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Ninety Six National Historic Site

Designation: National Historic Site

Location: South Carolina

Visit Official Park Website

📘 Park Overview

Settlers struggled against the harsh backcountry to survive. Cherokee Indians hunted and fought to keep their land. Two towns and a trading post were formed then abandoned to the elements. And two Revolutionary War battles claimed over 100 lives. Come discover the 18th century history of South Carolina.

🌤 Weather Information

Temperatures for the area range from very hot and humid in the summer to cool and moderate in the winter.

🚗 Directions

2 miles south of Ninety Six, SC on Hwy 248. For more detailed information, click on "Directions Details" below.

Images

A cannon is in the left foreground with the Maham rifle tower in the distance.

Cannon and Maham Tower

Credit: NPS photo

A corten steel figure of a Native American stands sentinel in the fog.

A corten steel figure of a Native American stands sentinel in the fog.

Credit: NPS photo

The walking trail winds past a cannon and a rifle tower.

The walking trail winds past a cannon and a rifle tower.

Credit: NPS photo

A wooden sign shows the direction of important places in 1781.

A wooden sign shows the direction of important places in 1781.

Credit: NPS Photo

A monument to James Birmingham, the first South Carolinian to die in the American Revolution

A monument to patriot James Birmingham, the first South Carolinian to die in the American Revolution

Credit: NPS Photo

A British regimental coat hangs on a tent.

A British regimental coat hangs on the middle tent during a special event.

Credit: NPS Photo

Reenactors listen as another reenactor presents and 18th century church service.

Reenactors sit in chairs in front of the Black Swan Tavern as another reenactor presents and 18th century church service.

Credit: NPS Photo

A British flag flies over the stockade fort.

A British flag flies over the stockade fort.

Credit: NPS Photo

A blue Liberty flag is in the right foreground with the park entrance sign behind it.

A blue Liberty flag is in the right foreground with the park entrance sign behind it during a special event.

Credit: NPS Photo

Activities

Topics

Operating Hours

Sunday
Sunrise to Sunset
Monday
Sunrise to Sunset
Tuesday
Sunrise to Sunset
Wednesday
Sunrise to Sunset
Thursday
Sunrise to Sunset
Friday
Sunrise to Sunset
Saturday
Sunrise to Sunset

Entrance Fees

No entrance fees listed.

Entrance Passes

No entrance passes listed.

3-Day Weather Forecast

Monday, Mar 16

Heavy rain

Heavy rain

High: 69.1°F | Low: 35.6°F

Humidity: 82%

Wind: 17.4 mph

Rain Chance: 89%

UV Index: 0.4

Sunrise: 07:37 AM

Sunset: 07:37 PM

Moon: Waning Crescent (11%)

Visibility: 5 mi

Dew Point: 52.8°F

Cloud Cover: 89%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Tuesday, Mar 17

Sunny

Sunny

High: 51.4°F | Low: 29.8°F

Humidity: 48%

Wind: 13.4 mph

Rain Chance: 0%

UV Index: 1.2

Sunrise: 07:36 AM

Sunset: 07:38 PM

Moon: Waning Crescent (5%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 29°F

Cloud Cover: 0%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Wednesday, Mar 18

Partly Cloudy

Partly Cloudy

High: 51.6°F | Low: 34.5°F

Humidity: 33%

Wind: 5.6 mph

Rain Chance: 0%

UV Index: 1.1

Sunrise: 07:35 AM

Sunset: 07:39 PM

Moon: Waning Crescent (1%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 29.6°F

Cloud Cover: 0%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Weather Alerts (4)

⚠️ Freeze Warning (Moderate)

Freeze Warning issued March 16 at 12:11PM EDT until March 17 at 10:00AM EDT by NWS Columbia SC

Effective: Mar 16, 2026 12:11pm
Expires: Mar 16, 2026 8:15pm

* WHAT...For the Lake Wind Advisory, west winds 15 to 25 mph with
gusts up to 40 mph. For the Freeze Warning, sub-freezing
temperatures as low as 30 expected. For the Freeze Watch,
sub-freezing temperatures as low as 28 possible.

* WHERE...Portions of east central Georgia and central South
Carolina.

* WHEN...For the Lake Wind Advisory, until 2 AM EDT Tuesday. For the
Freeze Warning, from 4 AM to 10 AM EDT Tuesday. For the Freeze
Watch, from late Tuesday night through Wednesday morning.

* IMPACTS...Strong winds and rough waves on area lakes will create
hazardous conditions for small craft. Frost and freeze conditions
could kill crops, other sensitive vegetation and possibly damage
unprotected outdoor plumbing.

