Clemson University, Memorial Stadium, Lake Hartwell, downtown, and the South Carolina Botanical Garden
ClemsonSouth Carolina
Clemson combines a brick university campus, College Avenue, Memorial Stadium, the South Carolina Botanical Garden, and Lake Hartwell within one compact Upstate weekend.
Explore Clemson
Football Saturday, campus visit, or Hartwell afternoon
Discover the university, downtown College Avenue, garden trails, and the shores of Lake Hartwell.
Campus and College Avenue
From Bowman Field to downtown
Bowman Field is Clemson’s front lawn, a green gathering place below the clock tower of Tillman Hall. Across the edge of campus, College Avenue brings restaurants and shops close to the university; it is an easy place to continue after exploring the central campus.
For a guided university tour, register with Clemson in advance. Tours start at the Nieri Family Alumni and Visitors Center at 220 Madren Center Drive, away from central campus, and include a bus ride to the walking tour. Clemson also offers a self-guided map. Check the university’s tour information for availability.
Explore Fort Hill and the university’s past in the campus history guide.
South Carolina Botanical Garden
A walk through the state’s landscapes
The Natural Heritage Garden brings South Carolina habitats together along its trails: look for a maritime forest, longleaf pine savanna, carnivorous plants, and a Piedmont prairie. The wider garden includes a butterfly garden, woodlands, and ponds.
The Bob Campbell Geology Museum on the grounds adds fossils, rocks, and minerals to the visit. Garden grounds are open sunrise to sunset; museum and visitor-center hours differ. Dogs are not allowed on the Natural Heritage Garden Trail. See the garden’s visitor information and trail map before setting out.
Build Saturday around Memorial Stadium
Arrive Friday for College Avenue, reserve Saturday for tailgates and the game, and decide before kickoff whether to linger or leave after the fourth quarter.
Gameday weekend →
Pair campus with garden paths and Hartwell
Tour the university in the morning, walk the South Carolina Botanical Garden after lunch, then visit Abernathy Waterfront Park or Twelve Mile Recreation Area for the lake. Twelve Mile closes February–March; swimming is April–October.
Campus + lake →
Stay near campus or the lake
Compare downtown hotels with stays near the stadium, Patrick Square, and the Madren Center side of campus.
Find where to stay →Clemson tailgate gear that stays outside Memorial Stadium
Use the chairs and cooler at the tailgate. Memorial Stadium prohibits backpacks, non-clear bags, coolers, and outside food or beverages; check the current Clemson Athletics policy for permitted clear bags and small clutches before packing.
