Are you searching for the best and fun thing to do in Spartanburg, SC? We have you covered!
There are lots of activities to do and wonders to explore in Spartanburg. Some of its attractions are mind-blowing and cut across different disciplines starting from history, entertainment, art, adventure, etc.
Though not as big as you would’ve presumed, the city of Spartanburg is still large enough to accommodate several incredible attraction centers such as Hollywild Animal Park, The Glendale Shoals Preserve, Hub City Railroad Museum, Milliken Arboretum, etc.
You won’t lack any fun activity to engage in Spartanburg, and we’ll tell you about these activities in this article.
Let’s get started!
Brief Facts About Spartanburg, SC
Spartanburg is a historic city and stands among the most visited towns in South Carolina, United States. It was founded in 1785 and named after a local militia, the Spartan Regiment, during the American Revolutionary War.
Its rich history and picturesque attraction make it a perfect tourist home in South Carolina for residents and visitors, both far and near.
Even though it is not a small city with an approximated population of 7,000 people (still the 12th largest populated city in South Carolina), Spartanburg is considered among the top tourist cities.
Are you trying to create a list of fun things in Spartanburg? We’re here to make things easier for you as we have compiled a list of some of the best things you can do on your tour to Spartanburg, South Carolina.
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Best and Fun Things to Do In Spartanburg, SC
1. Visit the Cleveland Park
One of the best places to visit in Spartanburg is Cleveland Park. You can find the park in Spartanburg’s historic center, lying just close to the Northside Redevelopment project.
It is a fun-filled park owned by the Spartanburg County Parks Department.
Indeed, Cleveland Park features many fun things for visitors, such as a spacious playground, multiple picnic shelters, an island pavilion, a pond, and excellent trails.
It is housed by the John B. Cleveland Event Center and is also used as a cost center for many community programs and events.
This park features outdoor fitness equipment, Amphitheater, Horseshoe Pit, Grill, Green Spaces, Multipurpose Room, Swings, etc.
You are free to rent its facilities for any occasion, whether birthday parties, wedding ceremonies, or any other program.
Address: 141 N Cleveland Park Drive, Spartanburg, SC 29303, United States
2. Visit the Hub City Railroad Museum
If you are a train enthusiast, you will be interested in the Hub City Railroad Museum.
This museum is widely rated among the top museum attractions in Spartanburg. It was established to display engines and reveal the history of South Carolina railroads to its visitors.
Many features are associated with the Hub City Railroad Museum, such as a rear model of a train known as the red engine.
When you are in this museum, you will learn how the railroads were linked to the textile and peach industries in South Carolina.
You can also partake in other activities like ringing the 1940 locomotive bell, running a telegraph system, acquiring souvenirs from the railroad gift store, and so on.
Also, the railroad museum is a great outdoor recreational center featuring relaxing picnic areas where guests can relax and enjoy their lives fun.
The picnic venues are littered with attractive grasses and have tables where visitors can set their lunch and have fun after seeing the different train engines.
The museum is accessible to visitors every Wednesday & Saturday from 10 am to 12 pm.
Address: 298 Magnolia Street, Spartanburg, SC 29303, United States
3. Hollywild Animal Park
The best place in Spartanburg where you can take your kids to have the fun of their lives is the Hollywild Animal Park. It is an amazing attraction in Spartanburg and among the top places to visit with the family around the city.
This park has many animals that children and adults will love to explore. Here, you will see the likes of bison, deer, cattle, Scottish Highlanders, turtles, donkeys, emus, and so on.
The park is a nonprofit Animal center that houses over 500 animals, some of which you have seen in many movies and TV series.
Again, Hollywild Animal Park features interactive sections where visitors are free to hand-feed animals and play with them.
You can also have fun with a safari ride in the park via the outback area comprising about 70 acres of free-roaming animals.
Hollywild Animal Park will allow you to expand your knowledge by engaging you in field trips, outreach events, camps, and programs for scouts.
You can only be allowed into the park with a fee of as little as $9 for adults and $7 for children.
Address: 2325 Hampton Road, Inman SC, USA Spartanburg
4. Hatcher Garden & Woodland Preserve
Hatcher Garden & Woodland Preserve is an incredible natural attraction in Spartanburg that covers about 12 acres.
It is a popular place that you can add to your list of things to do in the city. It is home to a conifer garden comprising more than 200 plant species and shrubs.
The garden features several plant types like pines, shrubs, junipers, firs, spruces, sequoias, etc. You will also see creeping cypresses like the bald cypress and others in the preserve.
Hatcher Garden & Woodland Preserve also features seasonal flower gardens, dense forests, reflective ponds, crooked creeks, and a cascading waterfall.
