Lowcountry History

Explore these places through the programs at the Wall Lowcountry Center, by walking the Lowcountry Trail, and by taking an excursion on our boat or overland vehicle deep into the Preserve.

Excursion schedules are subject to change based on weather conditions.

NEW Brookgreen 101

January 8 - November 24

Brookgreen 101 runs daily at 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 2 p.m.

Join us for Brookgreen 101, an engaging one-hour tour that takes you through our lush landscapes and rich history. This interpreter-led excursion aboard a comfortable electric vehicle offers a unique opportunity to explore the expansive grounds of Brookgreen Gardens. As you travel along our scenic roadways, you'll discover fascinating stories about the property's history and the influential figures who have shaped our legacy.

You'll enjoy close-up views of our stunning art collection, diverse plant life, and a few of the captivating animals that call Brookgreen home. You'll also see some of the iconic structures that make our gardens a must-visit destination. 

Tickets are available at the Lowcountry Center Desk and can be purchased up to 15 minutes before each departure. They are $12 for adults and $8 for children.

The Creek Excursion 

March 6 - November 24

The Creek Excursion runs daily at 11 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3:00 p.m.

Beginning on March 6, and running through November 24th, our Creek Excursion will allow you to cruise the creeks on a 48-foot pontoon boat.  You will pass historic rice fields, now home to alligators, waterfowl, and osprey as an interpreter helps you see the distinctive landscape of the rice plantations and understand the role of enslaved Africans in the cultivation of the rice crop and the shaping of the history of the Lowcountry. The Creek Excursion lasts approximately 45 minutes.

Tickets are $12 adults and $8 children, in addition to Gardens admission. Boat rides often sell out and we strongly recommend purchasing tickets as soon as possible when you arrive at the Gardens. Tickets are available at the Gardener's Cottage Information Center and the Lowcountry Center Auditorium for same-day purchase. Tickets must be purchased at least 1 hour before the tour from the Gardener's Cottage and at least 15 minutes in advance from the Lowcountry Center. Boat tickets are not sold online or by telephone. 

Daily at 11 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3:00 p.m.

Laurel Hill & Springfield Excursion  
CLOSED FOR THE SEASON - WILL REOPEN IN MARCH

Ride with an interpreter along an avenue of historic Live Oaks to a plantation cemetery, a Civil War earthen fort site, and a historic rice mill chimney. From the top of one of the area's highest bluffs, see a panoramic view of the Waccamaw River.

Tickets are $12 in addition to the garden admission and must be purchased at the Wall Lowcountry Center at least 15 minutes before tour time. Excursions last approximately 50 minutes. Since this excursion goes over rough terrain it is not recommended for children under six years of age. For their safety, children age 3 and under will not be allowed on this trip.  All children are required to be secured in their own seat.

Daily at 10:30 a.m., 12 noon. 1:30 p.m. 

(Important Note: the Trekker travels over dirt roads which are quite bumpy in places. If you have a physical condition that may be affected by riding over rough terrain, we suggest you consider an alternate excursion such as the pontoon boat cruise.) 

The Oaks Excursion  
March- November (begins March 6)

Ride in our mini-bus to the site of the Oaks Plantation. Learn the history of the prominent Alston family during the colonial and antebellum eras. Visit the Alston family cemetery and grounds of the slave village. Along the way, see the natural beauty of a protected Long Leaf Pine forest. 

Daily at 11:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. 

Tickets are $12 in addition to garden admission. Children age 3 and under are not allowed. All children must be secured in their own seat. Purchase tickets at the Lowcountry Center Ticket Counter or the Gardener's Cottage Ticket and Information Center at least 15 minutes before tour time. Excursions last approximately 1.3 hours

Brookgreen Gardens is a National Historic Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is part of the South Carolina National Heritage Corridor and the Eastern South Carolina Heritage Region.