A: Yes, the public is welcome to swim at the Lexington Park site at the Lake Murray Dam. The park site opens in early April through Labor Day. This recreation area is located at 1797 North Lake Drive in Lexington, SC.
A: Popular dining spots on Lake Murray include, Liberty at the Lake, Catfish Johnny’s, J. Peters Grill, Buffalo Creek Grille and Charlie’s Fisherman Wharf. Please note that some of these dining spots have seasonal hours.
A: This natural phenomenon occurs annually in early June through the end of August. The birds gather on Bomb Island in the middle of lake Murray. Several tour guides are available to take visitors out to see the birds. Click here to view boat rentals and tours.
A: We have striper, bass and other types of fishing guides. Click here for the full list.
A: Stop by the Lake Murray Country Visitors Center, located at 2184 N. Lake Drive, Columbia. We have several maps and most of them are free. Maps can also be mailed to you upon request; call (803) 781-5940.
A: It will take around 15-20 minutes to travel from Lake Murray to downtown Columbia. The mileage is 13.6 miles traveling via Bush River Road in Columbia.
A: Lake Murray has 650 miles of shoreline and the dam project was completed in 1930.
Questions about Things to Do in the Region
A: Some of the top attractions include Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, the SC State Museum, the SC State House, EdVenture Children’s Museum, Congaree National Park and Lake Murray. Click here to access our Visitor Guide, which offers suggestions on what to do in the area.
A: Newberry's thriving downtown offers an array of unique shops and restaurants, a state-of-the-art opera house, the Enoree River Winery and Carter and Holmes, the largest orchid nursery east of the Mississippi. Click here to find out more where to eat and shop in Newberry.
A: This region has two state parks… Sesquicentennial State Park in Northeast Columbia and Dreher Island State Park located on Lake Murray. We also recommend Congaree National Park, located off I-77 in Hopkins, SC. Click here for more information on the parks in the Lake Murray Country region.
A: The Lake Murray Country Visitors Center (2184 N. Lake Drive, Columbia) has brochures about the state parks and camping. Camping is available at Sesquicentennial and Dreher Island State Parks. Campers are also welcome at Congaree National Park. Click here for more information on the parks in the Lake Murray Country region.
A: A few popular spots are Little Mountain Unlimited Antiques, 763 Meeting Street Antiques, the Old Mill Antique Mall and the Spring Valley Antique Mall. Click here for more shopping options.
A: The Lake Murray Country Visitors Center (2184 N. Lake Drive, Columbia) has brochures about Congaree National Park. More information about the park can be found here.
A: There are many trails to explore…the West Columbia River walk, Columbia’s Canal and Riverfront Park, the Timmerman Trail in Cayce, Cayce River walk, Harbison State Forest, Saluda Shoals Park, Peachtree Rock in Lexington and the Palmetto Trail (Peak to Prosperity Passage). Click here for more information on the parks in the Lake Murray Country region.
Questions about Restaurants, Hotels & Event Venues
A: If you are wanting to stay close to dining options, there are several hotels in Columbia’s Vista area that are in walking distance to restaurants. Also, on Columbia’s Main Street there are several hotels that are close to restaurants. See the complete list here.
A: These hotels are located in the Harbison area and are close to the Lake Murray dam…Aloft Columbia/Harbison, Comfort Suites Harbison, Extended Stay Northwest/Harbison, Hampton Inn/Harbison, Hilton Garden Inn/Harbison, Hyatt Place Columbia/Harbison, Residence Inn by Marriott/Harbison, Town Place Suites by Marriott, Tru by Hilton/ Harbison.
A: There are numerous wedding venues in the region…a few include: 701 Whaley (Columbia), Lace House (Columbia), Stone River (West Columbia), Doko Manor (Blythewood), River Road & Jasmine House (Irmo), Newberry Firehouse (Newberry), Main and Nance (Newberry), Southwind Acres (Prosperity), The Pipeline (Saluda), Twelve Oak Estate (Lexington), Wintergreen Woods (Lexington) and Corley Mill House & Garden (Lexington) and Southern Oaks (Gilbert).
A: There are over 28 BBQ restaurants in the region… a few to mention include Hudson’s in Lexington, Shealy’s and Hite’s in Leesville, Farm boys in Chapin, Maurice’s Piggie Park located in West Columbia and Irmo and Wise’s BBQ in Newberry. For restaurant selections, click here.
A: There are numerous breweries located throughout our four county region. There two wineries, Enoree River Winery, located in Newberry and Mercer House Winery in Lexington. For the brewery selection, click here.
A: In Columbia, visit these roof top bars...Hendrix, River Rat Brewery and the bar at the Sheraton Hotel. In West Columbia, check out Savage Craft Ale Works and the Black Rooster.