Swan Lake/Iris Gardens, Botanical garden and lake in Sumter, South Carolina.

Swan Lake Iris Gardens is a public park in Sumter, South Carolina, built around a lake that began as a private fishing pond in 1927. Its grounds hold plantings of Japanese iris and a swan collection covering all eight species, among them Royal white mutes, Black Necks, Coscorobas, Whoopers, Black Australians, Whistlers, Bewicks and Trumpeters. A 24-foot sculpture, Seven Swans by Grainger McKoy, stands at the main entrance opened in February 2020.

Hamilton Carr Bland began the site in 1927 as a private fishing lake and planted Japanese irises in his garden. The irises failed, so he had his gardener dig them up and throw them into the lake; they bloomed the following spring and drew local attention. In 1938 A.T. Heath Sr. deeded 30 acres on the north side of West Liberty Street to Bland on condition it be developed as part of the gardens, and the gardens were deeded to the City of Sumter in 1949.

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.

The swan collection includes Royal white mutes, Black Necks, Coscorobas, Whoopers, Black Australians, Whistlers, Bewicks and Trumpeters. The birds share the water with the iris beds that began when Hamilton Carr Bland's gardener threw failed plants into the lake in 1927.