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.

The Creek Excursion

March - November 

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

Beginning on March 4, and running through November 23, 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 $10 adults and $6 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 and must be purchased at least 10 minutes before the tour time. 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.

The Trekker Excursion   
March - November 

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 $10 in addition to the garden admission and must be purchased at the Wall Lowcountry Center at least 10 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 

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 $10 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 10 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 10 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.