Cultural Exploration: Museums and Historical Sites Near Grande Dunes

Grande Dunes: A Gateway to Cultural Excursions

Nestled along the scenic beauty of the Intracoastal Waterway and graced with verdant golf territories, the Grande Dunes of Myrtle Beach may be famed for world-class golfing, but the location is also a stepping stone to the coastal city’s rich historical and cultural offerings. From historic sites to interesting museums, the area around Grande Dunes brims with unique attractions sure to make your stay a memorable one.

Historic Ricefields and Plantations

If you’re interested in the history of the region, taking a trip to the restored plantations surrounding Myrtle Beach is an unforgettable experience. Brookgreen Gardens is more than just a beautifully landscaped garden, it’s a living history museum that offers a glimpse into the area’s rice-growing past.

Blessed with 9,127 acres of exquisite beauty, Brookgreen Gardens is host to more than 2,000 species of plants and a comprehensive collection of American figurative sculptures. The daily excursions and boat tours provide an insightful narrative about the Lowcountry history, rice plantations, and the culture and way of life of the enslaved Africans.

The Myrtle Beach Pinball Museum

For a different kind of museum experience, the Myrtle Beach Pinball Museum makes a delightful stop for families and pinball enthusiasts alike. It houses a wide variety of pinball machines dating back to the 1970s, which guests can actually play. This interactive museum takes visitors down memory lane, recalling the golden age of pinball and keeping the fascination alive for future generations.

Myrtle Beach Civil War Collection

The Myrtle Beach Civil War Collection is another must-visit destination for history buffs. It offers a vivid portrayal of the war era through artifacts, letters, and a wealth of primary sources. The research library is a gem for those interested in delving deeper into the Civil War history of the South.

Warbird Park

Located south of the Myrtle Beach International Airport, Warbird Park pays homage to the city’s military history. The park displays a selection of historic military aircraft from the former Myrtle Beach Air Force Base. Standing grand are the A-10 Warthog, F-100 Super Sabre fighter-bomber, and the colossal A-7 Corsair II attack aircraft. The park also features a wall of service, commemorating those who served at the Air Force Base.

Franklin G. Burroughs – Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum

Art enthusiasts will find a trove of delights at the Franklin G. Burroughs – Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum. The museum exhibits a diverse collection of regional, national, and international works. Housed in a converted beach cottage, the museum showcases a changing exhibition schedule, reflecting a wide range of periods, styles, themes, and media. It is a sanctuary of quiet contemplation amidst the bustling city, offering an enriching aesthetic experience for its visitors.

Murrells Inlet

A short drive from Myrtle Beach, Murrells Inlet is an historic fishing village that’s now known as the “Seafood Capital of South Carolina”. The MarshWalk, a half-mile long boardwalk along a natural saltwater estuary, is home to a variety of seafood restaurants offering their catch of the day. Stroll along the ancient oaks of Brookgreen Gardens, or get your adrenalin rushing with their water sports offerings. The cultural essence of Murrells inlet is not something to miss.

The Grande Dunes might be ranked among the top golfing destinations, but the area around it is steeped in culture and history that beckons to be explored. It is not just a golfer’s paradise, but a cultural hub that links the past with the present in captivating ways. This comprehensive blend of golf, history, art, and joy makes the Grande Dunes and Myrtle Beach an irresistible location for everyone.