⚠️ Freeze Watch (Severe)

Freeze Watch issued March 16 at 12:11PM EDT until March 18 at 10:00AM EDT by NWS Columbia SC

Effective: Mar 16, 2026 12:11pm
Expires: Mar 16, 2026 8:15pm

* WHAT...For the Lake Wind Advisory, west winds 15 to 25 mph with
gusts up to 40 mph. For the Freeze Warning, sub-freezing
temperatures as low as 30 expected. For the Freeze Watch,
sub-freezing temperatures as low as 28 possible.

* WHERE...Portions of east central Georgia and central South
Carolina.

* WHEN...For the Lake Wind Advisory, until 2 AM EDT Tuesday. For the
Freeze Warning, from 4 AM to 10 AM EDT Tuesday. For the Freeze
Watch, from late Tuesday night through Wednesday morning.

* IMPACTS...Strong winds and rough waves on area lakes will create
hazardous conditions for small craft. Frost and freeze conditions
could kill crops, other sensitive vegetation and possibly damage
unprotected outdoor plumbing.

⚠️ Lake Wind Advisory (Moderate)

Lake Wind Advisory issued March 16 at 12:11PM EDT until March 17 at 2:00AM EDT by NWS Columbia SC

Effective: Mar 16, 2026 12:11pm
Expires: Mar 16, 2026 8:15pm

* WHAT...For the Lake Wind Advisory, west winds 15 to 25 mph with
gusts up to 40 mph. For the Freeze Warning, sub-freezing
temperatures as low as 30 expected. For the Freeze Watch,
sub-freezing temperatures as low as 28 possible.

* WHERE...Portions of east central Georgia and central South
Carolina.

* WHEN...For the Lake Wind Advisory, until 2 AM EDT Tuesday. For the
Freeze Warning, from 4 AM to 10 AM EDT Tuesday. For the Freeze
Watch, from late Tuesday night through Wednesday morning.

* IMPACTS...Strong winds and rough waves on area lakes will create
hazardous conditions for small craft. Frost and freeze conditions
could kill crops, other sensitive vegetation and possibly damage
unprotected outdoor plumbing.

⚠️ Tornado Watch (Extreme)

Tornado Watch issued March 16 at 7:59AM EDT until March 16 at 2:00PM EDT by NWS Columbia SC

Effective: Mar 16, 2026 7:59am
Expires: Mar 16, 2026 2:00pm

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED TORNADO WATCH 65 IN
EFFECT UNTIL 2 PM EDT THIS AFTERNOON FOR THE FOLLOWING AREAS

IN GEORGIA THIS WATCH INCLUDES 4 COUNTIES

IN EAST CENTRAL GEORGIA

BURKE COLUMBIA MCDUFFIE
RICHMOND

IN SOUTH CAROLINA THIS WATCH INCLUDES 12 COUNTIES

IN CENTRAL SOUTH CAROLINA

AIKEN BAMBERG BARNWELL
CALHOUN CHESTERFIELD CLARENDON
KERSHAW LEE LEXINGTON
ORANGEBURG RICHLAND SUMTER

THIS INCLUDES THE CITIES OF AIKEN, AUGUSTA, BAMBERG, BARNWELL,
BATESBURG-LEESVILLE, BISHOPVILLE, BLACKVILLE, BROOKDALE, CAMDEN,
CAYCE, CHERAW, COLUMBIA, DENMARK, ELGIN, EVANS, LEXINGTON,
LUGOFF, MANNING, MARTINEZ, NORTH AUGUSTA, OAK GROVE, ORANGEBURG,
PAGELAND, RED BANK, SEVEN OAKS, ST. MATTHEWS, SUMMERTON, SUMTER,
THOMSON, WAYNESBORO, WEST COLUMBIA, AND WILLISTON.