This preserve also houses various kinds of birds and wildlife. You can explore the gardens and preserve them using any of the functioning workways or paved trails. The preserve is often accessible to the public and with free admission.
Address: 832 John B White Sr Blvd, Spartanburg, SC 29306, United States
5. The Children’s Museum of the Upstate
You can give your kids the treat of their life by taking them to explore The Children’s Museum of the Upstate.
It is an amazing museum that features unique but incredible attractions created for kids aged 5 and under. It features many interactive designs developed on a smaller scale, most ideal for young learners.
Here, the counters are constructed so that they suit the children’s height and feature padded crawling locations ideal for younger kids. This museum offers the right area and atmosphere for children to learn in a fun way.
Other areas in the Children’s Museum of the Upstate include the Palmetto Basics Toddler Zone, which is suitable for kids 18 months and under and treats healthy lifestyle choices via interactive pretense act.
There is the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System for children to play doctor, caregiver, or patient roles via imaginative pretense acts.
The museum is always accessible every Tuesday to Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm and closes on Sunday and Monday. Indeed, if you love your kids, you will add this museum to your list of things to do in Spartanburg.
Address: 130 Magnolia Street, Spartanburg, SC 29306, United States
6. Edwin M. Griffin Nature Preserve
It would be best if you don’t miss out on a fun time in the Edwin M. Griffin Nature Preserve on your visit to Spartanburg, South Carolina.
It is an attractive nature area covering more than 115 acres of land. This spacious nature center comprises different geography, including grasslands, wetlands, and geographical contexts.
The venue also hosts a variety of gorgeous flower and plant species of eye-catching sights. It is home to animals like beavers, wild turkeys, foxes, deer, raccoons, etc.
You can partake in various activities such as hiking and biking on one of the trails that cut across the place.
Other activities like canoeing, kayaking, picnicking, and others are different activities. You won’t regret your visits to the Edwin M. Griffin Nature Preserve, one of the top things to do in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
Address: Beechwood Drive, Spartanburg, SC 29307, United States
7. Artists Collective
If you are among those art enthusiasts or interested in artwork of any kind, the Artists Collective is for you.
Visit this connoisseur to build your art skill and see the fantastic works of other experienced and famous artists. The venue is made of red stones and stands at around 20,000 square feet.
Artists Collective aims to support young, local, budding artists and unite the community through art.
The house that accommodates the Artists Collective was initially a Baptist Church, which still gives the environment an ancient aura, thus, making the center unique to explore authentic artworks while in Spartanburg.
The center features at least 32 studios that simultaneously motivate art enthusiasts by showing the fantastic works of over 40 artists.
In addition, the place features other outstanding exhibits that are on rotation throughout the year.
Address: 578 W Main Street, Spartanburg, SC 29301, United States
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8. Spartanburg Historic District
Among the top fun things to do in Spartanburg, especially for history lovers, is visiting the Spartanburg Historic District.
It is a significant place on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. The area initially consists of just Morgan Square and displays some of the considerable histories of Spartanburg.
The Spartanburg also features the famous Daniel Morgan statue. The historic district was enlarged for economic and commercial purposes in recent years.
So, as it stands, the district consists of a large area featuring railroads and various textile industries.
The place also features stunning structures and architecture dating back to the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Many of its past buildings feature two or three-storied facilities built with materials that give them a Roman-style appearance.
Some ancient establishments you should explore while in Spartanburg Historic District are the Cleveland hotel, the waterworks building, and the Masonic Temple.
The historic district is undoubtedly among the best places any architecture lover should visit as it features numerous architectural wonders.
Address: Spartanburg Historic District Road, Spartanburg, United States
9. Spartanburg County Regional Museum of History
Spartanburg County Regional Museum of History is another fun attraction venue in Spartanburg.
You can find it around Chapman Cultural Center, on the second floor of the west wing. It is a spacious house of historical wonders with historical exhibits and relic collections of more than 400 years of Spartanburg County History.
Several relics are gradually shown on an easy-to-follow timeline and have interactive computers that provide detailed tips on every available item in the museum.
The history museum also has other temporary exhibits on rotation throughout the year.
You can only be admitted if you pay an affordable fee of $4 for adults, $3 for seniors and veterans, $2 for children aged 6 to 17, and free for kids aged 5 and under.
The museum is only open from Tuesday to Saturday from 10 am to 4:30 pm.
Address: 200 E St John Street, Spartanburg, SC 29306, United States
10. The Wade’s Restaurant
If you want to enjoy a feel of history alongside dining, do not miss out on a tour of Wade’s Restaurant on your visit to Spartanburg, South Carolina.
