Cypress Gardens - Moncks Corner, SC - Botanical Gardens, Butterfly House, and Aquarium

Cypress Gardens is a 170-acre botanical area located in Moncks Corner, South Carolina. Predominantly freshwater swampland, Cypress Gardens was once a major rice plantation. The Gardens are now managed by Berkeley County and located off of HWY 52. Contact can be made by calling 843-553-0515. Volunteer positions are available.

The main hub by the entrance includes the Visitor's Center, the Gift Shop, picnic shelters, restrooms, the Conference Cottage, the Butterfly House, the Crocodile Exhibit, and the Aquarium. The Gardens are open 7 days a week, from 9:00am - 5:00pm. The last admission is at 4:00 pm. The park is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Years Day. Admission rates are as follows: $10 for adults, $9 for seniors (age 65+), and $5 for children (ages 6-12). Children age 5 and under are free.

Every third Saturday of the month, Berkeley County residents can enter Cypress Gardens before noon for free. Cypress Gardens participates in a Reciprocal Pass Program that allows patrons free access to many other tourist attractions and gardens.

There are wedding and scenic rentals available. Rental fees vary from $500 to $2,500. There are several gazebos available that are ideal for wedding parties. In addition, there is a hall (Dean Hall) suitable for receptions and a front lawn that is equipped with outdoor electricity. Dean Hall has an interior kitchen and restrooms. Persons interested in renting facilities should call 843-553-0515 and speak with a Facility Rental Coordinator.

The Freshwater Aquarium opened in 1998. In the 24,000 gallon aquarium, there are over twenty species of freshwater fish and twelve species of reptiles/amphibians. The Reptile Center, which opened in 2001, houses a 120-pound alligator snapping turtle. In 1997, the Butterfly House was opened. The Butterfly House has 2,500 square feet of designated space where visitors can view a variety of butterflies and birds.

Home to approximately 5 miles of walking paths, the Gardens also has approximately 80 miles of open swamp. Four main paths traverse the Gardens: the Perimeter Trail, the Southern Nature Trail, the Moon Path, and the Northern Nature Trail.

Throughout the Gardens, birds and wildlife can be seen. The diverse habitat draws animals like eagles, deer, foxes, and alligators. The most common trees are the bald cypress and the swamp tupelo.

Cypress Gardens also offers field trip packages for local students in grades K-12. These field trips can be guided or self-guided. Field trip pricing varies based on the age of the students and the number of students visiting.

Each month, Cypress Gardens holds an event related to the season. In October, patrons can participate in Halloween at the Swamp. In November, a workshop is offered called Preparing for Spring Gardening. December's event is called Santa in the Swamp.

Throughout the year, various plants and animals thrive. Cypress Gardens' wide variety of wildlife assures that, at any time in the year, there is a something to observe. For example, in May, the Antique Roses begin to bloom, and the Question Mark butterflies begin to appear.