Attractions and Places To See around St. Matthews - Top 16

St. Matthews and Calhoun County offer a rich history. You can visit the Calhoun County Museum and Cultural Center, which houses extensive memorabilia, archives, and reconstructed historic structures like a slave cabin and the Rumph Home. The Calhoun County Courthouse is also an architecturally significant landmark. Additionally, several properties are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including Midway Plantation and the Col. Olin M. Dantzler House, offering a glimpse into the region's past. The St. Matthews Historic District itself is worth exploring for its vintage southern architecture.

Yes, the area boasts several natural features. Congaree National Park is a significant natural area nearby, offering opportunities for outdoor activities. You can also explore the Congaree Bluffs Heritage Preserve, which features scenic bluff trails overlooking the Congaree River, or the Four Hole Swamp Heritage Preserve. For water-based recreation, Lake Marion is accessible and provides options for fishing, boating, and scenic relaxation.

Beyond specific attractions, Calhoun County offers access to old-growth forests, as well as opportunities for hunting, fishing, and horseback riding. For structured outdoor activities, you can find various routes for hiking and running. For example, there are several easy hiking trails like Seneca Park Loop and Brown Park Loop, which you can explore further in the hiking guide for St. Matthews. Running enthusiasts can find routes like the Arthur K. Draut Park & Brown Park loop in the running trails guide.

Yes, there are several family-friendly options. The Calhoun County Museum and Cultural Center offers guided tours that can be engaging for families. For outdoor fun, St. Matthews Community Park is a local spot for recreation. If you're looking for trails suitable for families, the Ohio River Greenway Entrance, Clarksville, offers a trail with views that is suitable for family cycling, and there's an ice cream shop nearby. Cherokee Park is also family-friendly with its paved scenic loop.

For insights into the region's earliest inhabitants, you can visit the Buyck's Bluff Archeological Site and the Prehistoric Indian Village (Arant's Field). These sites provide a window into the ancient history and cultures that once thrived in the St. Matthews area.

Absolutely. The area is well-suited for cycling and walking. The Big Four Bridge is a popular choice, offering a 2,525-foot span for pedestrians and cyclists, connecting Kentucky and Indiana. Cherokee Park features a 2.3-mile paved Scenic Loop, ideal for rides or walks. The Ohio River Greenway Entrance, Clarksville, also provides a dedicated trail for cycling. You can find more detailed routes in the hiking around St. Matthews guide.

The Calhoun County Museum and Cultural Center is a central cultural hub established in 1959. It's known for its vast collection of memorabilia and archives unique to Calhoun County and South Carolina. Key exhibits include John J. Ward's map collection, original bills of sale for enslaved Africans, period clothing, and Native American artifacts. It also features reconstructed historic structures like a slave cabin from Dantzler Plantation and the Rumph Home. Admission is free, and guided tours are available.

Yes, St. Matthews Community Park offers a local spot for unwinding and recreation. Additionally, the nearby Congaree National Park and Congaree Bluffs Heritage Preserve provide extensive natural areas for relaxation and enjoying the outdoors. While a bit further, Cherokee Park and Louisville Waterfront Park are also excellent green spaces for leisure and activities.

St. Matthews hosts the Annual Purple Martin Festival every April. This event draws visitors to the town with its festive atmosphere, featuring food, live music, and car displays. It's a great opportunity to experience local culture and community spirit.

Yes, for those traveling with dogs, Cherokee Park is known to be dog-friendly, offering a great space for walks and outdoor activities with your pet. Many of the natural preserves and trails in the wider Calhoun County area also welcome dogs, but it's always advisable to check specific park rules regarding leashes and access.

Many attractions offer scenic viewpoints. The Big Four Bridge provides expansive views over the Ohio River. The Ohio River Greenway Entrance, Clarksville, also offers pleasant river views. For natural vistas, the Congaree Bluffs Heritage Preserve features trails with views overlooking the Congaree River. Cherokee Park and Louisville Waterfront Park also provide lovely riverfront scenery.

Yes, the Louisville Extreme Park is a notable option for extreme sports enthusiasts. It's recognized as one of the top skate parks in the country, featuring a 24-foot full pipe and a blend of street, transition, and vert skating areas. It's open 24 hours a day and caters to skateboarders, inline skaters, and bikers of all skill levels.