The Coastal Plain Gallery allows you to discover the fish, reptiles, amphibians and plants found in South Carolina’s Coastal Plain region. Wetland habitats such as brownwater swamps, Carolina Bays and freshwater marshes all can be seen in this gallery. The blackwater swamp exhibit contains remnants of cypress trees that were felled by Hurricane Hugo in 1989, and special effects that replicate the sights, sounds and atmosphere of a swamp at twilight. The Coastal Plain Gallery also displays some of South Carolina’s most interesting predators such as rattlesnakes, longnose gar and carnivorous plants.

Exhibit Fun Facts

Featured Animal: American Alligator
Fact: Besides eyelids that block out light, alligators also have a pair of eyelids that are like built-in swim goggles. They special eyelids are see-through and protect the alligator’s eyes underwater.
Location: Alligators Exhibit

Featured Animal: Corn Snake
Fact: Corn snakes don’t eat corn. They are constrictors (snakes that wrap around prey and squeeze it until it has a heart attack) that feed on prey such as small rodents and bird eggs.
Location: Swamp Snakes Exhibit

Featured Animal: Spiny Softshell Turtle
Fact: What these “softshelled” turtles lose in protection, they make up in speed! These turtles can swim faster than any other freshwater turtle and even some fish.
Location: Blackwater Swamp Exhibit

Featured Plant: Venus Flytraps
Fact: Venus flytraps grow in nutrient-poor soil. They make up for the lack of nutrients by catching and digesting insects. In the world, Venus flytraps are only found in the Coastal Plain of North and South Carolina.
Location: Carolina Bay Exhibit