Kilgore-Lewis House and Gardens
Explore 5 acres of lush gardens and a historic 1838 mansion, maintained by dedicated volunteers. A peaceful urban oasis.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Limited hours for tours
Kilgore-Lewis House and Gardens
Best Time
Limited hours for tours
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore 5 acres of lush gardens and a historic 1838 mansion, maintained by dedicated volunteers. A peaceful urban oasis.
"A beautiful historic home and event space with landscaped gardens managed by the Greenville Council of Garden Clubs."
🎯 Check Special Tour Dates
Look for holiday decorations or special event tours for a unique experience.
🦟 Mosquito Spray Recommended
Especially if visiting the natural spring area, bring repellent for comfort.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.7 · 48 reviews
Type
Historical Place
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Lush Urban Gardens
Grounds
Five acres of meticulously maintained gardens offering a peaceful escape.
Historic 1838 Mansion
House
Step back in time in this Classical Revival home with period furnishings.
Waddy Thompson Natural Spring
Gardens
Discover a historic artesian well where the Cherokee once drew water.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Garden Serenity & House Tours
Timing Your Visit for Ambiance
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check Special Tour Dates
Look for holiday decorations or special event tours for a unique experience.
🦟 Mosquito Spray Recommended
Especially if visiting the natural spring area, bring repellent for comfort.
Best places in/around town to sit and enjoy the ambience
You’re on a lunch break or spending some of your free time alone: what are your top 3 spots for immaculate vibes?
random, but where are good places to go look at spring flowers? Furman, Clemson, Cleveland Park, Cancer Survivor Park, Rock Quarry Park, Kilgore-Lewis House? I'm at Frankie's Fun Park right now and the landscaping is phenomenal, it's got me wondering what other places I've missed
Milliken campus in Spartanburg is beautiful. Wofford college too
🚶♀️ Accessible Garden Trails
A trail from parking leads to the lower gardens if stairs are difficult.
💖 Support Volunteer Efforts
Donations are appreciated to help maintain this volunteer-run gem.
Venues to Host a Murder Mystery Party
I’m throwing a murder mystery party for my birthday this month. Originally I was going to host in my apartment but I’ll have a party of 19 and we’d be a bit cramped. Anyone know a good venue for this?
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Special Tour Dates
Look for holiday decorations or special event tours for a unique experience.
🦟 Mosquito Spray Recommended
Especially if visiting the natural spring area, bring repellent for comfort.
🚶♀️ Accessible Garden Trails
A trail from parking leads to the lower gardens if stairs are difficult.
💖 Support Volunteer Efforts
Donations are appreciated to help maintain this volunteer-run gem.
📸 Capture Garden Beauty
The grounds offer many picturesque spots for photography.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Kilgore-Lewis House and Gardens for its beautiful, well-maintained grounds and the opportunity to step back in time within the historic 1838 mansion. The volunteer-run nature and free tours are highlighted as significant positives, though the limited operating hours are a key consideration for planning a visit. Some note the need for mosquito repellent near the natural spring.
"Beautiful historic home and event space with landscaped gardens managed by the Greenville Council of Garden Clubs. Spend an hour or two touring the home, resale shop, and grounds including a fascinating artesian well. Make sure to check the calendar for special tour opportunities like seeing the house beautifully decorated for the holidays. The home is managed and operated entirely by volunteers with city support. Donations are greatly appreciated but not required."
M. G.
"This is a great spot to spend a couple of hours to tour a historical home. The home has period furniture and well some original pieces to the home.
Be sure and check out the gardens behind the house. There are some great overlooking spots its garden benches. The gardens are maintained by various garden clubs and there is lots of potential.
Be sure and check out the Waddy Thompson natural spring. You can watch the spring flow into the pond. Mosquito spray can be helpful if you are easily bitten.
If stairs are difficult you can walk on the trail that leads from the parking lots and it will take you to the lower section of gardens.
The tours are free and very informative. Our tour guide was great."
Jenny Trump
"The house is very nice, as were the furnishings. I went primarily to see the gardens. There is a historic spring where the Cherokee used to get water and there were several woodland plants I hadn’t seen in years. I loved it."
Barbara Brown
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Kilgore-Lewis House and Gardens is located in downtown Greenville. It's accessible by car, with parking available on-site. Public transportation options may vary, so checking local transit schedules is recommended for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, there is parking available at the Kilgore-Lewis House and Gardens, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Kilgore-Lewis House and Gardens is open on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 10 AM to 2 PM. It's always a good idea to check their official calendar for any special hours or closures.
Tours of the Kilgore-Lewis House and Gardens are generally free, though donations are greatly appreciated to support the volunteer-run operations.
Yes, the Kilgore-Lewis House is available for rentals, making it a unique venue for events. Inquire directly with the venue for availability and details.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Visitors can tour the historic 1838 Classical Revival mansion with period furnishings, explore the 5-acre landscaped gardens, and see the Waddy Thompson natural spring.
Most visitors find that spending an hour or two is sufficient to tour the house, resale shop, and grounds.
Yes, there is a trail that leads from the parking lot to the lower section of the gardens, providing accessibility for those who find stairs difficult.
Photography is generally allowed in the gardens and on the grounds. It's always best to be respectful of the historic nature of the property.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities within the Kilgore-Lewis House and Gardens itself. However, its downtown Greenville location means many restaurants and cafes are nearby for visitors to enjoy before or after their visit.
📸 📸 Photography
The meticulously maintained gardens offer numerous picturesque spots, especially around the lake and the historic spring. The front lawn with crepe myrtle trees is also a beautiful backdrop.
While personal photography is welcome, professional photoshoots may require special arrangements or permissions. It's advisable to contact the venue directly to inquire about their policies for professional photography.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit