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    Rachel T.

    So at one time this was probably the height of a manic episode and in safe condition, and therefore worth the short 10 mile drive off the interstate on the way somewhere else. Today it looks like it would be dangerous to take more than a step inside the fence. We came, we saw, we left- and got cheep gas next door.

    Rachel C.

    WOW, the other reviewers on here were clearly anticipating a high-tech welcome center for aliens, and that just seems like an unreasonable expectation, honestly. The premise of the place is that a gentleman in Bowman felt compelled to give outer-space visitors a place to rest and go to the restroom after a long journey to Earth. In actuality, and after meeting the builder, I'm not convinced he actually believes aliens are coming. I think he just likes building things and annoying the neighbors, but that's entirely my own supposition. The toilets aren't even connected to plumbing, and unless he knows something I don't about alien refuse that seems like piss (and poo) poor planning. As I sit here typing in April of 2017, the structure is definitely a safety hazard, and one that would be condemned if it were regulated--so climb at your own risk. I saw someone clambering around the outside while I was there, which seems unnecessarily risky and also--why? It's not a jungle gym. I still recommend going inside the structure, I personally just didn't climb to the tippy-top as that didn't feel super sound to me. The owner, Jody Pendarvis, has increased his building skills substantively from the initial structure, and the new object he is building in the yard looks like one of those expanding spherical toys every kid tried to convince their parents to buy for them at one point or another--and looks pretty solid. He's an interesting guy who has led an interesting life, and he's well-worth chatting with when you visit. The reviewers who wanted a state-of-the-art professional welcome center will be disappointed. Those who visit who like seeing the passion projects of others--and meeting the visionaries who dare to live out their dreams, no matter how odd others may find them, will enjoy the visit. Some may even leave behind lights, knitted aliens, and other gifts.

    UFO Welcome Center
    Jennifer M.

    Into bat shit kitsch? Definitely worth short jaunt off I95 to see this craptacular roadside atrocity! No admission charged (convenient for hobos & tweekers who likely call this place home in the dark of night away from the prying eyes of "the man") Open toilet prominently displayed as you walk in. Be prepared for powerful smell of rotting alien bodies apparently still decomposing somewhere within the bowels of this ancient crash. Curiously large amounts of tinfoil randomly scattered around wreckage site.....suspect visitors get so overwhelmed by this treasure they tear their hats a bit in the excitement. Judging by the smell, many also pee a little. Was told you can actually climb to top of ship interior! Unfortunately I am not current on my tetanus shot & feared catching something worse than Covid. Cannot recommend this assault to the senses & sensibilities highly enough. Five stars!!!!

    Welcome signs
    Amanda R.

    4 miles off the interstate. And I think they stopped taking care of it because it looks like it fell apart. I don't think we should welcome aliens there, it looks dangerous.

    Brandon C.

    We were really excited to go see this and thought it was fun but instead it was a run down and just a joke. Please don't go out of your way to go to this.

    Don J.

    Great place to stop and check out. Any UFO enthusiast will enjoy this place. Love it! Short drive off i95 and you're there. I found plenty of parking in the abandoned store across the street.

    Welcome to Bowman, SC
    Kim M.

    Pentagon claims they've seen UFOs but I have proof. We were re-routed through Bowman and couldn't help but visi the UFO Welcome Center. This is very difficult to describe in words. Apparently its gained notoriety through Vice TV show. It sits on a corner lot behind a convenience store. You can tour the inside of you dare but I'll leave that right there.

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    Ask the Community - Ufo Welcome Center

    Review Highlights - Ufo Welcome Center

    Definitely worth short jaunt off I95 to see this craptacular roadside atrocity!

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    Woodrow Wilson Family Home - At night for Bluegrass, Bidding & BBQ

    Woodrow Wilson Family Home

    4.0(1 review)
    49.5 mi

    I have mixed thoughts on this place. Of the mansion tours, this is perhaps the least compelling,…read moredespite its history and famous resident. A museum on Reconstruction more than about the President himself, it feels like it is lacking on both. If you have the time, this beautiful house is worth it, but you will walk away feeling like something was missing. Reconstruction was a complicated and often ugly situation for both sides, So it can be a very difficult topic. Although there are some artifacts and some good information on static displays with in the home, the tour guide did not seem to know much about either topic. It lacks virtually any furniture or belongings from Woodrow Wilson himself, and it was not very versed in terms of its artifacts from Reconstruction. When telling the story, it is often falls short. Woodrow Wilson lived in Columbia in this house during the period and it shaped his attitudes and opinions and ultimately led him to run for office. That's the primary reason Historic Columbia made the era the focus. I believe it is the only museum dedicated to Reconstruction. Wilson lived in several homes as an adult, but only two growing up. The one in Augusta is much more focused on Wilson. I find the topic and the occupant of the home very fascinating, and if you really want to visit an important American landmark, you definitely should. Keep your expectations tempered though as it may not have enough artifacts from either the president or the era for your taste. There are two tours per day for this house. Visit the Historic Columbia gift shop at the Robert Mills Home to get tickets. It is approximately two blocks away.

    Photos
    Woodrow Wilson Family Home - Touch screens throughout the home make learning interactive!

    Touch screens throughout the home make learning interactive!

    Woodrow Wilson Family Home

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    Old Sheldon Church Ruins - Read the sign!

    Old Sheldon Church Ruins

    4.9(53 reviews)
    49.7 mi

    After a "destination lunch" in Yemassee SC, our server asked if we were seeking history. Replying…read morethat it was an interest, they suggested going just six miles down the road. Yes! Six miles and 250 years earlier, we drove into a hauntingly beautiful open grove of ruins did we go! Park off the street easily. Off street parking with no sidewalks or crossings, then you'll walk into history. Burned once by the British in 1777, rebuilt, then burned one more, and final time by Sherman's mary in the civil war, as he rained terror on these rural folk, returning from conquering Savannah in the final years of the civil war. Some people remain behind in the graveyard, so please be respectful during your time here. It's silence and magistry will stay with you. The old water pump still delivers cold, sweet spring water, so have some before you go. Bring a cup (no waste cans!), or go old school and use your hand. The sadness comes from knowing that these bricks were made by slaves...

    My wife and I visited here on an anniversary trip from a recommendation of a friend. It's about 50…read moremiles from Charleston SC but was well worth the drive. We were the only ones there. It's a historic site known as Prince William's Parish Church. Built between 1745 and 1753 in the English Georgian style with Roman Tuscan or Doric elements, it served as a chapel of ease for the parish. The church has a dramatic history, traditionally believed to have been burned twice: first by the British in 1779 during the Revolutionary War and again in 1865 by General Sherman's forces during the Civil War, leaving only its massive brick walls. However, a 1866 letter by Milton Leverett suggests the church was not burned in 1865 but instead gutted for materials to rebuild homes destroyed by Sherman's army, challenging the traditional narrative. I'd highly recommend a trip here if you are in the area and like things like this.

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    Old Sheldon Church Ruins - Old Sheldon church ruins

    Old Sheldon church ruins

    Old Sheldon Church Ruins - Old Sheldon Church Ruins outside of Beaufort, SC

    Old Sheldon Church Ruins outside of Beaufort, SC

    Old Sheldon Church Ruins - Old Sheldon church ruins

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    Old Sheldon church ruins

    African American History Monument

    African American History Monument

    4.8(4 reviews)
    49.1 mi

    This is a really beautiful monument, and I'm glad that I stopped to take the time to check it out…read more I loved how the sculptures making up the monument seemingly came to life, and depicted everything from the African slave trade, all the way up to the current African-American experience in the US. In my opinion, it's important not to shy away from the ugly parts of our history as a state and a nation, and this monument does a great job of illustrating those moments with grace and class, as well as highlighting the achievements and contributions of African-Americans in the US and the state of South Carolina. If you're ever near the state capital for any reason, I'd strongly encourage you to take a few minutes to stop and check out this amazing monument.

    For those of you who don't know about this monument. It's a very impotant part of African American…read morehistory because it's the first monument of it's kind on any state house grounds in the USA. It captures African American History from times of slavery. Where we were carried over on boats from different regions in Africa (Ghana, Sierra Leone, Ghana, and Senegal) up until present day where it shows us making strides in various prominent industries. There is a big lack of places where you can go to absorb African American history and culture, and it's nice to see more and more places popping up in the last couple of decades that aim to change that. (The museum in Philly, the new Smithsonian in DC, etc.) It was an honor to witness this memorial and take pictures in front of it.

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    African American History Monument
    African American History Monument
    African American History Monument

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    Ernest F. Hollings Ace Basin National Wildlife Refuge

    Ernest F. Hollings Ace Basin National Wildlife Refuge

    4.5(6 reviews)
    52.4 mi

    The overall tract of wildlife refuge appears mostly something that you'd explore by boat, but…read moredriving down the dirt road to this little parking lot leads to an abandoned plantation surrounded by classic South Carolina swampland. Remnants of rice fields ring the mansion, leading to an interesting aesthetic experience even though I missed when the building was actually open. I can confirm that in the winter there wasn't much in the way of biting insects and the alligators I was warned of did not materialize. Probably hiding. I'm guessing in warmer weather the area has significant challenges, though you should expect this anywhere in the swampy parts of the lowcountry. As with any wildlife refuge, the priority isn't visitor experience, but for a free and interesting landscape to wander, it has some intrigue.

    The drive in is pretty, as are the grounds, but holy moly the deer flies are aggressive. It was…read morealso way too hot to go on a day that the gates are closed and you have to walk in to the site. Lesson learned. I would love to return in the fall or winter. Bicycles are permitted so our teen brought his. He probably would have enjoyed it more if it weren't for the flies. We had bug spray on so not really sure how to deter them or if they're less mean in the fall/winter. I'll go back and let y'all know. Ha. They do have bathrooms on site which was nice. They were kinda stuffy in there but better than nothing.

    Photos
    Ernest F. Hollings Ace Basin National Wildlife Refuge
    Ernest F. Hollings Ace Basin National Wildlife Refuge
    Ernest F. Hollings Ace Basin National Wildlife Refuge - Plantation

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    Plantation

    Ufo Welcome Center - landmarks - Updated May 2026

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