Area Attractions

For more information on area attractions check out the Clemson Area Chamber of Commerce tourism website Visit Clemson website. Clemson Downs is a bronze sponsor of the Clemson Area Chamber of Commerce, and proudly supports the business endeavors of the Clemson Area Chamber of Commerce.

South Carolina Botanical Gardens
The gardens are open year ’round with 295 acres of flowers, plants, garden rooms, structures and trails that provide enjoyment at any time of year. The Fran Hanson Discover Center houses a gift shop and rotating art exhibits. And the Hanover House and Hunt Family Cabin are located on the property as is the Bob Campbell Geology Museum.Location: 150 Discover Lane, Clemson
Phone: 864.656.3405

The Brooks Center for the Performing Arts
The Brooks Center for the Performing Arts is the home for the performing arts at Clemson University. The state-of-the-art facility serves as a roadhouse to many nationally and internationally acclaimed dance companies, theatre troupes, and music ensembles of all types. The Brooks Center was recently ranked 8th in the top 25 most amazing University Performing Arts Centers.

Upstate Heritage Quilt Trail
The Quilt Trail extends through Anderson, Oconee and Pickens counties with quilt blocks mounted on homes, businesses and points of interest.
Phone: 864.723.6603

Walhalla State Fish Hatcheries
 Built in the 1930’s by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) and Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) the Hatchery raises brown, brook and rainbow trout to stock public waters in South Carolina. Visitors are welcome and group tours can be arranged.

Location: 198 Fish Hatchery Rd., Hwy. 107 N, Mountain Rest
Phone: 864.638.2866
Hours: 8am – 4pm daily except Christmas Day and when there is inclement weather in winter.

The ’55 Exchange
55 Exchange is a student run enterprise that manufactures, sells and serves Clemson’s world famous ice cream and other products like blue cheese, eggs, etc. Made possible by a gift from the Class of 1955, all revenues support Clemson students and their academic training

Location: Hendrix Student Center Cherry and Perimeter Roads
Clemson University, Clemson
Phone: 864.656.2155
Hours: Mon – Fri 11:30am – 6:00pm; Sat. – Sun. 1– 6pm;

Duke World of Energy
 Area residents consider World of Energy a favorite place to bring visitors to picnic, hike and take the World of Energy tour. The displays and interactive features help people understand what takes place at a power plant and how energy is created from coal, water and nuclear power. This is a free tour and great for all ages.
Location: 7812 Rochester Highway (Hwy. 130), Seneca SC
Phone: 800.777.1004

Upstate Lakes & Scenic Rivers

There are few places in the world that provide the opportunity to enjoy so many different kinds of water in such close proximity! There are three major lakes—Hartwell, Keowee and Jocassee; The Wild and Scenic Chattooga River and waterfalls in abundance.

Lake Hartwell
Lake Hartwell has 56,000 acres of water with 962 miles of shoreline bordering Georgia and South Carolina, making it one of the largest lakes in the southeast and ready for all forms of water activity.

Local Boat Ramps operated by the Army Corps of Engineers:

  • Lawrence Bridge Road
  • Twelve Mile
  • Twin Lakes
  • Oconee Point
  • Coneross
  • Lake Hartwell State Recreation area

Lake Keowee
 Lake Keowee covers 18,372 acres with more than 300 miles of shoreline. The mountain views at stunning from almost anywhere on the lake and there are numerous islands ideal for parking the boat, exploring and having a picnic.
Clemson Downs is a proud supporter of the FOLKS, Friends of Lake Keowee Society, visit their website at Friends of Lake Keowee Society

Boat Ramps:

  • Cane Creek Access Area
  • Crow Creek Access Area,
  • Fall Creek Access Area,
  • Gap Hill Landing,
  • High Falls County Park,
  • Keowee Town Access Area,
  • Lake Keowee Marina,
  • Mile Creek Park,
  • South Cove County Park,
  • Stamp Creek Access Area,
  • Warpath Access Area.

