“stunning swamp and garden”
**Cypress Gardens is currently closed until further notice due to flood damage.** You don't have to travel to Hollywood to see the backdrop of famous movies and television scenes! Stars such as Patrick Swayze, Mel Gibson, Jude Law, Heath Ledger, Ryan Gosling, Rachel McAdams and Katherine Heigl have all spent time filming at Cypress Gardens. Cold Mountain (2003) North and South (1985) TV Miniseries Rear View Mirror (1984) TV Sell This House on AETV (2010) TV Swamp Thing (1982) The Notebook (2004) The Patriot (2000) Our exciting swamp boat rides offer a unique view of our vast garden landscape. Revel in the reflections of the tall bald cypress and tupelo trees mirrored in the dark, black water. Paddle along a marked trail looking for alligators, birds, turtles, lily pads and other swamp life. Enjoy picturesque views along 3.5 miles of walking/hiking paths which loop through the swamp and gardens. Stroll along original dikes from the rice-growing era, keeping an eye out for wildlife. A local favorite, visitors enjoy observing the splendors of nature in this large greenhouse filled with flowering plants, live butterflies, birds, a pond, an arthropod exhibit, and a observation beehive. As you search for the different stages of the butterfly's life cycle, you may even see butterflies actively feeding and laying eggs. We have redeveloped the aquarium/reptile center! Large tanks and terrariums feature fish, amphibians, and reptiles (including venomous snakes) native to swamp and nearby waterways. Representative animals from swamps of the world are also displayed such as a South American anaconda and African crocodiles.
ALERT – Cypress Gardens is currently closed until further notice due to flood damage. please see their website for updates:
http://www.cypressgardens.info/
What makes this spot so special is the guided or solo boat tour through the Black waters of the Cypress Garden. This is a short 30-40 paddle. I opted for the solo paddle, which comes complimentary as part of the $10 entry fee.
There are arrows guiding you through the maze of trees, under two bridges (duck your head), and past alligators and turtles.
Beautiful place for artists and photographers! The boat tour was excellent. Disappointed that the ruins were destroyed in a storm several years ago, there is nothing left of them. It was still worth the trip though.
The bridge was out on the road to the place and the detour is out there, but maps are on the side of the road and quite accurate.
AWESOME! Only $10 admission for adults and you get to boat around the cypress trees on your own or you can pay $5 for the tour. Three of my best friends and I boated through on our own and got to see the trees, alligators, turtles, and, if you care, a location where a scene for The notebook was shot. After, we went through the butterfly garden! There were even more displays to go through but with those two stops alone, we were mesmerized and completely glad we drove out of the way a bit for this amazing stop!!
This place is down right amazing! It was a little of of the way and in the middle of nowhere... We had to use a Gps to find it but it was worth it and made the trip 10 times better.
Website says they will be re-opening April 13, 2019!
I LOVED THIS PLACE LIKE A SON
Although the historic ruins are now gone, we had a lot of fun canoeing in the swamp and seeing alligators from afar! Fun experience.
Love this place! Beautiful and serene. From alligators swimming by you to the Lilly pads littering the water, it's an amazing sight to behold. Climb in a boat and paddle around the lake where they filmed a scene from the notebook. Walk the path around and enjoy nature. If you enjoy the outdoors, you will not be disappointed. Price was fair as well.
Closed Indefinitely.
This really is a spectacular place to visit, but unfortunately it is no longer open. The gardens suffered extreme damage, and were forced to close and relocate the animals but I don't think they lost any. Try Mepkin Abbey instead. It is a beautiful monastery nearby.
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Cypress Gardens
Hours
- Sun - Sat: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
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Wheelchair Accessible
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Outdoor Seating
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