Magnolia Plantation & Gardens

This world-famous plantation has been associated with the Drayton family since its founding in 1676. It includes the country’s oldest garden (c.1680), and a Reconstruction-era plantation house. The garden features the Barbados Tropical Garden, a nature train tour, a petting zoo, wildlife observation tower, nature trails, wildlife art gallery, an 18th-century herb garden, a Biblical garden, horticultural maze and antebellum cabin. The Audubon Swamp Garden offers 60 acres of the primeval beauty of blackwater cypress and tupelo swamp, traversed by bridges, boardwalks and dikes. A 45-minute nature boat tour takes visitors through ancient rice fields.

Magnolia Plantation has long been associated with the Drayton family. It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. While its plantation house was destroyed, it is well known for its outstanding period gardens and has a famous antique collection.