About This Park - Sesquicentennial State Park

Sesquicentennial State Park

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Sesquicentennial State Park, situated in the middle of the Sandhills region, features a beautiful 30-acre lake surrounded by trails and picnic areas.

The park’s proximity to downtown Columbia and interstate highways attracts both local residents and travelers.

Sesqui, as it’s affectionately known, is heavily used for family reunions and group campouts. It also features dog park and well-attended interpretive nature programs, as well as a dormitory, meeting facility and ropes course popular for corporate retreats and team-building.

Once a drive out to the country but now a green space in the Columbia suburbs, the park was originally built by the men of the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. Evidence of their craftsmanship remains today, including in the distinctive white stone blocks that mark the front gate.

GENERAL

Designation: Sesquicentennial State Park was developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), a New Deal Program created by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The program was designed to provide employment during the Great Depression while addressing national needs in conservation and recreation.

The CCC was instrumental in the development of many of South Carolina’s state parks. A number of buildings built by the CCC in the 1930's are still in use at this park.
Counties: Richland
Acreage: 1419
When & How PRT Acquired: Donated in 1937 from the Sesquicentennial Commission
Pets: Pets are allowed in most outdoor areas provided they are kept under physical restraint or on a leash not longer than six feet.

There is also a new dog park available at Sesquicentennial State Park. The dog park is a 2-acre, fenced-in area for dogs to run off-leash.

A permit is required for each dog, available at the park office. Permits are $25/year, and are pro-rated depending on the date of purchase. Permits expire on July 1 of each year. Daily permits are available for $4. Important Notice! Dog must be present for photo identification to obtain dog park permit. Owners must provide current vaccination records showing proof of spayed/neutered, rabies, parvo and kennel cough. Dog permit fees do not include admission into the park.

See the What's New section for more information on the dog park.
Tour and Programs Information: Sesquicentennial is a "DiscoverCarolina Site", which provides curriculum-based science education programs for South Carolina school children.
Pay Phone on Site: Yes

HOURS

Admissions: $2 adults; $1.25 SC seniors; age 15 & younger free
Office Hours: 11 am-noon & 4-5pm
Days and Hours of Operation: M-Su 8am-6pm (extended from 7am to 9pm during Daylight Savings Time)

LOCATION

Driving Directions:
From I-20: Take exit 74. Turn left onto Hwy 1 (Two Notch Rd.), travel N 3 mi, park will be on the right.

From I-77: Take exit 17. Go N. on Hwy 1 (Two Notch Rd.), for 2 mi. Park will be on the right. (turn left if traveling I-77 Southbound turn left onto Hwy 1; or turn right if traveling I-77 northbound)
Lake Location: Yes
Miles to Nearest Hospital: 12
Miles to Nearest Town: 13
Miles to Nearest Grocery Store: 1