Reconstruction Era National Historical Park

Things To Do Near Reconstruction Era National Historical Park

The Reconstruction Era National Historical Park is divided into four distinct areas. Start your visit at the Old Beaufort Firehouse as it serves as the visitor center, and many guided walks start at this location. Explore Darrah Hall at Penn Center as it was one of the first schools set up for free slaves. Over 8,000 freed slaves took control of Brick Baptist Church after the Battle of Port Royal, and you will want to explore this site where white and black people worshipped together during the Civil War. Camp Saxton Site is where the Emancipation Proclamation was read at Port Royale, and you will want to explore this area and see the displays located there. 

Hiking Trails

• Spanish Moss Trail

  The trailhead for the Spanish Moss Trail is off Clarendon Road north of downtown Beaufort. This 10-mile paved trail runs by many historical sites in Beaufort before ending at Port Royale. For the most part, this trail follows the former Magnolia Line Railroad. 

  Location

  Clarendon Road, Beaufort, South Carolina 29901

  Length

  10 miles

  Intensity

  Moderate

• Victoria Bluff Heritage Preserve Trail

  The trailhead for the Victoria Bluff Heritage Preserve Trail is at the parking lot off Sawmill Creek Road near Bluffton, South Carolina. This trail, which runs around and across this property, is a great place to spot migratory birds because there are 60 depressed wet areas. You can often see deer and other wildlife along the trails. Be careful about hiking at this location during the fall as the facility is open for archery deer hunting. 

  Location

  Sawmill Creek Road, Bluffton, South Carolina 29910

  Length

  4 miles

  Intensity

  Moderate

• Pickney Island Trail

  The Pickney Island Trail at the Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge starts on the north end of the island and crosses through the salt marshes to the south end of the island. You may see alligators while hiking on this out-and-back trail. Watch for signs to this location as you are nearing the end of the bridge. 

  Location

  Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge, Pickney Island, South Carolina

  Length

  0.43 miles

  Intensity

  Moderate

Sightseeing

• Hunting Island State Park

  Head to Hunting Island State Park to play on five miles of beaches. Climb the lighthouse to see amazing views of the Lowland area. This park, which covers more than 5,000 acres, is an excellent place for wildlife viewing. 

  Location

  2555 Sea Island Parkway, St Helena Island, South Carolina 29920 

• Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park

  Watch the ships come in at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park. There are terrific places to watch the sunset. This park also features a spacious children’s playground. 

  Location

  Bay Street, Beaufort, South Carolina 29902

• Beaufort National Cemetery

  The Beaufort National Cemeterywas established in 1863 for the internment of Union soldiers. The cemetery is laid out in a half-circle design. This is a gorgeous area along the Beaufort River to explore. 

  Location

  1601 Boundary Street, Beaufort, South Carolina 29902

Museums

• Port Royal Sound Foundation Maritime Center

  Explore ecology, recreation, and other aspects of life in Port Royal by visiting the Port Royal Sound Foundation Maritime Center. Be sure that you see their 3,000-gallon aquarium filled with local fish. This museum often hosts special family-focused activities. 

  Location

  310 Okatie Highway, Okatie, South Carolina 29909

• Beaufort History Museum

  Soldiers originally constructed the Beaufort History Museum in 1799 as a brick-and-tabby arsenal. The arsenal was used during the Civil War. See old cannons at this location, along with local history. 

  Location

  713 Craven Street, Beaufort, South Carolina 29902

• Parris Island Museum

  Located at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island in South Carolina, this museum highlights local history and the history of the United States Marine Corps. It is also an excellent place to learn about the Charlesfort-Santa Elena National Historic Landmark. 

  Location

  111 Panama Street, Beaufort, South Carolina 29905

Nearby Shops and Restaurants

• Bay Street Outfitters

  Find fishing gear at Bay Street Outfitters. They also offer guided fishing trips. 

  Location

  825 Bay Street, Beaufort, South Carolina 29902

• Wild Birds Unlimited

  Learn more about the birds in the Beaufort area by visiting Wild Birds Unlimited. You can buy birdseed and houses at this shop to encourage birds to come to your yard. 

  Location

  2139 Boundary Street Suite 106, Beaufort, South Carolina 29902

• Plums Restaurant

  Get your favorite po’boys, sandwiches, and burgers at Plums Restaurant. This restaurant has been serving customers since 1986. Indoor and outdoor dining are both available. 

  Location

  904 Bay Street, Beaufort, South Carolina 29902

• Gilligan’s Seafood Restaurant

  Find fresh seafood served in a casual atmosphere at Gilligan’s Seafood Restaurant. You are sure to love the friendly atmosphere of this restaurant where the whole family is welcome. 

  Location

  2601 Boundary Street, Beaufort, South Carolina 29902

How To Get To Reconstruction Era National Historical Park

You can get from Savannah to Reconstruction Era National Historical Park in about 90 minutes. Start by getting on US 17 South. Take the US 21 South Ramp to Beaufort. Continue following US 21 to Beaufort. Get on US 21 Business by going straight. At the traffic circle, be sure to take the second exit. Turn right on Craven Street. Look to your left, and you will see the park. 

Address

Reconstruction Era National Historical Park, 706 Craven St, Beaufort, SC 29902 

Fee: Entry fee $0

Enjoy exploring South Carolina’s Lowcountry by bringing your RV to this region. Start your adventure at the Reconstruction Era National Historical Park. Take the guided tours at this park to learn about the issues facing America at the end of the Civil War. Spend some time thinking about freedom and what it means for everyone to be equal. Then, explore the surrounding area. There are lots of hiking trails through beautiful scenery to explore. You will also want to spend time exploring other attractions, shops, and dining spots. If you do not have an RV, renting one on RVshare.com is fast and convenient.