| History
Cypress Gardens is a small parcel
of land of what was once Dean Hall Plantation, a 3000 acre rice producing plantation on the Cooper River. Granted to Sir Alexander Nesbit of Dean Scotland in 1720, the plantation was operating by 1725. However, as was the case with many plantations, by the late 1800's, plantation life was no longer feasible and Dean Hall fell into disrepair.
 In the late 1920's, Dean Hall Plantation in Berkeley
County was owned by Benjamin Kittredge as a winter retreat and hunting preserve. Mr. Kittredge especially enjoyed duck hunting in the black water impoundments that were remnants left from the days when Dean Hall was a mojor rice plantation on the Cooper River. The story is told that one day when he was out hunting, he became entracted by the reflection of a red maple leaf in the mirror-like waters of the swamp. This experience inspired Mr.
Kittredge to re-capture this image by planting thousands of azaleas, cammellias, dogwoods, wisteria, daffodils and iris along the dikes of the impoundments. He imported winter-blooming Daphne and paid a penny for each Atamasco lily bulb that local children brought him from nearby woods. As the years passed, Mr. Kittredge created the 163 acre swamp garden presently known as Cypress Gardens. The reflections of
fuschia, red, white, lavendar, and pink on the smooth black water enthrall visitors from around the world.
In 1963, the Gardens were given to the City of Charleston, who tended and cared for them until 1989 when Hurricane Hugo devastated the Gardens and changed its face forever. Over 12,000 viable trees were lost and all the buildings were destroyed. The City of Charleston put much effort
and money into restoration and repairs and after being closed for two year, Cypress Gardens was once again open to the public. In 1996 Cypress Gardens was transferred to Berkeley County ownership. The county added some new attractions, such as a walk-through butterfly house and fresh water aquarium. However, the Gardens itself remains much as it always has.
Wildlife
Cypress Gardens is home to countless wildlife species from tiny mosquito fish to the mighty alligator. Wood ducks, hawks, osprey, herons, egrets and even white ibis and wood storks can be seen at certain times. Many warblers, including the golden prothonotary, next here each spring and summer, and the winter's silence is often broken by the raucous call of the blue jay or the chattering of the Carolina Wren. Deer, raccoon, opossum, and bobcat tracks are a constant
reminder of lively nocturnal wanderings. Otter are often seen slipping through the black water on warm winter days. Lots of turtles can be seen basking in the sun and an occasional snake can be noticed slipping into the water. Of course, the most popular creatures at Cypress Gardens are the alligators.
Flat Bottom Boats
Visitors can explore the swamp and enjoy the beauty of the Gardens from the unique vantage
point of our bateaus (flat bottom boats). Guides are available to paddle and discuss the Gardens on weekends and dureing the spring season, however, many visitors prefer to do the paddling and exploruing on their own. The boats are included in the price of admission.
Garden Paths and Nature Trails
Guests can wander the manicured garden path, that are actually dikes from the rice growing era
when these waters were impounded to flood rice fields. The garden paths loop around the black water lakes to special areas such as the Wedding Garden, Cammellia Garden, Garden of Memories, Woodland Garden and Butterfly Garden. There are three nature trails for outdoors enthusiasts to trek through the woods for a better opportunity to spot birds and other wildlife. Bird lists are free at the gift shop for avid birders.
 Butterfly House and Aquarium
The butterly house and fresh water aquarium feature native species of butterflies, reptiles, fish and amphibians for public view as well as education programs. Benches in the butterfly house afford guests the opportunity to relax and watch as the collorful creatures flit about and feed on the plants.
At any one time visitors can count eight or more species of butterflies. Included in the butterfly house is an observation beehive and arthropod exhibit. Visitors can learn about tarantulas, scorpions, hissing cockroaches and various other arthropods. The pond is home to turtles, fish and Woody the Wood Duck, while the box turtles roam about in their own grassy pastures. The flowering plants in the butterfly house have a purpose in that they
are either nectar food or larval food for the various butterflies.
24,000 gallons of water in the aquarium display animals from the swamp that visitors might not be able to see in the wild. The tanks hold fresh water fish and turtles that are native to the area. Terraiums are home to native snakes as well as other reptiles and amphibians, giving the vistory the oppourunity to observe these animals in a safe and educational environment. At the time of the
ribbon cutting on March 27, 1998, there was water and fish in several tanks and the aquarium opened to the public. One year later there were tanks filled with fish of various kinds, venomous snakes, several varieties of turtles, from a 120 pound alligator snapper turtle to tiny baby sliders, frogs, sirens and more.
The alligator snapper turtle named "Frankenturtle", is on loan to Cypress Gardens from Raorks
Reptiles. Weighing in at 120 pounds and being about 42 years old, "Frankenturtle" has visible signs of a hard life. Years ago the huge turtle was shot through the head and its skull was shattered. The wires used by the vet to put the pieces back together still show on the top of his head - hence the name "Frankenturtle".
Arboretum
The butterfly house and aquarium are connected by a native tree and shrub arboretum that actually forms the center of the Cypress Gardens Living Laboratory and Learning Center. The latest addition was several large live oaks and beds of flowers.
Alligator Pond
Constructed in 1999 the alligator pond connects the aquarium and Dean Hall Conference Center.
Dean Hall Conference Center
In the spring of 1997, Cypress Gardens opened a 5,000 square foot conference room with a stage. A kitchen and restroom are attached and the building may be rented for special events such as concerts, conference, weddings and receptions, church and scout outings.
Tour Options
Tours at Cypress Gardens are for the most part self-guided walks and boat rides. There are over
four miles of paths which are mainly dikes from the old plantation days. The garden paths circle the pools of black water in loops approximately 3/4 to 1 mile long. The nature trails extend beyond the ends of the Garden throught a more wooded area of the swamp and offer nature lovers a peaceful escape. Walking brochures, signage long the paths and bird lists offer abundant information about the Gardens, plus plants and animals encountered during the walk.
Special tours can be arranged with guides and advance reservaions. Our naturalist will lead bird and other nature-oriented walks. Our horticulturist will lead garden club tours. Guided tours of the butterfly house and the aquarium can be arranged ahead of time. Visitors wishing to have a catered lunch or breakfast can also do so by requesting ahead of time.
Admission Rates and Events
Please refer to the official Cypress Gardens website for the latest admission rates:
Cypress Gardens | |
