Plan Your Day Trip in Hardeeville

Option 1 – Historic Tour

(See Visitors – Sites to See – Jasper County)

1. Purrysburg Monument
(Junction of Highways 34 & 203)

A cross-shaped marker of stone stands on a low bluff overlooking the Savannah River. This marks the spot of old Purrysburg. The monument was erected in the 1940’s by the Huguenot Society of South Carolina. Close by is the original cemetery, which is still in use today. The oldest tomb is dated 1781. In 1731 a group of 600 Swiss colonists migrated to this spot.  The monument stands proudly to remind visitors of the hardy folks that struggled to put down roots, many of which went on to become prominent landowners and rice planters.

2. Argent Steam Engine (843-784-2231, 205 Main St.)

The Argent Steam Engine   “Number 7” was donated to the town of Hardeeville after the Argent Lumber Company closed in 1960. This narrow gauge train with a balloon smoke stack was built around 1910 by the H.K. Porter Company. The train is very rare and attracts tourists from across the nation. “Number 7” was used by the Argent Lumber Company to haul timber from the forest to the mill. This train engine is a wonderful relic for the logging and lumbering industry of this area. The train engine is on display at City Hall and can be viewed during daylight hours.

3. Hardeeville United Methodist Church (106 Main St.)

Hardeeville United Methodist Church dates back to 1860. Just after construction, the church was used as a hospital for Civil War soldiers. Due to Union occupation of the building, it was spared from fire when much of the town was burned in 1865. The bell that hangs in the belfry has some interesting history. It was taken from the last slave ship to sail up the Savannah River. A slave gallery once wrapped around the upper part of the sanctuary. It was removed in 1884. The church was beautifully restored in 1947 and is still in use with an active congregation today. The church is located at 106 Main Street in downtown Hardeeville.

 3. Lunch at a local restaurant
Hardeeville has a menu to fit any appetite: barbeque, oriental, seafood, Mexican, fried chicken…

Option 2 – Nature Tour

(See Visitors – Sites to See – Jasper County)

1. Sgt Jasper Park nature walk or disk golf

(843-784-5130, 1456 Red Dam Rd), open daily during daylight hours

Read HERE about spending a day at Sgt Jasper Park.

Located just off Interstate 95, this 321 acre park features beautiful nature scenery. Wildlife abounds in this pine forest. An observation deck overlooking the pond is the perfect spot to locate and watch birds and other water-loving small animals. Walking trails lead visitors around a large pond which is great for fishing. Kayak and canoe rentals are also available. An 18-hole championship disk golf course is also located within the park.

 2. Picnic in the park
Sgt Jasper Park has wonderful picnic facilities. A covered shelter holds tables, grills and trash receptacles.

3. Savannah National Wildlife Refuge

(Hwy 17 between Hardeeville & Savannah) open daily during hours of daylight.

Read HERE about spending time at the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge.

Read HERE about hiking at the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge.

Savannah National Wildlife Refuge is the home of over 29,000 acres of freshwater marshes, tidal rivers and creeks and bottomland hardwoods. The refuge is located in the heart of the Lowcountry, outside Hardeeville near the Savannah River. Known for its rich flora during the summer months, the refuge supports a diverse wildlife population. During the winter months, many  species of ducks migrate into the area. In the spring and fall, transient songbirds stop briefly on their journey to and from northern nesting grounds. Bald Eagles and Egrets, Kingfishers and many other fish-eating birds call the refuge home. Alligators are also in resident on the refuge.

The driving tour takes visitors through historic rice fields. It is located on Hwy 170. The Visitor Center on Hwy 17, between Hardeeville and Savannah, is open Monday through Saturday, 9:00 am – 4:30 pm. There is also a nature trail at this location.