Originally founded as a railroad town in 1852, Clinton got its name from Henry Clinton Young, who was instrumental in helping layout what would become a thriving city in the future. Clinton Mills, a textile mill company that built four factories within the vicinity, was key to its growth. While the mills are no longer being used today, it served to help trigger the growth of the city, which can be found at the heart of South Carolina—the home of many scenic hiking and trekking spots. Read on to find out more about the best things to do in Clinton, South Carolina.
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1. Enjoy the scenic trail of Millers Fork Trail
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
If you are big on great outdoor activities, hop on your bike and head to Millers Fork Trail. Located near I-26, it is a natural surface trail that lies between Highway 56 and Highway 72 and is open to the general public. It follows the Miller Fork creek but the trailhead and parking lot are located in West Corporate Center Drive. The trail is pleasant for scenic hiking and biking adventures.
Although typically considered a moderately challenging route, it is well worth the effort because the trail leads to a sightly boulder-strewn section of the creek. Note that dogs are prohibited in the area so you’ll need to leave them at home.
Millers Fork Trail
Address: 18889 SC-72, Clinton, SC 29325
Website: Millers Fork Trail
Opening hours: 24 hours
2. Take a grasp of the railroad history of Clinton Depot
Clinton Depot is a reminder of Clinton’s bustling railroad days. It was built in 1908 and served as an integral alley for the rail travelers along the Columbia, Newberry, and Laurens Railroads. Although what stands now in Clinton’s town square is a replica brick archway, the shelter commemorates the original depot’s contribution to the movement of crowd and trades during its glorious days of operation.
The brick archway is located near Presbyterian College and the First Presbyterian Church of Clinton, among other equally historical sites to explore when you visit Clinton Depot.
Clinton Depot
Address: North Broad Street, Clinton, SC 29325
3. Explore both history and nature at the Musgrove Mill State Historic Site Park
It may be hard to believe, but the peaceful grounds of Musgrove Mill State Historic Park once served as a war zone. On August 19, 1780, the Battle of Musgrove Mill took place there, in which the Patriots defeated the Loyalists.
Aside from preserving history in its grounds, the park is also home to various natural attractions, such as Horseshoe Falls and the Enoree River, where visitors can go kayaking or canoeing.
Musgrove Mill State Historic Site Park
Address: 398 State Park Road, Clinton, South Carolina
Price: Free admission
Opening Hours: 9 am – 6 pm daily. The Visitor Center is closed during Thanksgiving and Christmas
Contact: +1 8649380100
Website: Musgrove Mill State Historic Site
4. Learn more about the city's history at the Clinton Museum
Posted by Clinton Museum on Saturday, 24 May 2014
Clinton Museum is a must-visit destination for history buffs, as this presents the story of the city, including the most notable figures in its history. Among the exhibits in the establishment are curios and artifacts that provide visitors with a glimpse of the city’s past.
Clinton Museum
Address: 404 N Broad Street, Clinton, South Carolina
Price: Free admission
Opening Hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1 pm – 4 pm; Sundays, 2 pm – 5 pm
Contact: +1 8649381099
5. Walk along the historic downtown of Clinton
Posted by Sheriff Ricky Chastain, Ret. on Saturday, 7 December 2013
Downtown Clinton is the heart of commerce within the city, and registered as one of the national historic places in the country. The district is predominantly composed of old buildings, some of which have been built as early as the 19th-century, well preserved and continuing to be used commercially by several businesses.
You can stroll along the sidewalk, go window shopping, or enjoy a snack in one of the coffee shops in the area.
Downtown Clinton
Address: Clinton, South Carolina
6. Explore the events and activities at Presbyterian College
Presbyterian College was founded in 1880 by Dr. William Plumer Jacobs, following the Civil War. Originally founding an orphanage, he worked with local Presbyterians to establish the school so that the orphans he has taken on would be guaranteed a college education.
Today, the school is not just open to students and faculty members. It also welcomes visitors to its art gallery, as well as to the community events it hosts.
Presbyterian College
Address: 503 South Broad Street, South Carolina
Contact: +1 8004767272
Website: Presbyterian College
7. Go hunting at the Upland Wings Preserve
Upland Wings Preserve is a hunting ground for quail, chukar, deer, pheasant, and turkey. Guests can also go fishing at the ponds here.
The founder of Upland Wings Preserve is a huntsman himself, so he knows what services and amenities hunters will need while on the ground. For instance, the establishment can provide the services of dogs to help you as you hunt. Those who also want to go hunting for more than one day can actually book rooms here for a night or more, as lodgings can be provided at the preserve.
Upland Wings Preserve
Address: 1665 Milam Road, Clinton, South Carolina
Price: from 495 USD
Contact: +1 8648768327; +1 8649231379
Website: Upland Wings Preserve
Nearby things to do
8. Take a breather at Falls Park
Falls Park in Greenville, South Carolina features a combination of nature, history, architecture, and art. It serves as the home of a unique curved suspension footbridge and public art. It also has excavated grist mill ruins. The highlight of the park, however, is Reedy River, which features several waterfalls feeding it. You can spend a relaxing time there just simply listening to the water flowing along the river.
If you want to explore more parks, or if you’re looking for indoor things to do in Greenville, head to Sky Zone Trampoline Park or Urban Air Adventure Park.
Falls Park
Address: 601 South Main Street, Greenville, South Carolina
Website: Falls Park
9. Enjoy an artistic performance at the Newberry Opera House
Newberry Opera House, built in 1881, is built in the style of Victorian civic eclectic architecture. Its name is actually a misnomer, as opera is not the only type of entertainment held there. Various performances have been held there, from plays, musicals, and magical acts to variety shows, musical performances, and even boxing. The wide variety of performances held here have led to the Newberry Opera House being dubbed as the entertainment center of the Midlands.
Newberry Opera House
Address: 1201 McKibben Street, Newberry, South Carolina
Contact: +1 8032765179
Website: Newberry Opera House
10. Re-discover your childhood at Frankie’s Fun Park
Frankie’s Fun Park is a good destination for kids and kids at heart, as several accommodations are available for teens and adults alike, whether they are fans of outdoor or indoor activities.
Those who prefer the outdoors can enjoy different kinds of activities, such as batting baseballs, racing with go-karts, or controlling a bumper boat. Those who are more comfortable indoors can have fun here as well, as they can play at the arcades or laser tag, or spend some time at the Dark Ride or the Fun House.
Frankie’s Fun Park
Address: 140 Parkridge Drive, Columbia, South Carolina
Price: No admission fee, but each activity comes with a corresponding fee, which starts at 2 USD
Opening Hours: Mondays to Saturdays, 10 am to midnight; Sundays, 11 am to midnight
Contact: +1 8037812342
Nearby Food: The park offers several food options to visitors
Website: Frankie’s Fun Park
Natural retreats
Clinton and its neighboring area offer activities that cater to a variety of interests. Whether you are a fan of exploring the outdoors or if you like the indoors better, or whether you like sports or much prefer music, this portion of South Carolina has something to offer you. So travel the vibrant state further and farther. The amazing Airbnb vacation rentals and Airbnb tiny houses in South Carolina are ready to accommodate you on your visit.
Frequently asked questions about the best things to do in Clinton, South Carolina
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