Nature and history combine in the High Hills of the Santee in South Carolina, where a little-known state park is home to some extraordinary and hauntingly beautiful ruins. Opened in 1936 after the CCC built out the relatively small park (1,010 acres), Poinsett State Park still boasts many of the original structures constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps. But perhaps the most striking of the old structures found in the park are the ruins of a pre-Revolutionary War grist mill.

First-time visitors to Poinsett State Park will be in awe of the beauty found here.

TripAdvisor/ChristyLouJohnson The park is home to a variety of outdoor recreation, including the 10-acre Levi Lake that was impounded by the CCC.

In 1934, 200 men from the CCC residing in three camps began to build out what is now Poinsett State Park.

Google Local/Jason Robinett Many of the original structures still remain, including picnic shelters and more. Before the start of the Revolutionary War, and long before its designation as a state park, the land was used for growing rice and also included a grist mill.

Visitors to the park today can wander among the many ruins of the mill.

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A set of steps leads past the dam that first impounded the waters for the mill.

Google Local/Kimberly Craver

And a waterfall is a focal point most stop to photograph while exploring the remains.

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Eventually, the land where Levi’s Mill sat was given to Angelica Singleton Van Buren, who was the First Lady during the administration of President Van Buren — even though she wasn’t married to the President.

TripAdvisor/Brenda A Angelica Singleton Van Buren was married to President Van Buren’s son. When the President’s wife passed, his daughter-in-law assumed the post of official White House hostess.

When you’re finished exploring the pre-Revolutionary War grist mill remains, there is much more to discover at Poinsett State Park.

TripAdvisor/willbike More than 25 miles of hiking trails offer a chance to reconnect with nature in the High Hills of the Santee.

And the park offers cabin rentals as well as 50 campsites for overnight guests.

Google Local/Ed Komasara

Most people overlook this underrated state park, perhaps in favor of activities on nearby lake Marion, or even a visit to the beaches on the South Carolina coast. But don’t be like most people…

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Poinsett State Park is open year-round with a nominal admission fee of $3 for adults, $1.50 for South Carolina seniors, and a mere $1 for kids age 6-15. Kids age five and younger are free. Hours of operation for day-use guests are from 9 a.m. to dark, year-round. Learn more from the official website for South Carolina State Parks.

TripAdvisor/ChristyLouJohnson

The park is home to a variety of outdoor recreation, including the 10-acre Levi Lake that was impounded by the CCC.

Google Local/Jason Robinett

Many of the original structures still remain, including picnic shelters and more. Before the start of the Revolutionary War, and long before its designation as a state park, the land was used for growing rice and also included a grist mill.

TripAdvisor/jmpncsu

Google Local/Kimberly Craver

TripAdvisor/Brenda A

Angelica Singleton Van Buren was married to President Van Buren’s son. When the President’s wife passed, his daughter-in-law assumed the post of official White House hostess.

TripAdvisor/willbike

More than 25 miles of hiking trails offer a chance to reconnect with nature in the High Hills of the Santee.

Google Local/Ed Komasara

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Discover some more really cool ruins in South Carolina on these seven hiking trails and at this Civil War Era fort.

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Address: 6660 Poinsett Park Rd, Wedgefield, SC 29168, USA