Historic Columbia: Historic House Museum, Garden & Walking Tours

Explore Columbia's stories, one historic place at a time. Discover more than 200 years of history in the heart of South Carolina's capital city with Historic Columbia. From remarkable historic homes and beautiful gardens to downtown streets and neighborhoods, our tours connect visitors with the people, places, and events that shaped Columbia's past and continue to influence its future. Whether you're fascinated by historic architecture, interested in African American history, drawn to historic gardens, or simply looking for a memorable way to experience Columbia, Historic Columbia offers opportunities to explore the city's rich and complex history.

Historic House Museum Tours

Step inside some of Columbia's most significant historic properties, where knowledgeable guides share the stories of the people who lived, worked, and shaped history within their walls.

• Robert Mills House and Gardens: Discover the architectural legacy of Robert Mills, America's first federal architect, and explore the history of this remarkable neoclassical landmark.
• Hampton-Preston Mansion and Gardens: Explore more than two centuries of history through the lives of the free and enslaved individuals connected to this grand 19th-century estate and its gardens.
• Museum of the Reconstruction Era: Located inside the Woodrow Wilson Family Home, this museum explores one of America's most transformative periods, when the meanings of freedom, citizenship, and democracy were being redefined.

Additional experiences, including the Journey to Freedom Tour at the Mann-Simons Site and Modjeska Monteith Simkins House, explore generations of African American history, from entrepreneurship and community building to the struggle for civil rights. These experiences are available through group reservations and select programming.

Historic Walking Tours

Discover Columbia beyond the museum walls on a guided walking tour through the city's historic neighborhoods and districts. Explore the architectural evolution of Main Street, the fascinating transformation of the Bull Street District, and the history of landscapes and horticulture at the Hampton-Preston Mansion Gardens. Public walking tours are offered on a rotating schedule, with private group tours available by advance reservation.

Gardens and Historic Landscapes

Historic Columbia's 14 acres of historic gardens and landscapes offer another way to connect with the city's past. Enjoy beautiful seasonal plantings, historic landscape features, and thoughtfully maintained green spaces in the heart of downtown Columbia. Gardens are open to the public during posted hours, with guided garden experiences available for groups.

Group Tours and Educational Experiences

Planning a visit for a travel group, school, organization, or club? Historic Columbia offers group experiences designed to connect visitors with the city's architecture, cultural heritage, and history. Choose from guided historic house museum tours, walking tours, and step-on guided bus tours exploring downtown Columbia and African American heritage sites. Group tours are available by advance reservation.

Plan Your Visit

Historic house and garden tours begin at the Welcome Center at Robert Mills, located at 1616 Blanding Street in Columbia, South Carolina. Tour schedules, admission prices, and availability vary by experience. Advance booking is encouraged, and group tours must be arranged ahead of time. Visit www.historiccolumbia.org/tours to explore tour options, view current schedules, purchase tickets, or plan a group visit. Historic Columbia 1616 Blanding Street Columbia, SC 29201 (803) 252-7742 reservations@historiccolumbia.org www.historiccolumbia.org This listing supported by Discover South Carolina. Return to Listings