Park Alerts

Equestrian Trail Update 7/22/2025 Information
An equestrian bridge on the north side of the park is also closed. All other equestrian trails are open.
Park Wide Caution Caution
Visitors should exercise caution when hiking areas of the park that have opened since Hurricane Helene. Hazards on trails and in forested areas such as hanging tree limbs, debris on the ground, and washed-out sections of trails and bridges are possible.
Weather Closure Park Closure
Starting on 01/31/2026, Ninety Six National Historic Site will temporarily close park entrances and visitor facilities until further notice for Winter Storm Gianna and for the safety of visitors and staff. Park services and programs are also canceled until further notice.
Delayed Trails Opening Information
Due to the forecast of heavy rains this weekend, the opening of the Equestrian Trails will be postponed until Friday, September 9. We are sorry for the delay and inconvenience and appreciate your understanding and cooperation
Park facilities closed for Christmas Day and New Years Day Information
The visitor center and the restrooms will be closed on December 25th and January 1st. The battlefield trail and backcountry trails will be open from sunrise to sunset. 
Phone Lines Down
Park phones are currently out of service. We are working to correct the issue as fast as possible. This alert will be removed once the phone lines are working again. Thanks for your patience.
Weather Closure Park Closure
Ninety Six National Historic Site has temporarily closed park entrances and visitor facilities until further notice for #winterstormfern and for the safety of visitors and staff. Park services and programs are also canceled until further notice.
Fishing Restrictions at Star Fort Pond on May 7 Information
During the youth Fishing Rodeo, from 9 a.m. – noon on May 7, no adult fishing will be allowed inside the net or off of the pier at Star Fort Pond.
Phone Lines Down Information
Our phone lines are being upgraded and are currently down. If you need to contact us please email: NISI_Information@nps.gov Or you may call Cowpens National Battlefield at: 864 461-2828
Equestrian Trail Update 9/24/2025 Information
An equestrian bridge on the north side of the park is closed. All other equestrian trails are open.
Temporary Museum Closure Information
The park museum in the visitor center is temporarily closed for the installation of new exhibits. All other areas within the visitor center such as the welcome desk, theater, and bookstore will remain open during the project. The museum will reopen in the Spring of 2026.
Trail update 7/22/2025 Information
Most trails are open and ready for the public. Those that remain closed are the Charleston Road/ Goudey Trail past the Cherokee Path and the portion of Cherokee Path between the stockade fort and the Charleston Road.
Phone Lines Down Information
Our phone lines are being upgraded and are currently down. If you need to contact us please email: NISI_Information@nps.gov Or you may call Cowpens National Battlefield at: 864 461-2828
Park Wide Caution Caution
Visitors should exercise caution when hiking areas of the park that have opened since Hurricane Helene. Hazards on trails and in forested areas such as hanging tree limbs, debris on the ground, and washed-out sections of trails and bridges are possible.
Trail update 2/28/26 Information
Most trails are open and ready for the public. Those that remain closed are the Charleston Road/ Goudey Trail past the Cherokee Path and the portion of Cherokee Path between the stockade fort and the Charleston Road.
Park Operations Information
Ninety Six National Historic Site has resumed normal park operations. 

Park Events

Tuesday Bird Walk
Join a park ranger and/or a volunteer for our Tuesday morning birdwalks! The walks start at the Star Fort Pond at 8am and end around 11am. We do a slow-paced 1.5 mile walk around the pond while we listen and look for birds and other wildlife. All levels of birders are welcome, from beginner to expert. We have a limited number of binoculars available to borrow with a photo ID. - Meet at the Star Fort Pond parking lot at 8am
- Wear comfortable footwear for a slow paced 1.5 mile walk
- Bring water and wear shoes that can get wet/muddy
- Wear layers as temperatures will change throughout the morning
- Free of charge and all are welcome, from beginners to experts
- Limited number of binoculars available to borrow with an ID       Directions to Star Fort Pond: Take Highway 246 south from the Town of Ninety Six. Go about 2 miles and turn to the right onto State Road 27 or Kinard Road. Go about 1/4 of a mile and the lake will be on the right.

Location: Star Fort Pond is Located on the backside of the park off Highway 246 on Kinard Road. From the visitor center, take a right on HWY 248 then a right on Johnston Road. At the end of Johnston Road take a right on HWY 246 and then an immediate right on Kinard Road. The Star Fort Pond parking lot will be on your right.

Date: Nov 12, 2024 12:00am to Sep 30, 2025 12:00am

Paid Event

First Saturday Birdwalk

Are you interested in birds and do you enjoy being in nature? Join a ranger and a volunteer for our First Saturday Birdwalk at Ninety Six National Historic Site. Meet at the Star Fort Pond parking lot off Kinard Road. We will walk 1.25 miles at a slow pace while looking and listening for birds. All levels of birders are welcome from novice to expert. Bring comfortable walking shoes, water, and layered clothes as temperatures will vary during the morning. Also bring binoculars if you have them. We will have a few pairs of binoculars for checkout with a government issued photo ID. The walk is free and there is no admittance to the park. There is a portalet style restroom available in the parking lot. 

Date: Jul 5, 2025 12:00am to Dec 5, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

First Saturday Birdwalk

Are you interested in birds and do you enjoy being in nature? Join a park ranger and/or a volunteer for our First Saturday morning birdwalks! The walks start at the Star Fort Pond at 8am and end around 11am. We do a slow-paced 1.5 mile walk around the pond while we listen and look for birds and other wildlife. All levels of birders are welcome, from beginner to expert. We have a limited number of binoculars available to borrow with a photo ID.

