campus featuring notable architecture and historical markers. Founded in 1896, the institution has played a significant role in education and civil rights history in the state. Visitors can explore the grounds, view historic buildings, and learn about the university's cultural importance.
6. South Carolina Botanical Garden
NATURAL EDUCATIONAL OASIS
The South Carolina Botanical Garden spans 295 acres of natural landscapes, display gardens, and educational facilities. Visitors can explore diverse plant collections, natural areas, and art installations throughout this living museum. The garden offers hiking trails, a butterfly garden, and regular educational programs for nature enthusiasts.
7. Fort Hill National Landmark
HISTORIC PLANTATION HOME
Fort Hill National Landmark is the preserved historic home of John C. Calhoun, a prominent 19th-century statesman. This plantation house museum offers visitors insight into antebellum life and the complex history of the American South. The property features period furniture, personal artifacts, and interpretive exhibits about Calhoun's life and legacy.
8. Hanover House
COLONIAL ARCHITECTURE GEM
Hanover House is a rare surviving example of early French Huguenot architecture in South Carolina, dating to 1716. This historic structure was relocated to Clemson University campus to preserve its significant architectural features and heritage. Visitors can tour the house to see period furnishings and learn about colonial life in the region.
9. Columbia State House
HISTORIC GOVERNMENT BUILDING
The Columbia State House serves as the seat of South Carolina's government and features striking Greek Revival architecture with a distinctive copper dome. Visitors can admire the building's impressive design elements, including the Sword and Mace, which are significant symbols of state authority. Tours of the historic structure offer insights into South Carolina's political history and architectural heritage.
10. Orangeburg County Historical Society
LOCAL HISTORY COLLECTION
The Orangeburg County Historical Society preserves and displays artifacts and documents relevant to the region's rich past. Visitors can explore exhibits chronicling the development of Orangeburg County from its early settlement through modern times. The society regularly hosts educational programs and maintains archives for those interested in genealogical research.
11. Congaree National Park
OLD-GROWTH FLOODPLAIN FOREST
Congaree National Park protects the largest intact expanse of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the southeastern United States. Visitors can explore this unique ecosystem via elevated boardwalks and hiking trails that wind through ancient trees and wetlands. The park offers opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, bird watching, and experiencing a rare pristine floodplain environment.
12. Riverbanks Zoo and Garden
PREMIER WILDLIFE EXPERIENCE
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden houses more than 2,000 animals across a 170-acre complex near Columbia. This acclaimed facility combines an internationally recognized zoo with beautiful botanical gardens for a comprehensive natural experience. Visitors can enjoy animal exhibits representing species from around the world alongside lush garden displays featuring native and exotic plants.
13. Williams-Brice Stadium
ICONIC SPORTS VENUE
Williams-Brice Stadium is the home field for the University of South Carolina Gamecocks football team with a seating capacity of over 77,000 fans. This massive venue creates an electric atmosphere during game days when tens of thousands gather to cheer on the home team. Tours are available during the off-season, allowing visitors to see areas including the press box and field that are normally restricted.
14. Orangeburg Farmers Market
LOCAL PRODUCE HUB
The Orangeburg Farmers Market connects local producers with community members looking for fresh, locally grown food products. Vendors offer seasonal fruits, vegetables, handmade goods, and specialty foods in this vibrant community gathering space. The market serves as both a shopping destination and a social hub that celebrates the agricultural heritage of the region.
15. Trustus Theatre
PROFESSIONAL THEATER COMPANY
Trustus Theatre is a professional theater company known for producing contemporary plays and musicals in an intimate setting. Founded in 1985, this cultural institution has established itself as a cornerstone of Columbia's arts scene with its commitment to challenging and innovative productions. The theater offers a full season of performances ranging from cutting-edge new works to reimagined classics.