South Carolina is home to a number of fascinating ruins that are open to the public to explore. From the ruins of the old Stoney-Baynard house to the old stone Poinsett Bridge, and Old Sheldon Church, there are plenty of places to take you back in history. While these are all well-known and prominent ruins to explore, the ones we're featuring today are much lesser known. However, this old rice mill perched on the Cooper River is certainly no less fascinating than the others. Exploring these rice mill ruins in South Carolina means an opportunity to spend some time outside immersed in the unique nature of the state.

The ruins are located within the SCDNR property known as Bonneau Ferry Wildlife Management Area in Cordesville. It's about 13 miles southeast of Moncks Corner.

At more than 11,000 acres strong, the Bonneau Ferry Wildlife Management Area is a great big place to explore.

Luckily, inside the gate, visitors will find an information kiosk with some handy maps.

The rice mill ruins are located on the river and finding them is a fun adventure for those who love South Carolina.

One of the most fascinating things about this site is the lack of development. For more than a century this tract of land has remained untouched.

There are plenty of wide open spaces, tree tunnels, and stunning vistas.

For a good portion of the fall and winter, the Wildlife Management Area is closed. During this time the area is used primarily for adult-youth hunting events. But from March to October each year, it's open for exploration. And what you'll find here is much, much more than just that wonderful old rice mill over by the river.

The property was once known as Comingtee Plantation and a portion of the old plantation home still stands here, too.

The brick portion that remains, built in the 1700s, was actually an addition to the original house which no longer stands. It was built by the heir to the property after the first owner died. Feel free to explore, inside and out. Just be careful and don't climb on anything.

As for those ruins of the mill over by the water...

They are also accessible by way of a boat. You might try a small motorized vessel or even a kayak.

The Ralph Hamer Landing Paddle Trail to the Old Rice Mill departs downriver about 10 miles from the ruins. It's an easy ride in a motorized vessel and a bit of a challenge by way of kayak. But, it's still doable if you have the arms and the stamina it takes to make the trip.

Rice mills were common along the rivers in South Carolina in the 1800s. Plantation owners strived for ways to process rice on their own without sending it out for processing.

This mill was known as the Stokes Rice Mill, named by the mill's second owner who hailed from Stokeinteignhead, a village in Devonshire England. "Stoke" was short for his birthplace.

Whether you motor in via car or boat or take a slow and scenic paddle up the Cooper River, a visit to these rice mill ruins in South Carolina will be a fun and educational journey for everyone.

Interestingly, visitors can see the structural elements of the walls since the ruins have caused the building seams to rip. As a result, the all-brick construction is on full display. Abandoned places in South Carolina are always fascinating to visit. Just be sure to take care when visiting.

If you're adding these rice mill ruins in South Carolina to your bucket list, it's best to schedule the trip for sometime between March and October. Even then, it's closed on days that are scheduled for archery or firearm events. It's best to call ahead to make sure it's open. They can be reached on 803-734-3808.

The public visitation days from March to October (unless there is a hunt) are Thursday through Sunday. Note that Saturdays aren't open until 11 a.m. in the month of April. This information can always change, so it's best to visit the official South Carolina Department of Natural Resources website.

If you love the idea of exploring these ruins, there's a good chance you'll appreciate this abandoned town in South Carolina that most people stay far away from!