Lake Jocassee
 Lake Jocassee includes 7,565 acres of crystal-clear water and 75 miles of shoreline. It is one of the deepest lakes in the area and has several waterfalls into the lake. The mostly un-developed shoreline plus the mountain views makes Jocassee the lake of choice for those who want to experience the undisturbed beauty of nature.
Boat Ramps:

  • Devils Fork State Park,
  • Double Springs Campground.

Chattooga River
 The Wild and Scenic Chattooga River provides quiet water for trout fishing; rushing white water for rafting and areas that are perfect for kayaking, canoeing or just sitting beside—or in—and enjoying the views. Three organizations provide white water rafting on the Chattooga River:

  • Nantahala Outdoor Center
  • Southeastern Expeditions
  • Wildwater Rafting

Area Museums

Bob Campbell Geology Museum

The museum displays gems, minerals and unusual fossils from the Clemson area and around the world. There is a gift shop with unique offerings making it a great place for children and adults to visit.
Location: 103 Garden Trail in the Botanical Garden at Clemson University
Phone: 864.656.4600
Hours: Wednesday through Saturday 10am – 5pm; Sunday 1 – 5pm

Pickens County Museum of Art & History

A permanent exhibit of Pickens County heritage plus three separate galleries for changing exhibits makes this Museum an interesting and educational destination for visitors. A native plant garden designed as an outdoor natural history presentation is on the museum grounds.
Location: 307 Johnson St., Pickens
Phone: 864.898.5963
Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday: 9am – 5pm; Thursdays 9am – 7:30pm; Saturdays 9am – 4:30pm.

Central History Museum
A small-town merchant’s home is now a local history museum providing a glimpse into the past. The gardens feature unique heritage roses and historic plants and flowers. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Location: 416 church Street
Phone: 864.639.2794
Hours: Sunday 2 – 4pm and by appointment. Closed holidays

Central Railroad Museum
The museum has a classic toy train layout and HO layout with future plans for a garden layout. The museum has been built and is run by railroad enthusiast volunteers.
Location: 108 Werner St., Central
Phone: 864.254.0364
Hours: Second Saturday of each month, 9am – noon and by appointment

General Store Museum
England’s Store once carried general merchandise the served the needs of people in the community of Westminster, SC. The proprietor seemed to save “one of everything” and when the store was closed, the contents included literally thousands of items. Now part of the Oconee Heritage Center, the General Store Museum displays those items for visitors.
Location: 126 Main St., Westminster, SC
Phone: 864.638.2224
Hours: Saturdays, 9am – 1pm

Museum of the Cherokee in South Carolina
The Museum houses artifacts, information and examples of Cherokee life and culture in South Carolina.
Location: down the street from Oconee Heritage Center, Walhalla
Phone: 864.710.9210 (Luther Lyle )

Clemson Area African American Museum
Housed in the Calhoun Bridge Center, the museum collects and showcases historical achievements of local African Americans as a way to engage the community in intellectual discussions about the past. Special events and activities are scheduled regularly.
Location: 212 Butler St., Clemson
Phone: 864.506.1057
Hours: Tuesday through Thursday 11am – 4pm

Patriot’s Hall

A Veteran’s Museum dedicated to preserving and honoring the history of veterans.
Location: 13 Short St., Walhalla
Phone: 864.972.8173
Hours: Saturdays 10am – 3pm

Oconee Heritage Center

The exhibits and artifacts take visitors through the history of the Upstate from the early days of the Cherokee on to railroads, textile mills, agriculture and more. Popular exhibits include the Dugout Canoe found in the Chattooga River and the walk-in Stump House Tunnel exhibit.
Location: 123 Brown Square Dr., Walhalla
Phone: 864.638.2224
Hours: Tuesday through Friday, 12 – 6pm; Saturday 10am – 3pm and by appointment.