Magnolia Plantation tour
Magnolia Plantation is one of the most famous and aesthetically pleasing attractions in the Charleston area. Magnolia Plantation’s story began back in the late 17th century when Stephen Fox received 400 acres of land on the banks of the Ashley River. The land was then passed to his son-in-law, Thomas Drayton. Thomas Drayton immigrated to Charleston in 1679 from Barbados, and by the time of his death, he had acquired a tremendous level of wealth. He owned numerous plantations, thousands of heads of cattle, hundreds of horses, and dozens of enslaved people.
Thomas’s youngest son, John, built Drayton Hall in Charleston when he was in his 20s. Over the course of two centuries, the Drayton family and their land holdings expanded to almost 1,700 acres just before the beginning of the Civil War. After many years of post-war hardships and Reconstruction, Magnolia Plantation eventually became the famous and frequently visited historic site that it is today.
Magnolia Plantation is now known for its natural beauty and aesthetic environment. Having the oldest botanical gardens in the country provides visitors with an endless amount of incredible flora that is sure to impress. Magnolias, live oak trees, cypress, crape myrtles, azaleas, and Spanish moss are among the various species that call Magnolia Plantation home. Be sure to bring your cameras to this absolutely picturesque gem.
It is important to note that Magnolia Plantation offers a variety of guided tour experiences on site. This includes the nature train tour, the Magnolia house tour, the From Slavery to Freedom tour, and the wildlife boat ride tour. During the nature tram tour, guests will go through the swamps of Magnolia Plantation and see wildlife such as alligators, birds, turtles, and more. It is a great and slow-paced way to interact with Magnolia Plantation’s natural history and botany.
The house at Magnolia Plantation is the third house built on site. It was initially designed as a country cottage and has undergone quite a number of changes over the last 150 years. Touring the house allows guests to learn about the architectural and familial history of Magnolia Plantation, with each room telling a different chapter of the Drayton family legacy.
The wildlife boat tour is a unique experience that takes guests through former rice fields and is an excellent way to see a variety of bird species, alligators, and other creatures up close. It is an immersive tour that offers a peaceful and informative ride through one of the most scenic parts of the property.
Lastly is the From Slavery to Freedom tour. When Magnolia Plantation was a working plantation, the most important cash crop grown was rice. It was rice that made Charleston one of the wealthiest places on earth during this period. Rice was also one of the most dangerous cash crops to grow at the time. Flooding, intense heat, wildlife such as alligators and snakes, and infectious diseases from mosquitoes all created hazardous conditions for the enslaved. This tour explores the lives, struggles, and resilience of the enslaved community that worked and lived at Magnolia Plantation.
Chicora Tours believes that it is important for our guests to be educated on the historic significance of what happened at Magnolia Plantation. What differentiates Chicora Tours from other tour operators that offer plantation tours to Magnolia is that our guests are provided with enough time to participate in all three of the most popular guided tours on site. This includes the nature tram tour, the house tour, and the From Slavery to Freedom tour.
The nature tram tour goes around the swamp and allows guests to see wildlife such as alligators, birds, fish, and more. Afterward, guests go on the house tour, which spans over 150 years of history. Lastly, guests will partake in the From Slavery to Freedom tour, which discusses the history and the dwellings of the enslaved at Magnolia Plantation.
Before the first tour of the day, guests have time and the opportunity to explore the gardens or grab a bite to eat at the Peacock Café on site or visit the gift shop. Whether you are a nature lover, a history enthusiast, or someone who simply enjoys peaceful and scenic environments, Magnolia Plantation tours with Chicora Tours have something for everyone.
Another aspect of our Magnolia Plantation tour is that Chicora Tours does not book large groups. Going on those oversized motor coach excursions can feel very crowded and impersonal. Our Magnolia Plantation tour is capped at 10 guests to ensure comfort and personal interaction with your driver and guide. Our guests are transported in our spacious Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van, which provides a smooth and comfortable ride with plenty of legroom and air conditioning to handle Charleston’s southern heat.
Transportation to Magnolia Plantation is included in all of our tour packages. Chicora Tours ensures that guests can relax and enjoy the scenic drive from downtown Charleston to Magnolia without the stress of parking or navigating unfamiliar roads. Your experience begins the moment you are picked up, and our local guides are ready to provide insightful commentary and personalized attention along the way.
Our dedication to hospitality, comfort, and comprehensive education is what makes Chicora Tours the ideal choice for anyone looking to experience Magnolia Plantation tours. We go beyond transportation to Magnolia Plantation. We offer an immersive experience that’s rich in history, culture, and natural beauty.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Charleston or a returning traveler looking to explore more deeply, our plantation tours offer a balanced combination of historical context and breathtaking scenery. Let Chicora Tours handle all the details so you can fully enjoy your time at Magnolia Plantation.
