South Carolina is home to a number of fascinating ruins that are open to the public to explore. From the ruins of the old Stoney-Baynard house to the old stone Poinsett Bridge, and Old Sheldon Church, there are plenty of places to take you back in history. While these are all well-known and prominent ruins to explore, the ones we’re featuring today are much lesser known. However, this old rice mill perched on the Cooper River is certainly no less fascinating than the others. Exploring these rice mill ruins in South Carolina means an opportunity to spend some time outside immersed in the unique nature of the state.
The ruins are located within the SCDNR property known as Bonneau Ferry Wildlife Management Area in Cordesville. It’s about 13 miles southeast of Moncks Corner.
Google/Carie Robertson
At more than 11,000 acres strong, the Bonneau Ferry Wildlife Management Area is a great big place to explore.
Google/Marion Royal
Luckily, inside the gate, visitors will find an information kiosk with some handy maps.
Google/Shan Burkhalter The rice mill ruins are located on the river and finding them is a fun adventure for those who love South Carolina.
One of the most fascinating things about this site is the lack of development. For more than a century this tract of land has remained untouched.
Google/Carie Robertson
There are plenty of wide open spaces, tree tunnels, and stunning vistas.
Google/Carie Robertson For a good portion of the fall and winter, the Wildlife Management Area is closed. During this time the area is used primarily for adult-youth hunting events. But from March to October each year, it’s open for exploration. And what you’ll find here is much, much more than just that wonderful old rice mill over by the river.
The property was once known as Comingtee Plantation and a portion of the old plantation home still stands here, too.
Google/Carie Robertson The brick portion that remains, built in the 1700s, was actually an addition to the original house which no longer stands. It was built by the heir to the property after the first owner died. Feel free to explore, inside and out. Just be careful and don’t climb on anything.
As for those ruins of the mill over by the water…
Google/John Martin
They are also accessible by way of a boat. You might try a small motorized vessel or even a kayak.
AllTrails The Ralph Hamer Landing Paddle Trail to the Old Rice Mill departs downriver about 10 miles from the ruins. It’s an easy ride in a motorized vessel and a bit of a challenge by way of kayak. But, it’s still doable if you have the arms and the stamina it takes to make the trip.
Rice mills were common along the rivers in South Carolina in the 1800s. Plantation owners strived for ways to process rice on their own without sending it out for processing.
Google/Clint Blunt This mill was known as the Stokes Rice Mill, named by the mill’s second owner who hailed from Stokeinteignhead, a village in Devonshire England. “Stoke” was short for his birthplace.
Whether you motor in via car or boat or take a slow and scenic paddle up the Cooper River, a visit to these rice mill ruins in South Carolina will be a fun and educational journey for everyone.
Google/Matt Coler Interestingly, visitors can see the structural elements of the walls since the ruins have caused the building seams to rip. As a result, the all-brick construction is on full display. Abandoned places in South Carolina are always fascinating to visit. Just be sure to take care when visiting.
If you’re adding these rice mill ruins in South Carolina to your bucket list, it’s best to schedule the trip for sometime between March and October. Even then, it’s closed on days that are scheduled for archery or firearm events. It’s best to call ahead to make sure it’s open. They can be reached on 803-734-3808.
Google/Carie Robertson
Google/Marion Royal
Google/Shan Burkhalter
The rice mill ruins are located on the river and finding them is a fun adventure for those who love South Carolina.
For a good portion of the fall and winter, the Wildlife Management Area is closed. During this time the area is used primarily for adult-youth hunting events. But from March to October each year, it’s open for exploration. And what you’ll find here is much, much more than just that wonderful old rice mill over by the river.
The brick portion that remains, built in the 1700s, was actually an addition to the original house which no longer stands. It was built by the heir to the property after the first owner died. Feel free to explore, inside and out. Just be careful and don’t climb on anything.
Google/John Martin
AllTrails
The Ralph Hamer Landing Paddle Trail to the Old Rice Mill departs downriver about 10 miles from the ruins. It’s an easy ride in a motorized vessel and a bit of a challenge by way of kayak. But, it’s still doable if you have the arms and the stamina it takes to make the trip.
Google/Clint Blunt
This mill was known as the Stokes Rice Mill, named by the mill’s second owner who hailed from Stokeinteignhead, a village in Devonshire England. “Stoke” was short for his birthplace.
Google/Matt Coler
Interestingly, visitors can see the structural elements of the walls since the ruins have caused the building seams to rip. As a result, the all-brick construction is on full display. Abandoned places in South Carolina are always fascinating to visit. Just be sure to take care when visiting.
