Riverbanks Zoo: Wildlife, History, and Botanical Beauty in Columbia, SC

Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia, South Carolina, was my destination on Saturday, July 24, 2021. I had heard about a newly born baby flamingo and wanted to see it for myself. It was a hot and humid summer day, with temperatures in the 90s, but that didn’t stop me from spending the day exploring.

My previous visit had been about two years earlier, after a hiatus of roughly 15 years. I was amazed by how much Riverbanks had changed during that time. The zoo had grown into a destination that reminded me of some of the larger zoos across the country, despite occupying only about 170 acres.

Did you know that Riverbanks Zoo has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1973? The designation isn’t because of the zoo itself, but because of the fascinating history of the land on which it sits.

Before the zoo existed, this area was home to the Saluda River Factory. Built in 1830, the cotton mill eventually became the largest cotton mill in the South. When visiting Riverbanks, I highly recommend taking the short River Trail to see the remains of the historic mill.

The area also has a fascinating connection to the Civil War. A covered bridge once crossed the Saluda River. In February 1865, the bridge was burned in an attempt to prevent General Sherman’s troops from reaching Columbia. Sherman eventually had a temporary bridge constructed using lumber from the Saluda mill. You can still see remnants of the old bridge in the middle of the river.

An interpretive center near the ruins provides additional information about the mill, bridge, and the area’s history. Unfortunately, it was closed during my visit, but the ruins and surrounding landscape were still worth exploring.

If you continue along the River Trail, the paved path takes you through a beautiful wooded area toward the Riverbanks Botanical Garden. As I walked alongside the Saluda River, I couldn’t help but smile as memories came flooding back. Years ago, I used to bring my children to Riverbanks, and they had a particular spot they called their “castle.”

They would race each other to reach their favorite spot, where they would play a quick game of “war” and argue over who won before continuing toward the botanical garden. Walking that same trail years later brought back those wonderful memories. It was one of those unexpected moments when a familiar place suddenly feels completely different because you’ve changed while the memories remain.

The zoo itself was extremely busy on the Saturday I visited. People were everywhere, making social distancing nearly impossible. Although I was outdoors, I ultimately decided to wear a mask because of the crowds. With temperatures in the 90s, wearing a mask wasn’t particularly comfortable, but at the time, I felt that safety was more important than comfort.

If you’re planning a visit, I strongly recommend going on a weekday if possible. You’ll likely have a more relaxed experience and an easier time enjoying the animals without navigating large crowds. I also purchased my ticket online, which saved me $5 on parking at the time of my visit.

Of course, the animals remain the stars of Riverbanks Zoo. The zoo cares for species from Africa, Australia, Asia, and North America. Not every animal was visible during my visit, but I was fortunate to see lions, rhinos, monkeys, giraffes, gorillas, koalas, baboons, flamingos, and Galápagos tortoises.

And yes, I did get to see the baby flamingo that brought me to the zoo in the first place! There is something irresistible about seeing young animals, and the tiny flamingo was definitely one of the highlights of my visit.

I also spent time exploring the Botanical Garden, which remains one of my favorite parts of Riverbanks. It’s a beautiful place to slow down after walking through the zoo and enjoy flowers, plants, trees, and peaceful garden spaces.

Riverbanks offers much more than animal exhibits. Families can enjoy water activities, children’s play areas, a zipline, carousel, climbing wall, and splash zone. There are also snack areas and restaurants, including mobile ordering options.

Riverbanks Zoo offers educational programs as well, including children’s camps and backstage animal encounters. Throughout the year, visitors can also attend special events such as Boo at the Zoo, Lights Before Christmas, and wine-tasting events.

Whether you’re visiting for the animals, the gardens, the history, or simply a fun day outdoors, Riverbanks has something for visitors of all ages. For me, the combination of wildlife, beautiful gardens, fascinating history, and personal memories makes it much more than just a zoo.

If You Go

Location: Columbia, South Carolina
Best for: Wildlife, families, photography, gardens, history, and special events
Best day to visit: A weekday is my recommendation if you want to avoid the largest crowds.
What to see: Lions, giraffes, gorillas, rhinos, flamingos, koalas, baboons, Galápagos tortoises, and many other animals.
Don’t miss: Take the River Trail to see the ruins of the historic Saluda River Factory and remnants of the old bridge.
Botanical Garden: Allow extra time to explore this beautiful section of the property.
Tickets: Check the current online ticketing options before visiting. Prices and parking policies can change.
What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes, water, sunscreen, and a camera. Summer visits can be very hot.
Family activities: Look for the splash zone, carousel, climbing wall, zipline, play areas, and other attractions.
Photography tip: Early morning or later afternoon can provide more comfortable temperatures and better conditions for photographing animals.
Allow time: Plan on several hours if you want to see the zoo, River Trail, and Botanical Garden without rushing.