Opened in 1947, Wade’s Restaurant is a unique and special eatery offering classic and tasty delicacies in an eye-catching setting.
It has a menu featuring tasty Southern homemade cuisine specially made using carefully selected fresh and locally sourced ingredients.
The eatery features an attractive and clean interior that provides a conducive and relaxing environment for visitors to have any available delicacy of their preference.
A good number of delicacies on its menu include the likes of chicken pie, turnip greens, hush puppies, pecan pie, homemade meatloaf, and lots more.
The restaurant is only accessible to guests on Saturdays from 11 am to 8 pm, and Sundays from 11 am to 3 pm.
Address: 1000 N Pine Street, Spartanburg, SC 29303, United States
11. Westgate Mall
If you want to experience a memorable shopping experience, you will stop at the Westgate Mall for a thrilling tour and shopping. It has many things for its guests and will offer a remarkable shopping tour for tourists and locals.
The mall is made up of many unique and popular brands that serve various goods and services. Some of its popular brands are the likes of JC Penney, Bed Bath & Beyond, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Costco, Belk, and so on.
The Westgate Mall also has outstanding facilities and amenities to give its guests a comfortable and memorable shopping expedition. These facilities may include modern restrooms, accessible parking, ATMs, etc.
You can come with your children while visiting the center since it features a safe and easily accessible playground that helps children have fun while on their shopping tours.
The mall is considered one of the best in Spartanburg.
Address: 205 W Blackstock Rd, Spartanburg, SC 29301, United States
12. Jammie Seay House
Another fun center we recommend for your list of things to do in Spartanburg is Jammie Seay House.
It is a stunning historic building, considered the oldest and still existing house in Spartanburg.
It was constructed from 1770 to the 1800s and is made of ancient architectural style that offers guests a vivid image of the old houses in Spartanburg.
The historic one-story log building was constructed by Jammie Seay, a soldier in the second Virginia infantry in the Revolutionary War.
The house was named after him. The home features a chimney, a gabled roof, and a loft. It was listed on the National Register of Historic places in 1971 and is open to tours.
Address: 106 Darby Road, Spartanburg, SC 29306, United States
13. OnAgain OffAgain Farm
Some people have been searching for a world-class alpaca to visit on holiday or on weekends. You will find one in the award-winning OnAgain OffAgain Farm, a family-owned and managed alpaca farm that was opened in 2009.
The farm is built for raising and breeding stock and alpacas for fiber and pets.
This alpaca offers hypoallergenic and warm fiber that serves various purposes, from making delicate garments to insulation.
Again, it provides breeding services and contains a store that features products manufactured from alpaca fibers.
The store contains raw fleece, rug yarn, bird-nesting balls, roving, felted soaps, dryer balls, felt sheets, and other hand-knitted materials like scarves, hats, and toys.
It also features the USA-made alpaca, boot insoles, socks, hats, and so on. Remember, it also offers a constant supply of alpaca poo utilized as manures for farmers.
Address: 262 Hollis Drive, Spartanburg, SC 29307, United States
14. Motte & Sons Bootlegging Company
Even though it is not a popular place in Spartanburg, the Motte & Sons Bootlegging Company is a spectacular attraction that deserves to be on your list of fun things to do in the city.
It is a family-owned and managed company that features different fine spirits, including vodka, brandy, whiskey, and rum.
The company is located on Daniel Morgan Avenue and is available for guided tours by interested guests. While on tour, you are allowed to see the facility and enjoy many of its handcrafted drinks.
Motte & Sons Bootlegging Company also features a handcrafted, custom-packaged collection of nuts and candy. You are free to buy any custom-packaged candy and nuts as presents or souvenirs for your loved ones.
Address: 220 E Daniel Morgan Avenue, Spartanburg, SC 29302
15. Croft State Park
Another fun thing to consider doing in Spartanburg is visiting Croft State Park, which is invariably one of the best attraction centers in the city.
It is an attractive tourist center, initially a base for army training. The Croft State Park covers more than 7,000 acres of land space and is a perfect spacious area for a park.
Located in a wooded terrain near downtown Spartanburg, the park features lots of fun things for its guest, including hiking and biking on the 20 miles trail. The park offers other activities like picnicking, camping, and having fun in the secured play center.
If you are interested in fishing and boating, two lakes are available in the area to help you easily carry out these activities.
Again, Croft State Park is also famous for activities like Horseback riding and is widely recognized for its equestrian facilities throughout the country.
For you to be allowed into the facility, adults must pay $3, SC seniors $1.50, and $1 for kids from 6 to 15 years old. It is free for kids age 5 and under.
