Andrew Jackson State Park

On our way to check out the Lindsay Pettus Greenway in Lancaster, SC, over the summer, we decided to tack on a visit to Andrew Jackson State Park. I'm glad we did. As far as State Parks go, this one feels bite-sized, yet satisfying. 

Andrew Jackson State Park, which is located a little under an hour south of Uptown, is relatively small, but is beautiful and full of history and educational and recreational options. 

Home to the birthplace of the seventh president of the United States, this park has a museum of Revolutionary War artifacts, an 18-acre lake for boating and fishing, two one-mile hiking trails (one of which is a Carolina Thread Trail), and 25 campsites.

 

The park often hosts living history programs and the museum offers interactive exhibits. (Check out the calendar of events.) One of our favorite stops was at the 18th century replica schoolhouse. We also enjoyed running around the large, open field at the main entrance. Nearby is an amphitheater and Meeting House for community events.

 

Andrew Jackson State Park is a lovely destination for a short, quick hike with some educational opportunities sprinkled in. Here's a park map.

You might consider pairing it with a visit to Lindsay Pettus, like we did. It's a short, 15 drive between the two. Ride the greenway, then enjoy a quiet picnic under the shade of the old-growth forest at the state park. 

Andrew Jackson State Park is open 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily from November 1 through March 31, and 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily from April 1 through October 31. The Museum is open Saturdays and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Monday-Friday by appointment. 

Admission is $3/adult, $1.50/senior, $1/children 6-15, and free for children 5 and younger. 

Andrew Jackson State Park makes for a simple, but enjoyable nearby outing, and something different worth checking out, especially if you haven't been before.  

How to get there:
Andrew Jackson State Park is located at 196 Andrew Jackson Park Rd, Lancaster, SC 29720. You'll pay for admission ($3/adult, $1.50/senior, $1/children 6-15, and free for children 5 and younger) at a kiosk on your way in.