Outdoor Tours
Multi-Site and Historic Gardens
Outdoor Tours
Guests can once again be guided through the grounds of HC properties, as the Robert Mills House and Gardens and Hampton-Preston Mansion and Gardens are open for a combined outdoor tour. Visitors will connect to the history of 19th century Columbia by learning about architecture, the planter class, enslaved individuals and the evolution of these historic sites.
Additionally, explore the native and exotic with Historic Columbia's Director of Grounds, Keith Mearns, as he offers insight into the varied and beautiful gardens at the Robert Mills House and Hampton-Preston Site.
Each encompassing a full city block, the development of the gardens at these sites is guided by collections policies formulated to maximize their interpretive value. Subjects discussed will include botany, horticulture, landscape design and historic precedent. Garden tours are offered each Friday and begin in front of the Gift Shop at the Robert Mills House.
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 | 1 - 4 p.m. Sunday
Hampton-Preston (1615 Blanding Street): 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Tuesday – Saturday | 1 - 4 p.m. Sunday
Tickets can be purchased online in advance or at The Gift Shop at Robert Mills before a tour. While indoor tours remain unavailable, this outdoor tour is designed with safety and education in mind. Masks are required for all visitors and HC tour guides. The tour group will meet at 11 a.m. Thursday-Saturday outside the Robert Mills House Gift Shop tours last approximately 60 minutes. Guests are encouraged to take photographs, ask questions and bring their own beverage.
Friday, August 6th
10 — 11 a.m.
1616 Blanding St., Columbia, SC 29201
Explore the native and exotic with Historic Columbia's Director of Grounds, Keith Mearns, as he offers insight into the varied and beautiful gardens at the Robert Mills House and Hampton-Preston Site. Each encompassing a full city block, the development of the gardens at these sites is guided by collections policies...
Friday, August 13th
5:30 — 7 p.m.
Historic Happy Hour: Water Balloon Battle
1616 Blanding Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Join us for our sixth annual Historic Water Balloon Battle from 5:30 – 7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 13. Using water balloons, guests will break into teams to learn about military tactics through history and battle on the grounds of the Robert Mills House & Gardens. Before and during the battle, enjoy drinks and food from Doggy Bagz!