South Carolina’s Orangeburg County was established in 1769 and is home to stunning natural scenery.
It was named after William IV, Prince of Orange, who was married to Princess Anne, George II of England’s daughter.
Orangeburg City, sometimes known as “the Garden City,” serves as the county seat for this area.
It has an estimated population of 92,501, according to the 2020 census.
The city hosts several attractions and festivities, the most notable of which is the Orangeburg Festival of Roses.
Here are the 15 best things to do in Orangeburg County, South Carolina:
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On the shores of Lake Marion in Santee, you’ll find Santee State Park Day Use Area, where you may pitch a tent, hike, rent a boat, go fishing, or stay in one of the cabins.
South Carolina’s Santee State Park Day Use Area is located on the west side of Lake Marion, not far from the I-95 bridge in the state’s Midlands region.
The lake is well-known among locals for its abundance of catfish.
It’s a great place to go boating, kayaking, or fishing.
There’s also a lovely, well-kept campground with up-to-date public restrooms and baths.
If you don’t feel like sleeping on the ground in a tent, you can stay in one of the lakeside accommodations instead.
There are also approximately 10 miles of flat, accessible trails that are perfect for strolling or cycling if you want to unwind and take it easy.
South Carolina State University is home to the I.P. Stanback Museum and Planetarium, which first opened its doors to the public in 1980.
This facility is unique since it combines a planetarium with an art museum.
South Carolina State University is in a prime position to become a leading contributor to integrating the many humanities with science programs and curriculum because of this innovative approach of bringing the two disciplines together.
The idea to build a museum and planetarium on the South Carolina State University campus dates back to the 1970s; the current museum building was completed in 1980.
It is named after Isreal Pinkney Stanback, a famous businessman and philanthropist from Columbia, South Carolina, who was the first African-American chairman of the University’s Board of Trustees.
The Orangeburg Country Club is great for playing golf and taking in the scenery.
Mature trees over the picturesque Edisto River frame the well-kept fairways and greens.
It’s a premier country club with all the necessary facilities to cater to its members’ every sporting and social need.
Renowned architect Ellis Maples built the course in 1963, and Richard Mandell restored it in 2009.
In recognition of the work done, the course was named one of South Carolina’s “Most Improved Courses of the Decade” by the state’s golf rating authorities.
The Orangeburg Country Club features an Olympic-sized swimming pool, four clay tennis courts, an 18-hole championship golf course, and a variety of excellent dining options.
Golfers of all skill levels will appreciate the challenge posed by the club’s Champion Bermuda greens, which are kept in immaculate condition.
This golf course also has a pro shop, snack bar, golf lessons, driving range, short club rentals, and other amenities to satisfy all your golfing needs.
Stop by their location at Griffith Drive NorthWest Orangeburg, for some golfing fun.
Mill Creek Marina offers 92 campsites ideal for camping vacations in a gorgeous setting among oak and pine trees.
It is situated on the banks of Lake Marion, one of the lakes that make up Santee Cooper Reservoir.
Three hotel rooms with complete facilities are provided for those who prefer not to camp.
In addition to allowing campers to bring their pets, they also have a coin-operated laundry for your convenience.
Besides the standard amenities found at most motels and campgrounds, Mill Creek Marina also features a T-pier for temporary boat parking and a small beach for guests.
The shop carries various fishing gear, including rods, reels, bait, and other accessories.
The on-site eatery, Mill Creek Food & Spirits, serves tasty eats, like burgers, steak, and catfish.
After a long day of fishing, stop by their convenience shop and pick up some drinks, chips, beer, and ice cream for a quick snack.
There is always something for everyone at Mill Creek Marina, so visit them at Lake Marion Lane, Vance.
Although the nine-hole Holly Hill Golf Course is best for novice golfers, it poses a challenge even for pros.
Eddie Riccoboni, the head golf pro at the Sunset Club in Sumter, South Carolina, developed the course that opened in 1957.
You’ll be surprised that this modest golf course was built with only a $12,000 budget on farm properties and pecan groves.
The course, located on Old State Road, Holly Hill, is slightly over 3,000 yards long and has a par of 36.
Holly Hill Country Club has a beginner-friendly design, so even those who have never played can enjoy it.
The grounds were designed with a lake to ensure that each green and tee has an adequate water supply.
Subtle but challenging curves and a few well-placed bunkers will test your course management skills.
From its humble beginnings in 1962 with just a dozen pioneers, the Holly Hill Country Club has grown into a vibrant country club with a swimming pool, tennis courts, clubhouse, and a membership of 200.
The shores of Lake Marion at Indian Bluff Park are perfect for a picnic or a peaceful afternoon of relaxation.
You can enjoy the outdoors, with scenic walking pathways and plenty of barbecue grills.
They also have excellent swimming and park facilities for families with young children.
On clear nights, you may see the moon rising over the lake from around the boat dock.
Indian Bluff Park is also perfect for a picnic, swimming, or just hanging out with the family.
Orangeburg County takes care of this park at Rd S-38-1641 in Eutawville.
Located on South Carolina’s Lake Marion, Taylor’s Landing and Campground is a modest campground ideal for families.
Whether you’re a big sports fan, nature lover, history buff, or just seeking a break from the daily grind, it has something for you.
In addition, it’s a good starting point for exploring the “sunken ghost town” of Ferguson, a Congaree Indian settlement accessible only by boat.
Basic camping, RV sites with full and partial hookups, and cabin rentals are available.
