Andrew Jackson State Park - Lancaster, SC - Schoolhouse, Museum, Fishing, and Wildlife

Andrew Jackson, the seventh president of the United States, grew up in the backcountry of South Carolina in an area known as the Waxhaws. Andrew Jackson State Park features a museum that details Jackson's boyhood. The park is a combination of history, art, and community activities. Located off of Highway 521, Andrew Jackson State Park is at 196 Andrew Jackson Park Road in Lancaster, South Carolina. The park is now part of the SC Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism (PRT). In 1953, Lancaster County donated the park to PRT. The park is roughly 360 acres.

Admission to Andrew Jackson State Park is $2 for anyone 16+ years old. For South Carolina seniors, admission is $1.25. Admission is free for children 15 and under. The park's regular hours of operation are 8:00am-6:00pm daily. During Daylight Savings Time, the park's hours are 9:00am-9:00pm daily. The park's regular office hours are 11:00am-12:00pm daily.

The park's museum is open on weekends from 1:00pm-5:00pm. The museum is open on weekdays by appointment and when there is available staff. The museum highlights Jackson's boyhood and his experiences during the Revolutionary War.

One of the park's focal points is a statue of Andrew Jackson on horseback. The statue was designed by Anna Hyatt Huntington. In addition to the statue and the museum, the park is home to a replica of a one-room schoolhouse from the 18th century. The schoolhouse is open on weekends from mid-March to November. On Saturday, the schoolhouse is open from 1:00pm to 5:00pm. On Sunday, it is open from 2:00pm to 5:00pm.

The park's ampitheatre is home to an annual bluegrass festival and other community events. In addition, the park's programming includes living history programs that feature staff dressed in period-appropriate garb. The park offers visitors the opportunity to see an herb garden, an orchard entrance, and other historical aspects of the grounds.

Visitors are able to fish on the lake, provided they have a valid South Carolina fishing license. Bass, bream, and catfish can be caught. Visitors can fish from the fishing pier (which is also handicap accessible), from the bank of the lake, or from a rental boat. Non-motorized fishing boat rentals are available. Rental rates are $2.50 per hour or $12 per day. Private boats are not permitted on the lake.

The park features two hiking trails. Both trails are about one mile long and loop through the park. The Crawford Trail is a dirt trail that leads hikers through an undeveloped area of the park that is home to oak, pine, and cedar trees. Birds, rabbits, deer, and other wildlife are common in the area. The Crawford Trail begins at the schoolhouse. The Garden of the Waxhaws Trail features fishing access and crosses over the dam. The trail is easy to follow but can be steep at times.

The park has two picnic shelters that are available for group activities. Shelters can be reserved for $30-$38 per day by calling 866-345-PARK. Shelters that are not reserved are available to visitors on a first-come, first-served basis at no charge.

Tent and RV camping are available, and rates vary. A group camping area is also available for groups up to 50. Camping information, as well as any additional park information, is available by calling 803-285-3344.