Aiken, South Carolina, August 14, 2025
Aiken, South Carolina — 10 Offbeat Things to Do for History and Nature Lovers
Aiken offers a mix of historic sites and natural spaces for visitors seeking alternatives to typical tourist stops. Below are ten offbeat activities and recurring local offerings drawn from noteworthy locations around the city, with available dates, locations, phone numbers, and other helpful details.
1. Explore the Schofield Normal and Industrial School
What it is: A historic institution founded in 1866 that played a key role in African American education during the Reconstruction era.
Location: 224 Kershaw Street NE, Aiken, SC 29801
Phone: (803) 641-2770
Details: Original buildings have been integrated into the public school system. Visitors can view the historical marker and reflect on the school’s legacy.
2. Wander Through Hitchcock Woods
What it is: One of the largest urban forests in the United States, covering more than 2,100 acres with over 70 miles of trails.
Location: 111 Hitchcock Woods Rd, Aiken, SC 29801
Phone: (803) 642-0528
Hours: Open daily from dawn to dusk
Details: Free admission. Suitable for hiking, trail running, and equestrian use; trails vary in length and difficulty.
3. Visit the Aiken Colored Cemetery (Pine Lawn Memorial Gardens)
What it is: Cemetery established in 1852, serving as the final resting place for many African American residents, including former slaves and community leaders.
Location: Florence St. and Hampton Ave., Aiken, SC 29801
Details: Open to the public for reflection and historical exploration. Known today as Pine Lawn Memorial Gardens.
4. Discover the Phelps House (Rose Hill Estate)
What it is: A Shingle Style mansion built in the early 1900s on the foundations of an antebellum house, illustrating local architectural history.
Location: 221 Greenville St NW, Aiken, SC 29801
Phone: (803) 648-1181
Details: The estate operates as an event venue and restaurant, offering visitors a way to experience the historic property during public events and private functions.
5. Paddle the Edisto River at Aiken State Park
What it is: A 1.7-mile canoe trail along the South Edisto River within Aiken State Park, offering peaceful paddling and river scenery.
Location: 1145 State Park Rd, Windsor, SC 29856
Phone: (803) 649-2857
Details: Canoe rentals are available. Park facilities and paddle access vary by season; confirm availability with the park office.
6. Stroll Through the Aiken Arboretum Trail
What it is: A self-guided trail featuring a diverse collection of trees from around the world.
Location: Downtown Aiken, SC
Details: Open year-round as a self-guided experience. Ideal for leisurely walks and tree identification.
7. Visit Joye Cottage
What it is: One of Aiken’s oldest and largest estates, originally used as a winter retreat for wealthy Northeastern families.
Location: 463 Whiskey Rd, Aiken, SC 29801
Details: Privately owned; the exterior and surrounding grounds are visible from public areas and can be appreciated during local drives or walks.
8. Explore the Carolina Bay Nature Preserve
What it is: A 23-acre preserve showcasing a unique wetland ecosystem with opportunities for bird watching and nature photography.
Location: Price Avenue, Aiken, SC 29801
Hours: Open daily from sunrise to sunset
Details: Free admission. Trails and lookout points provide access to wetland habitat and seasonal wildlife observation.
9. Discover the Aiken Winter Colony Historic District
What it is: A historic district established in the late 19th century, featuring opulent homes of Northeastern winter residents.
Location: Various locations throughout Aiken, SC
Details: Self-guided walking tours are available; routes highlight notable architecture and the seasonal retreat history of the area.
10. Visit the Aiken County Farmers Market
What it is: A community market operating since the 1950s offering fresh produce, baked goods, and local crafts.
Location: 115 Williamsburg St SE, Aiken, SC 29801
Phone: (803) 293-2214
Hours/Dates: Open Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 7:30 AM to 11:30 AM
Details: Regular seasonal offerings and a chance to engage with local vendors and artisans.
FAQ
How do I access public hours for outdoor sites?
Many outdoor locations list general open hours such as dawn to dusk or sunrise to sunset. For specific program schedules or seasonal adjustments, contact the listed phone number when available.
Are guided tours available for the historic district or other sites?
Self-guided walking tours are commonly available for the Aiken Winter Colony Historic District. Some historic homes and estates may host public events or private tours; contact individual locations for details.
Is entry to natural preserves and woods free?
Several natural areas noted here indicate free admission. Some sites may have paid services such as canoe rentals or event venue fees. Confirm details with the site contact if provided.
Can I visit privately owned estates like Joye Cottage and Rose Hill Estate?
Privately owned estates may allow public viewing of exteriors and grounds from public areas. Some estates operate as venues that are open during events; check the provided contact or venue information for access during public events.
Quick Reference Table of Key Features
| Activity / Site | Location | Phone | Hours / Dates | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Schofield Normal and Industrial School | 224 Kershaw Street NE | (803) 641-2770 | Historic site (no set public hours listed) | Founded 1866; historical marker on site |
| Hitchcock Woods | 111 Hitchcock Woods Rd | (803) 642-0528 | Open daily from dawn to dusk | 2,100+ acres; 70+ miles of trails; free admission |
| Aiken Colored Cemetery (Pine Lawn) | Florence St. and Hampton Ave. | Not listed | Open to public | Established 1852; historic burial ground |
| Phelps House (Rose Hill Estate) | 221 Greenville St NW | (803) 648-1181 | Varies by events | Early 1900s mansion; event venue and restaurant |
| Aiken State Park — Edisto River canoe trail | 1145 State Park Rd, Windsor | (803) 649-2857 | Seasonal; check park for current hours | Canoe rentals available; 1.7-mile canoe trail |
| Aiken Arboretum Trail | Downtown Aiken | Not listed | Open year-round | Self-guided tree collections |
| Joye Cottage | 463 Whiskey Rd | Not listed | Private property (exterior viewable) | Historic winter retreat; grounds visible from public areas |
| Carolina Bay Nature Preserve | Price Avenue | Not listed | Open daily from sunrise to sunset | 23-acre wetland preserve; free admission |
| Aiken Winter Colony Historic District | Various locations throughout Aiken | Not listed | Self-guided tours available | Late 19th-century winter estates and architecture |
| Aiken County Farmers Market | 115 Williamsburg St SE | (803) 293-2214 | Tues, Thurs, Sat • 7:30 AM – 11:30 AM | Operating since the 1950s; local produce and crafts |
Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN
The AIKEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAiken.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Aiken, Aiken County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Aiken Horse Show, Aiken Bluegrass Festival, and polo matches at Whitney Field. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Aiken Chamber of Commerce and the Aiken County Historical Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as Bridgestone and the Aiken County Visitors Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