You can park your RV for a few days while you take in the park’s breathtaking scenery and unwind in its tranquil setting.
Then, take to the waters of Lake Marion in a rented boat and fish to your heart’s content.
Once you’ve had your fill of fishing, head down the hiking trail to the stunning beach.
Stop by Cannon Ball’s Bait and Tackle on the way back for a quick snack.
Taylor’s Landing and Campground is located at Ferguson Landing Way, Eutawville.
self, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
South Carolina’s Eutaw Springs Battleground Park is in the vicinity of Eutawville in Orangeburg County.
It commemorates the Battle of Eutaw Springs on September 8, 1781, in which an American force led by Nathanael Greene attacked a British force led by Alexander Stewart.
Though initially successful, Southern Army General Nathanael Greene called off the attack and withdrew his forces a few miles up the river path to rest and recover.
It was one of the last skirmishes fought in South Carolina.
self, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
It now contains a lovely park with informational plaques and maps detailing the battle.
While strolling along this tree-lined park, you can learn about local history and the American Revolution.
Stop by Old Number Six Highway in Eutawville to learn about the area’s fascinating history.
Santee National Golf Club is an 18-hole, par-72 championship course built in 1989 and designed by Porter Gibson.
It has Champion ‘Ultradwarf’ Bermuda greens, Bermuda fairways, and bunkers filled with pure white sand.
Santee National, easily accessible from Interstates 95 and 26, provides a formidable test to players.
The first nine holes are relatively open and well-guarded, while the second nine holes are a challenging sloping tree-lined terrain.
The terrain is hilly, and mossy oaks and Loblolly pines dot the course.
Players of all skill levels will enjoy the thrilling challenge posed by the course’s 40 bunkers and five water hazards.
Santee National Golf Club is one of the most well-liked courses in the Santee area because it combines Southern friendliness, player-friendly design, and efficient upkeep.
Visit it at Old Number Six Highway, Santee.
The South Carolina Motorplex is a great dragstrip with friendly, helpful staff and excellent facilities.
Here you can find the finest dirt and hot rod tracks.
Since purchasing it, new owner Jeff Biegun of RJS Racing Equipment has made significant investments in the facility’s upkeep.
Named initially American Drag Racing League (ADRL), Biegun purchased it in 2017.
For the racers’ benefit, new scoreboards, a new timing system, and 2,000 feet of concrete walls were installed.
Enjoy the drag races and other motoring events with your loved ones at this fantastic venue.
They are located at Dragstrip Road, Neeses.
If you’re looking for a great public course in the Carolinas, look no further than Hillcrest Golf Club.
Everyone, from beginners to pros, may benefit from the course’s challenging yet fair layout.
This Russell Breeden-designed and-built 18-hole championship course opened for play in September 1973.
There is a practice bunker, a chipping green, a putting green, and a driving range.
The par-72 course is 6,722 yards long and is available for play all year.
The pro shop at Hillcrest is one of the best in the area.
The clubhouse also has a barbeque and changing facilities for guests.
Outside the club’s doors are four publicly accessible, illuminated hard-court tennis courts.
Everyone, no matter their age or hobbies, may find something they like to do at the Orangeburg County YMCA.
Water slides, a natatorium, a therapy pool, a huge fitness center, a Child Watch, and other facilities are available here.
The YMCA is the largest charitable organization in the world.
Its mission is to build stronger communities by developing young people’s potential and promoting people’s health and well-being.
The facility at Matthews Road NorthEast offers various activities for the whole family.
Weight training, running, swimming, and cycling are some of the cardio and strength training exercises you can try.
All of the YMCA’s programs and services are available to members of the Ballentine, Columbia, Orangeburg, and nearby branches through a single Community Wide Membership.
Just outside the back fence of Healing Springs Baptist Church lies God’s Acre Healing Springs in Blackville.
The springs’ mineral waters come from artesian wells in the area, and they’ve been the subject of folklore for generations.
The Healing Springs were well-known during the American Revolution for their curative powers.
According to legend, four British soldiers thought to be terminally wounded were miraculously healed after drinking and soaking in the springs.
People still claim the water has therapeutic benefits and travel great distances to bring home water from the spring.
Check out the lush vegetation and the soothing sound of the water flowing between the rocks.
Relax in peace and style while enjoying Carolina’s natural and refreshing spring water.
At the Eudora Wildlife Safari Park, you can take the kids on an exciting and educational safari at a reasonable price.
Mark Nisbet established this first-of-its-kind safari park in South Carolina.
As a little boy, Mark was in charge of the rabbits and hens who lived on the balcony of his family’s apartment building.
The founders of Eudora Wildlife Safari Park envisioned their new park as a place where people from all walks of life could go for an exciting and educational Drive-Thru Safari while also learning about protecting the local ecosystem.
Visitors can take their vehicles on the safari to see and feed exotic animals from all over the world.
Food buckets are provided at the beginning and the halfway point of the vehicle track so the animals can be fed.
Nearby, you’ll find a Parakeet Adventure, home to more than 200 parakeets, and an enclosed petting zoo.
Eudora Wildlife Safari Park is planning to purchase additional animals for its safari development.
Come and join the fun at Salem Lane, Salley.
Orangeburg County has a long and illustrious history.
The region’s lowland hardwood forests are home to breathtaking landscapes.
Tourists come here to discover the museums, parks, golf courses, campgrounds, fishing, and other attractions.
When you visit, try these best things to do in Orangeburg County, South Carolina.
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