Designated the official state botanical garden in 1992, this 295-acre public garden features a unique collection of 12 nature-based sculptures, each one incorporating living plant material. The garden is located at the northwestern end of the S.C. National Heritage Corridor adjacent to Clemson University's east campus. The Fran Hanson Discovery Center is the Mountain Lakes Region's Discover Center and serves as the visitor center for the garden. Exhibits highlight cultural, natural, and historic sites of interest in the Mountain Lakes Region which encompasses Pickens, Oconee, and Anderson counties and provides visitors with information for traveling through the rest of the corridor.

The garden also is home to the Bob Campbell Geology Museum and the Hanover House, a French Huguenot c. 1716 historic home. There are several "niche gardens" on the grounds, including a butterfly garden, a renowned hosta collection, a wild flower meadow, extensive holly and camellia collections and a 70-acre arboretum. The Carriage House Coffee and Gift Shop is located between the Discovery Center and the Geology Museum, offering lunch and gift items crafted by regional artists. Organized tours are available for a nominal fee.