5 Things To Do In Lancaster County
Lancaster County, South Carolina, is full of surprises waiting to be discovered. With a thriving arts scene, rich history, and beautiful natural spots, it’s a great place to explore at your own pace. Whether you’re into art, history, or outdoor adventures, Lancaster has something to offer everyone. Here are five top things to do during your visit.
1. Get a History Lesson at Andrew Jackson State Park
Calling all history buffs: you won’t want to miss this South Carolina state park. Created as a memorial to the seventh president of the United States, the park features an Andrew Jackson Museum that details his boyhood in the South Carolina backcountry in the 18th century.
But the park isn’t just for history enthusiasts. It also features an 18th-century replica schoolhouse, picnic facilities, a fishing lake, campsites and nature trails. Self-guided tours of the park museum and schoolhouse are available during the hours when these facilities are open.
2. Admire Creative Works
Lancaster’s rich arts scene shines through its many murals. On the corner of West Arch and South Main Streets in Downtown Lancaster is the Forward Together mural. It was painted by Ralph Waldrop in the 1970s and later restored by Russ Petty. In 2019, See Yourself in Lancaster was also painted by Russ Petty and volunteers of the community. Several others were painted or restored, bringing even more color to Lancaster’s downtown streets.
Bob Doster’s Backstreet Studios and Garden, also downtown, is home to an internationally renowned artist. Stop by his working studio, outdoor botanical and sculpture garden and art gallery, which features the works of many distinguished artists. Or head to the Native American Studies Center to see an impressive collection of Catawba Indian pottery.
Just a few minutes from downtown, enjoy two miles of nature along the Lindsay Pettus Greenway. Dotted with public art, the Greenway is a hard-surface recreational trail along Gills Creek that connects visitors to the local identity of Lancaster County, highlights native flora and fauna and offers a creative experience of art and environment.
3. Experience the County’s Agriculture Scene
Grab a cold one at this relaxing watering hole in Lancaster. Benford Brewing, a locally owned and operated agricultural craft brewery, is a local favorite. The beers are brewed in 30-barrel batches on a small farm and tastings and tours are also offered regularly.
If wine is more your style, don’t miss Laurel Haven Vineyard, just a short drive away. This family-run vineyard offers beautiful views, handcrafted wines, and a welcoming tasting room where you can unwind and savor the flavors of the region.
After a cold one, head to The Ivy Place Berry Farm in Van Wyck to pick your own produce. During the spring and summer, the farm offers u-pick strawberries, flower bouquets, blueberries, blackberries, heirloom tomatoes and various vegetables.
Hall Family Farm is another favorite, especially in the spring and fall. Well-known for its u-pick strawberries and festive pumpkin patch, the farm also offers hayrides, a playground, and fresh goodies at their farm stand, making it a perfect stop for families or anyone craving classic farm fun.
4. Explore Downtown Lancaster
Explore the small-town charms of downtown Lancaster. Sit a spell at Daily Grind Coffee Bar; this local coffee shop has a variety of beverages—cold and hot—along with pastries and other sweet treats. Then grab a bite at 521 BBQ & Grill or Heath Springs Pizzeria for a tasty lunch.
Once you are fueled by food and coffee, shop around the downtown streets for unique items. Antique lovers will enjoy perusing the aisles of The Shops on Main. This multi-vendor mall carries a variety of antiques, oddities, hand-crafted furniture, local artists’ works, home decor and more. Or pop into Purple Rooster, a local gift shop offering an assortment of home decor, jewelry, stationery, and more. Then, dive into history at the Lancaster County Historical Courthouse Museum, where you can learn about Lancaster County’s rich past.
5. Visit Forty Acre Rock Heritage Preserve
Forty Acre Rock Heritage Preserve is a must-see in Lancaster County. Here you will walk across one of the largest granite flat rocks east of the Mississippi. The preserve features more than 2,200 acres of the most diverse protected area in the Piedmont region, including granitic flat rocks, waterslides, waterfalls, a beaver pond, caves and hardwood and pine forests. Depending on when you visit, you may also see various flora and fauna.