Check the park Facebook page for updates/cancellations due to inclement weather. 

- Meet at the Star Fort Pond parking lot at 8am
- Wear comfortable footwear for a slow paced 1.5 mile walk
- Bring water and wear shoes that can get wet/muddy
- Wear layers as temperatures will change throughout the morning
- Free of charge and all are welcome, from beginners to experts
- Limited number of binoculars available to borrow with an ID       Directions to Star Fort Pond: Take Highway 246 south from the Town of Ninety Six. Go about 2 miles and turn to the right onto State Road 27 or Kinard Road. Go about 1/4 of a mile and the lake will be on the right.

Date: Dec 6, 2025 12:00am to Dec 5, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Cancelled - Night Sky at 96

Due to the predicted winter weather Saturday's Night Sky at 96 has been cancelled. We hope for better weather for next month's Night Sky event on February 21 and hope to see you then. 

 

Join rangers and volunteers for an exploration of the park's sky after dark, including the constellations, planets, and the moon.

  • meet at the visitor center to walk to the viewing area
  • wear weather appropriate clothing and shoes
  • flashlights welcome
  • may bring light lawn chairs or blankets to sit on 
  • subject to cancellation due to weather

Location: Meet at the Visitor Center at 6:00 to walk to the viewing location together

Date: Jan 24, 2026 12:00am to Jan 24, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

CANCELLED: January 27th Tuesday Bird Walk Cancelled
Due to low temperatures and winter weather, the January 27th 2026 birdwalk has been cancelled.    Join a park ranger and/or a volunteer for our Tuesday morning birdwalks! The walks start at the Star Fort Pond at 8am and end around 11am. We do a slow-paced 1.5 mile walk around the pond while we listen and look for birds and other wildlife. All levels of birders are welcome, from beginner to expert. We have a limited number of binoculars available to borrow with a photo ID. - Meet at the Star Fort Pond parking lot at 8am
- Wear comfortable footwear for a slow paced 1.5 mile walk
- Bring water and wear shoes that can get wet/muddy
- Wear layers as temperatures will change throughout the morning
- Free of charge and all are welcome, from beginners to experts
- Limited number of binoculars available to borrow with an ID       Directions to Star Fort Pond: Take Highway 246 south from the Town of Ninety Six. Go about 2 miles and turn to the right onto State Road 27 or Kinard Road. Go about 1/4 of a mile and the lake will be on the right.

Location: Star Fort Pond is Located on the backside of the park off Highway 246 on Kinard Road. From the visitor center, take a right on HWY 248 then a right on Johnston Road. At the end of Johnston Road take a right on HWY 246 and then an immediate right on Kinard Road. The Star Fort Pond parking lot will be on your right.

Date: Jan 27, 2026 12:00am to Jan 27, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

For the Love of Birds

Join us for a day of birds. Events will include Reading with a Ranger for young children, make a bird Valentine's Day card, how to use binoculars followed by a short bird walk, and other games and activities for families and children. 

Date: Feb 14, 2026 12:00am to Feb 14, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Cancelled - Night Sky at 96

Due to the forecast of clouds and rain Saturday’s Night Sky at 96 event has been cancelled.

 

Join rangers and volunteers for an exploration of the park's sky after dark, including the constellations, planets, and the moon.

  • meet at the visitor center to walk to the viewing area
  • wear weather appropriate clothing and shoes
  • flashlights welcome
  • may bring light lawn chairs or blankets to sit on 
  • subject to cancellation due to weather

Location: Meet at the Visitor Center at 6:00 to walk to the viewing location together

Date: Feb 21, 2026 12:00am to Feb 21, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

96 Crossroads

Join rangers, living historians and volunteers for a weekend of living history, special demonstrations, and learning about the 1700s and the American Revolution in South Carolina.

An event schedule will be provided closure to the date. 

Date: Apr 11, 2026 12:00am to Apr 11, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Ninety Six Crossroads Event

Join rangers, living historians and volunteers for the 96 Crossroads event, a weekend of living history, special demonstrations, and learning.

Date: Apr 11, 2026 12:00am to Apr 12, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Living History Day

Join park rangers, living historians and volunteers for a commemoration of the 1781 Siege.

Date: May 23, 2026 12:00am to May 23, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Visitor Center & Contacts

📍 Physical Address:
Ninety Six National Historic Site
1103 Hwy 248
Ninety Six, SC 29666

🏤 Mailing Address:
Ninety Six National Historic Site
1103 Hwy 248
Ninety Six, SC 29666

📞 Voice Phone: 8645434068

✉️ Email: NISI_Information@nps.gov

Park Location


👏 Fun Fact
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