Swan Lake/Iris Gardens

Swan Lake Iris Gardens is a 150-acre site in Sumter featuring ornamental gardens and a natural lake setting. The grounds contain over 120 varieties of iris and eight species of swans living together.

Hamilton Carr Bland created the site in 1927 as a private fishing retreat. Japanese iris bulbs were accidentally planted and grew to become the dominant flowering feature of the grounds.

The gardens feature the Seven Swans sculpture by Grainger McKoy, representing biblical themes through swans emerging from water. This artwork has become central to how visitors experience and remember the place.

The site has a dedicated path for sight-impaired visitors, a butterfly garden area, and offers free admission year-round. Wear sturdy shoes as the trails cross natural surfaces and wet areas near the water.

This is the only place in the United States where visitors can see all eight swan species in their natural habitat. The combination of this rare gathering alongside the iris plantings makes the site botanically and biologically distinct.

Location: South Carolina

GPS coordinates: 33.91887,-80.36975

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:24