Why Is Spartanburg Worth Visiting?
Before we go through all the things to do in Spartanburg, let’s learn a little about it. Spartanburg is a city in the Upstate region of South Carolina. It’s a small city with a population of around 38,000 people, and it sits on the North Carolina border. The town is surrounded by beautiful rolling hills that give it a peaceful vibe.
Spartanburg was founded in 1785 and named after a local militia called the Spartan Regiment in the American Revolutionary War. It was incorporated in 1831 and became known as the Hub City.
There are many things to do in Spartanburg, SC, including visiting one of its many parks or strolling along Main Street where you’ll find plenty of shopping opportunities at local boutiques. Away from downtown, locals enjoy shopping at WestGate Mall and entertainment at Big Air Trampoline Park.
Things to Do in Spartanburg, SC – Downtown
Downtown Spartanburg is a great place to start your visit. This is where you’ll find most of the city’s historic landmarks, constituting the Spartanburg Historic District. Main Street is where you’ll find most of the city’s shops and restaurants.
If you’re looking for things to do in Spartanburg, SC with kids, bring them to the Children’s Museum of the Upstate where they can explore and learn. Another popular attraction is the Spartanburg Art Museum, which features rotating exhibitions of local, national, and international artists.
For a dose of history, head to the Spartanburg Regional Museum of History. This museum is dedicated to preserving the history of Spartanburg County and the city of Spartanburg. Learn about the area’s textile industry, which was once a major part of the local economy.
Other places worth visiting downtown are:
- TJC Gallery – a contemporary art gallery that features rotating exhibitions.
- Hub City Art Park – a local non-profit that promotes the arts and creative economy in Spartanburg.
- Hub City Railroad Museum – dedicated to preserving the history of Spartanburg’s railroads.
- Spartanburg Science Center – a hands-on museum that’s perfect for kids.
- Craft Axe Throwing – a place where you can try your hand at throwing axes.
- Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium – a historic venue that hosts concerts, plays, and other events.
- RJ Rockers Brewing Company & Restaurant – a local brewery that’s popular with tourists and locals alike.
In whatever way you’re looking to spend your time in Spartanburg, you’re sure to find something that interests you. This charming city has a lot to offer visitors!
Lose Yourself in the Hatcher Garden and Woodland Preserve
One of the best things to do in Spartanburg, SC is to explore the Hatcher Garden and Woodland Preserve. It’s a 13-acre nature preserve, founded by Josephine and Harold Hatcher. They converted worn-out cotton fields into usable garden land and then filled it with over 10,000 trees, shrubs and flowering plants.
Some of the most beautiful gardens spanning the preserve are:
- Altrusa Native Plant Garden;
- Conifer Display Garden;
- Butterfly Garden.
There are several walking trails that wind through the preserve, making it the perfect place to get some fresh air and enjoy the scenery. For children, the gardens offer woodland adventure camps every summer.
Other Outdoor Things to Do in Spartanburg, SC
Spartanburg is a great place for outdoor activities. There are several parks to spend an afternoon in, ranging from city parks to bigger nature preserves outside the city. After a day of sightseeing, one of the best things to do in Spartanburg, SC is to relax in one of these parks.
Cleveland Park
This park has plenty of space for children to run in, and its small lake with an island attracts ducks and geese. There’s a playground for kids and picnic areas for families. If you’re looking for a relaxing place in Spartanburg, this is the place to go.
Croft State Park
Croft State Park is a great place to go hiking or mountain biking. It’s located just outside Spartanburg. The trails range from easy walks through woods to challenging climbs up mountainsides. The park also has two lakes where you can swim or paddle around in kayaks and canoes. If you’d like to try something a little different, there’s a firing range on-site.
Glendale Shoals Preserve and Waterfalls
If you’re looking for a blend of natural beauty with man-made structures, Glendale Shoals Preserve is the place for you. The preserve has several waterfalls, created by an old mill. It’s a popular spot for swimming in the summer under the Glendale Bridge.
Walnut Grove Plantation
This plantation is a living history museum, where you can learn about what life was like in the 18th century. The plantation has several historic buildings, including a log cabin, slave quarters, and a cotton gin house. You can also take a wagon ride around the property or go on a nature hike.
Edwin M. Griffin Nature Preserve
This preserve is perfect for a day of hiking or picnicking. It has over five miles of trails and picnic shelters. The highlight of the preserve is Cottonwood Trail, a half-mile boardwalk that goes through a swamp.
Things to Do Near Spartanburg – Explore Greenville and More
Spartanburg is a great base for exploring the rest of South Carolina. The city of Greenville is only a short drive away and has plenty of things to do, such as visiting the Falls Park on the Reedy, going to see a show at the Peace Center, or visiting Greenville Zoo.
You could also head to Charlotte, which is about one hour away from Spartanburg. This city has lots of things to do, including visiting the mint museum, going to an NFL game, or exploring one of the many parks.
Kings Mountain National Military Park
This park is located about 45 minutes from Spartanburg. It’s a historical site in South Carolina that commemorates the Battle of Kings Mountain, which took place on October 7, 1780. The battle was an important event in American history, as it was one of the first major victories for American forces during the American Revolution.
The park features a visitor center that houses exhibits about the battle and its participants, as well as a theater that shows a film about the battle. Visitors can also walk the battlefield trail and view several monuments commemorating those who fought in the battle.
Visit Spartanburg and Have Fun!
Spartanburg is a great city to visit, whether you’re looking for things to do outdoors or want to explore the city’s history. There are plenty of things to do in Spartanburg, SC, so you’re sure to have a great time!
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