Swan Lake Iris Garden is a 150-acre garden full of Japanese irises, camellias, lilies, azaleas, and magnolias. The 45-acre lake is home to eight species of swans.
The story surrounding the garden is rather interesting. It began in 1927 as a private fishing retreat for Hamilton Carr Bland, a local businessman. He had attempted to landscape his home with irises but failed miserably. Frustrated, he dug up all the iris bulbs and dumped them at the lake. The next spring, the irises came up and bloomed. They've been flourishing ever since. Mr. Bland deeded the gardens to the city in 1949.
The gardens are open from 7:30 a.m. until dusk. Admission is free. (The best time to view the irises is from mid-late May until early June.)
