Plum Branch South CarolinaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Plum Branch, South Carolina.
1. Hamilton Branch State Park
LAKESIDE RECREATION AREA
Hamilton Branch State Park offers beautiful lakeside camping and recreation on Strom Thurmond Lake. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, and hiking along the scenic shoreline. The park features well-maintained campsites with water and electrical hookups for a comfortable outdoor experience.
2. Baker Creek State Park
NATURE AND WATER ACTIVITIES
Baker Creek State Park provides a tranquil setting for outdoor enthusiasts on the shores of Strom Thurmond Lake. The park offers camping, picnicking, and water activities including swimming and fishing. Its network of trails allows visitors to explore the natural beauty of the area.
3. Plum Branch Baptist Church
HISTORIC RELIGIOUS LANDMARK
Plum Branch Baptist Church was constituted in 1785 and stands as one of the oldest churches in the area. The current church building was dedicated in 1937 with more than 500 people in attendance, including a speech by J. Strom Thurmond. This historic church holds significant cultural importance to the local community and continues to serve as a spiritual center.
4. The McCormick Arts Council at the Keturah
LOCAL ARTS CENTER
The McCormick Arts Council at the Keturah (MACK) serves as the cultural hub for the region, offering art exhibitions, classes, and events. Housed in the historic Hotel Keturah building, the arts center showcases works by local and regional artists. MACK provides educational opportunities and cultural enrichment for residents and visitors alike.
5. Savannah Lakes Village
RESORT COMMUNITY EXPERIENCE
Savannah Lakes Village is a premier lakeside community offering recreational amenities and dining options near Plum Branch. Visitors can enjoy two championship golf courses, tennis courts, and access to water activities on Strom Thurmond Lake. The village features restaurants and social venues where both residents and visitors can gather.
6. Dorn Mill Complex
HISTORIC INDUSTRIAL SITE
Dorn Mill Complex is a preserved historic mill located at 206 North Main Street in McCormick. This industrial landmark showcases the region's agricultural and manufacturing heritage. Visitors can explore the well-preserved structures and learn about the economic history of the area.
7. Mount Carmel Historic District
PRESERVED RAILROAD TOWN
Mount Carmel Historic District preserves a quintessential small Southern railroad town near Plum Branch. The district includes numerous historic structures dating from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Visitors can stroll through this well-preserved area to experience the atmosphere of a bygone era.
8. McCormick Train Station
RAILWAY HERITAGE SITE
McCormick Train Station stands as a reminder of the area's important railroad history. The restored station offers visitors a glimpse into the transportation networks that shaped the development of the region. Located on Main Street, the station serves as both a historical landmark and community gathering place.
9. Cowpens National Battlefield
REVOLUTIONARY WAR SITE
Cowpens National Battlefield preserves the site of a pivotal American victory during the Revolutionary War. Encompassing 845 acres, the battlefield offers interpretive exhibits, a visitor center, and walking trails through the historic grounds. Visitors can experience living history demonstrations and annual commemorations of the January 1781 battle.
10. McCormick County Courthouse
HISTORIC GOVERNMENT BUILDING
The McCormick County Courthouse stands as an architectural landmark along Highway 28 in McCormick. The historic government building showcases classic courthouse design and continues to serve as the center of county operations. Visitors can appreciate the structure's historical significance and architectural details while exploring the town center.
11. Hotel Keturah
HISTORIC ACCOMMODATION LANDMARK
Hotel Keturah at 115 S. Main St. represents an important piece of McCormick's hospitality history. The historic building now houses the McCormick Arts Council, blending historical preservation with contemporary cultural use. Its distinctive architecture makes it a notable landmark in downtown McCormick.
12. Hickory Knob State Resort Park
FULL-SERVICE OUTDOOR RESORT
Hickory Knob State Resort Park offers a complete resort experience with lodging, dining, and recreational facilities on Strom Thurmond Lake. The park features an 18-hole championship golf course, restaurant, cabins, and a lodge for overnight stays. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, hiking, and other outdoor activities in this scenic setting.
13. Hopewell Rosenwald School
AFRICAN AMERICAN EDUCATIONAL HERITAGE
Hopewell Rosenwald School represents an important chapter in African American educational history near Plum Branch. The school was part of a network of educational facilities built with support from the Julius Rosenwald Fund to improve education for African American children in the early 20th century. This historic site preserves the legacy of educational advancement during the segregation era.
14. Little River Blueway Adventure Area
OUTDOOR RECREATION SYSTEM
Little River Blueway Adventure Area offers an extensive network of water trails and outdoor recreation opportunities. The system includes access points, camping areas, and hiking trails along the scenic waterways of McCormick County. Visitors can enjoy paddling, fishing, wildlife viewing, and connecting with nature throughout this beautiful recreational area.
15. McCormick County Rural History Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
McCormick County Rural History Museum preserves and displays artifacts from the region's agricultural and rural past. Exhibits showcase farm equipment, household items, and historical photographs that tell the story of life in rural South Carolina. The museum offers visitors an authentic glimpse into the daily lives and work of previous generations who shaped the county.