Lowcountry History

The thousands of acres in Brookgreen's Lowcountry History and Wildlife Preserve are rich with evidence of the native plants and animals of the South Carolina Lowcountry as well as the rice plantations of the 1800's. 

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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

March 6 - 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 on a journey 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. Not to mention, you'll 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. Tickets are $12/adult and $8/child.

 

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.

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Beginning on March 6, and running through November 28th, 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  
March 6 - November 24

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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)

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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 are required to 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.

 

Silent Cities Cemetery Tour (January - February)

The popular excursion ‘Silent Cities’ offers a rare opportunity to travel on back roads to explore cemeteries at Brookgreen and learn about the historical burial customs of European and African origin. Tickets are $15 in addition to garden admission for this two-hour excursion.  Based on availability, tickets may be purchased at the Gardener’s Cottage or Keepsakes at least 15 minutes prior to departure time.

Tickets may also be purchased online. Please plan to arrive at Brookgreen at least 30 minutes before your ticketed time to ensure you don't miss the tour!

Important information about this tour

  • Travel over rough dirt roads. If you have back problems or other physical issues we do not recommend this tour.
  • The Tour is 2 hours and involves getting in and out of a vehicle several times.
  • There is approximately a mile of walking over dirt roads, paths, and through wooded areas.
  • Due to the nature of this tour, children under the age of 12 are not allowed.

Daily 12:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.

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.

Hours

Hours: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM | Daily

Extended Hours: Wednesdays & Saturdays | 9:30 AM - 8:00 PM | Now - October 30th

Gates close at 4:30 PM. For their safety and the safety of our animal collection, pets are not allowed, nor can they be left in vehicles inside Brookgreen. Service animals that have received special training to assist disabled persons are welcome.

Tickets

Daily General Admission Tickets for 7 consecutive days

Children 3 and under: Free

Children 4-12: $12

Adults 13-64: $22

Seniors 65 & Over: $20

Location

1931 Brookgreen Drive
Murrells Inlet, SC 29576

Off US Highway 17 Bypass, between Murrells Inlet and Pawleys Island on South Carolina's Hammock Coast
843-235-6000
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