With the lake in the backyard and the Capital City nearby, there is plenty to keep residents and visitors of all ages busy. It’s not uncommon for people to enjoy boating throughout the year. Lake Murray is great for leisure boating, with over 500 miles of shoreline. There are marinas on the lake offering gas, bait, and snacks, as well as boat storage, launching, and boat rentals. Numerous groups host events throughout the year, including fishing tournaments, a boating poker run, boat tours, and the annual Fourth of July Festival which features a patriotic boat parade and fireworks display.

 

Sailing on Lake Murray is one of the best ways to shake the worries off after a long day and the Lake Murray Sail Club sponsors several regattas, sailing parties, and club activities throughout the year. There is also the Columbia Rowing Club which provides canoeing along the Broad River and white-water canoeing in Columbia.

Chapin also has a number of restaurants and bars conveniently located along the water where boaters congregate in the afternoons and evenings to socialize, grab a bite to eat and listen to live entertainment.

Lake Murray is a fishing and hunting haven. There are ample undeveloped tracts of land in the Chapin area and many hunters belong to local hunt clubs. North of Chapin there is an outdoor shooting range where hunters can adjust their scopes and prepare for the upcoming hunting season. The Broad River and Lake Murray are also excellent locations for duck hunting. And the lake hosts a variety of fish species, including striper, largemouth bass, bream and crappie. Lake Murray hosts a number of bass and crappie fishing tournaments throughout the year. For more fishing information and a list of local guides, call 1-866- SCJEWEL (725-3935) or go to the recreation page at www.lakemurraycountry.com.

The local Labor Day Parade and Festival is one of the busiest and most enjoyable three-day events in the area, featuring fireworks, arts and crafts, a music concert, the library’s annual book sale, and of course, the annual parade with local businesses, elected officials, civic organizations, dance troupes, local Scouts, and Chapin High School’s award-winning marching band participating.