South Carolina Debuts New State Park - Be Among the First to Visit
South Carolina is celebrating the opening of one of its newest state parks in nearly two decades.
Pine Island State Park, located just outside of Columbia, officially opened for business last month, giving nature seekers a new territory to explore as the warmer months fast approach.
This Small State Park Packs a Punch
While it's South Carolina's smallest state park, Pine Island State Park is no slouch. The park features 27 acres of lakefront park, 38 boat ramps, and 4,046 linear feet of frontage along Lake Murray.
"One thing I would recommend for a first-time visitor to Pine Island is to have a picnic with family or friends at one of our many picnic shelters," says Park Manager Tim Ritter on the state park's welcome page. "Pine Island is also a great spot to see wildlife, including bald eagles and great blue herons."
Related: Rare Waterfall Phenomenon Is Happening Right Now at This Popular State Park
Beyond Pine Island State Park
South Carolina offers the best of both worlds: Nature and a thriving culinary culture.
For example, there's Congaree National Park, which is a mere 20 minutes outside of downtown Columbia. Congaree National Park is home to one of the largest old-growth hardwood forests in the U.S.
After a long nature walk, saunter back to downtown and check out Lula Drake Wine Parlour, the city's first-ever James Beard Award winner in Outstanding Wine & Other Beverages Program.
This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Apr 28, 2026, where it first appeared in the Travel section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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This story was originally published April 28, 2026 at 9:15 AM.