Address: 450 Croft State Park Rd, Spartanburg, SC 29302, United States
16. RJ Rockers Brewing Company
If you have been searching for some of the top brewery products in Spartanburg, you can quickly drop by RJ Rockers Brewing Company.
It is situated in the downtown area of Spartanburg and is a locally owned and managed family distillery offering some of the top beers and rums in the town.
Even though it is a small brewing outlet, RJ Rockers Brewing Company is a beautiful place for wine favorites to explore.
The spot features some of Spartanburg’s top whiskeys and Bourbons and is powered by solar, which helps keep its environment friendly and cozy.
It features drinks made through recipes that have been continuously improved for more than 22 years.
The distillery is open for a tasting experience every Thursday through Saturday. It also presents music events and trivia nights for customers to enjoy while drinking their favorite wine.
Address: 226-A W Main St, Spartanburg, SC 29306, United States
17. Milliken Arboretum
If you want to explore the beauty of nature Spartanburg can provide, you only need to tour the Milliken Arboretum.
You can find it on the private corporate campus of Milliken and Company. The arboretum is 600 acres of gorgeously manicured greenspace campus.
Parts of this center is a nationally recognized arboretum featuring many gorgeous plants and flowers. It was initially a peach orchard and had a system of official trails. It is a renowned area that hosts many 5 K cross-country notable events.
This event includes NCAA National Cross-Country Championship, Eye Opener Cross-Country Race, Jr. Olympic National Cross-Country Championship, and Milliken Earth Run.
You are allowed to visit Milliken arboretum on your tour as it is open to everyone. It is accessible from morning till night.
Address: 920 Milliken Road, Spartanburg, SC 29303, United States
18. The Crepe Factory
If you want to taste some of the tastiest crepes in Spartanburg, visit The Crepe Factory.
It is a unique, quaint store that offers many of the best delectable crepes in the city and lots of goodies for its guests. Whether savory or sweet crepes, you must find your favorite out of the many things it offers.
It is a great place to spend brunch with your family or loved ones because it also serves freshly made tasty coffee that you can take alongside their wonderful crepes.
Apart from crepes and coffee, the Crepe Factory serves yummy sandwiches and salads.
The restaurant also features an attractive setting with eye-catching décor that creates a relaxing atmosphere for relaxation while enjoying your crepes.
It is built in such a way that it is well-ventilated and has a fireplace and excellent seating setup.
Address: 137 W Main Street, Spartanburg, SC 29306, United States
19. The Zimmerli Amphitheater
The Zimmerli Amphitheater is situated in Barnet Park and has a large and attractive amphitheater.
Zimmerli Amphitheater is one of the most famous amphitheaters in Spartanburg, SC. It featured a huge seating capacity and was built using funds donated by the Zimmerli Family.
This place can house over 1,100 people, while its lawns can comfortably accommodate over 4,900 spectators.
With this considerable seating capacity, Zimmerli Amphitheater is a perfect setting for hosting significant festivals and programs throughout the year.
It also hosts many music and other concerts, making it an excellent place for music lovers. You are welcome to attend most of its events, with some admitting people for free.
These events and many more features make the amphitheater one of the city’s top free things to do.
Address: 200 E St John Street, Spartanburg, SC 29306, United States
20. Glendale Shoals Preserve
If you want to explore the remarkable wonders of Spartanburg alongside its fun activities, you must visit the Glendale Shoals Preserve.
It is a stunning nature preserve in the city that covers around 13 acres of land space. It stands today as one of the most visited tourist attractions in Spartanburg.
It features several incredible wonders like a dam and a waterfall. Its beauty gives it a tremendous picturesque appearance that any photo-lover will love to include a picture or two in their portfolios.
If you are in the Glendale Shoals Preserve, you won’t lack any activity to partake in.
One of the activities is hiking through any of its famous trails. The preserve also encourages bird watching as various species fill the area because of its varied landscapes and dense foliage.
History lovers will like the Glendale mill that initially stood in the place and can still spot its ruins alongside other ruins that date back to the 19th century.
Address: Emma Cudd Road, Spartanburg, SC 29302, United States
21. Mary Black Rail Trail
Another trail worth looking at on your visit to Spartanburg, SC, is the Mary Black Rail Trail.
The trail is a 6.1-kilometer trail that is accessible to visitors. It was initially constructed in the Norfolk Southern rail line, which used to be the Spartanburg-Union Railroad, in 1849.
The Mary Black Rail Trail features a paved, flat trail across Spartanburg’s industrial neighborhood. It is widely renowned among visitors and residents and is significantly built for walking, running, and road biking.
It is accessible throughout the year, as you can hike the trail with your dogs but must keep them on a leash.
Address: Old Spartanburg-Union Railroad, Spartanburg, SC, United States