The public visitation days from March to October (unless there is a hunt) are Thursday through Sunday. Note that Saturdays aren’t open until 11 a.m. in the month of April. This information can always change, so it’s best to visit the official South Carolina Department of Natural Resources website.
If you love the idea of exploring these ruins, there’s a good chance you’ll appreciate this abandoned town in South Carolina that most people stay far away from!
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Address: Bonneau Ferry Wildlife Management Area, SC-402, Cordesville, SC 29434, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Creepy Sites in South Carolina January 13, 2023 Michelle S. What are the most haunted places in South Carolina? The most haunted places in South Carolina have been scaring people for ages. If you’re interested in seeing them yourself, start with the following spots:
The Former South Carolina State Hospital, Columbia The John Rutledge House Inn, Charleston (the oldest South Carolina inn!) The Stumphouse Tunnel, Charleston The 160-Year-Old Annie’s Inn, Montmorenci
If you’re still in search of some additional scaring, consider heading to St. Helena Island where you’ll find the most haunted street in the state. Can I visit any abandoned places in South Carolina? You can visit quite a few abandoned places in South Carolina if you know where to look. If you’re the adventurous type, put the following places on your bucket list:
Ashwood Plantation, an entire neighborhood that’s been abandoned for quite some time The abandoned Poinsett Bridge, Landrum Castle Pinckney, Shutes Folly
Abandoned places in South Carolina give us a glimpse into the past, but they can also be eerie. Even just seeing photos of places like this can send a chill up our spine. If you agree, you’ll definitely want to check out these photos of an abandoned mansion. And, this drone video of a deserted water park are just as spooky as you might imagine. If, after experiencing these places, you can still sleep with the lights off you might want to take a fun road trip to some of South Carolina’s most abandoned places. This is best for those who want to enjoy a few hours of creepy fun with friends. But, be warned, you’re not likely to forget these places any time soon!
The OIYS Visitor Center
Creepy Sites in South Carolina
January 13, 2023
Michelle S.
What are the most haunted places in South Carolina? The most haunted places in South Carolina have been scaring people for ages. If you’re interested in seeing them yourself, start with the following spots:
The Former South Carolina State Hospital, Columbia The John Rutledge House Inn, Charleston (the oldest South Carolina inn!) The Stumphouse Tunnel, Charleston The 160-Year-Old Annie’s Inn, Montmorenci
If you’re still in search of some additional scaring, consider heading to St. Helena Island where you’ll find the most haunted street in the state. Can I visit any abandoned places in South Carolina? You can visit quite a few abandoned places in South Carolina if you know where to look. If you’re the adventurous type, put the following places on your bucket list:
Ashwood Plantation, an entire neighborhood that’s been abandoned for quite some time The abandoned Poinsett Bridge, Landrum Castle Pinckney, Shutes Folly
Abandoned places in South Carolina give us a glimpse into the past, but they can also be eerie. Even just seeing photos of places like this can send a chill up our spine. If you agree, you’ll definitely want to check out these photos of an abandoned mansion. And, this drone video of a deserted water park are just as spooky as you might imagine. If, after experiencing these places, you can still sleep with the lights off you might want to take a fun road trip to some of South Carolina’s most abandoned places. This is best for those who want to enjoy a few hours of creepy fun with friends. But, be warned, you’re not likely to forget these places any time soon!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
The most haunted places in South Carolina have been scaring people for ages. If you’re interested in seeing them yourself, start with the following spots:
- The Former South Carolina State Hospital, Columbia
- The John Rutledge House Inn, Charleston (the oldest South Carolina inn!)
- The Stumphouse Tunnel, Charleston
- The 160-Year-Old Annie’s Inn, Montmorenci
If you’re still in search of some additional scaring, consider heading to St. Helena Island where you’ll find the most haunted street in the state.
Can I visit any abandoned places in South Carolina?
You can visit quite a few abandoned places in South Carolina if you know where to look. If you’re the adventurous type, put the following places on your bucket list:
- Ashwood Plantation, an entire neighborhood that’s been abandoned for quite some time
- The abandoned Poinsett Bridge, Landrum
- Castle Pinckney, Shutes Folly
Abandoned places in South Carolina give us a glimpse into the past, but they can also be eerie. Even just seeing photos of places like this can send a chill up our spine. If you agree, you’ll definitely want to check out these photos of an abandoned mansion. And, this drone video of a deserted water park are just as spooky as you might imagine. If, after experiencing these places, you can still sleep with the lights off you might want to take a fun road trip to some of South Carolina’s most abandoned places. This is best for those who want to enjoy a few hours of creepy fun with friends. But, be warned, you’re not likely to forget these places any time soon!
