Fodor's Expert Review South Carolina State Museum

Exhibits in this refurbished textile mill explore the state's natural history, archaeology, and historical development. An iron gate made for the museum by Philip Simmons, the "dean of Charleston blacksmiths," is on display, as is an exhibit on South Carolina's astronauts and artifacts associated with the state's cotton industry and slavery. Newer exhibits are geared toward the younger set, including a 4-D theater and nature-oriented rotating films shown in the planetarium.

When skies are clear, the observatory stays open until 8 on Tuesday.