We'll journey to Sumter, South Carolina to enjoy the beauty of Swan Lake and the Iris Gardens during the Iris Festival. The beautiful black waters of Swan Lake form the setting for the spectacular Iris Gardens. The lake is dotted with colorful islands and wildlife is abundant. The only public park in the United States to feature all eight swan species, Swan Lake-Iris Gardens is also home to some of the nation's most intensive plantings of Japanese Iris, which bloom yearly in mid to late May. The magnificent swans are gathered from all over the world.