Gardens
What hours are the gardens open?
Beginning June 16, the gardens at Robert Mills House, Hampton-Preston Mansion, and Seibels House will be open to the public as follows:
Seibels House (1601 Richland Street): 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Tuesday - Friday
Robert Mills (1616 Blanding Street): 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday
Hampton-Preston (1615 Blanding Street): 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Tuesday – Saturday, Extended Hours through 7 p.m. Thursday
Do I need to wear a face covering while in the garden?
Face coverings are strongly encouraged, as there are likely to be other groups and individuals on the grounds. However, garden visitors will not be required to wear face coverings if they are on site for self-directed or recreational activities.
Are there other safety guidelines while I visit Historic Columbia’s gardens?
Please check the full guidelines at the entrance to each garden.
The gardens are open under reduced capacity (Seibels Gardens – 35; Robert Mills and Hampton Preston – 150 each).
Groups of visitors must be limited to three or fewer (unless members of the same household and then limits are 10) while maintaining six feet or more of distance from others.
Guests will be encouraged to follow a loop around the gardens either clockwise or counterclockwise, depending on the guidelines for that particular garden.
Seating has been temporarily removed. Guests are welcome to bring their own blankets or chairs.
Can I bring my pet?
Visitors are encouraged to bring pets, but please keep them leashed. Picking up after your pet is required.
Am I allowed to bring food or drink onto the grounds?
Visitors can bring their own food and drinks, but please pack it in and pack it out.
If I have other questions, who should I contact?
Please call our reservations office at 803-252-1770 ext. 23
How can I learn about the plants in the gardens while I’m visiting?
Signage throughout the gardens provides information on the history, plants, and more.
If you would like to learn about specific plants that you find during your visit, our garden database records the origin, progress, and success of the diverse living plant collections at Historic Columbia.
Will restrooms be available?
Restrooms will not be available to garden visitors at this time.
General
Are Historic Columbia house museums open?
Currently, Historic Columbia house museums are closed. However, the gardens are now open to the public with several guidelines in place as above.