Rail history, festivals and a university shape Denmark’s identity
A historical university, an active railroad station and an annual dogwood tree festival make Denmark stand out amongst the small towns of South Carolina's Lowcountry. The community didn't get its name from the European country, but instead was named after B.A. Denmark, a railroad official. Rail transportation has remained an important aspect of Denmark, as it has an Amtrak stop that is part of an interstate line that serves most of the East Coast. Another one of its notable features is its small-town vibe, according to Realtor Runelle Weeks with Hubbard Bowers, Inc. "Denmark is a very friendly and family-oriented area. It's a similar laidback vibe as other towns nearby, but it has a wider main street and a little more business," Weeks says. The community's annual Dogwood Festival showcases its friendly spirit, drawing visitors from across South Carolina to celebrate its spring dogwood bloom.
Wooded lots and older homes offer privacy and character
In Denmark, there's a sense of privacy among the woodsy, green lots surrounded by mature trees. Some sections of homes back up to swaths of pine and oak forests, providing more seclusion. Lots are typically under an acre. Weeks mentions that Denmark's "beautiful old, large homes" are a big draw. Many houses were built between the early and mid-20th century, and retain much of their original features, like hardwood flooring and built ins. There are ranch-style homes and cottages priced between $35,000 and $225,000. Buyers will also find Craftsman-style or Victorian-style homes that cost between $200,000 and $230,000. While there isn't much new construction happening, houses are being renovated.
Public schools earn mixed ratings but offer career pathways
Since 2022, Denmark students have attended Bamburg County School District, which serves over 1,700 students and scores a C-plus on Niche. Denmark-Olar Elementary scores a D-plus, and Denmark-Olar Middle receives a C-minus. Denmark-Olar High earns a C, and offers career and technical education pathways, including horticulture, human services and marketing. Students may also take dual enrollment classes through nearby Denmark Technical College.
Denmark is also home to Voorhees University. This private, historically Black university was founded in 1897 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The school has an enrollment of about 500 students and offers nearly two dozen undergraduate degree programs.
Playgrounds and parks offer limited recreation in Denmark
There are few recreation spaces in Denmark. Some residents may go to Roadside Park, formerly a popular picnic area, for urban exploration or geocaching. The Ceceile Playground provides a small play area in addition to its basketball court and tennis court. More green spaces exist in nearby communities. Ness Boat Landing, 5 miles away, offers a launch area for kayakers, canoers and boaters. "We're by the North Fork Edisto River and kayaking and fishing are really popular. There are a ton of landings where people launch their boats," Weeks says. In Bamberg, River Birch Golf Club offers public tee times. Barnwell State Park is about 12 miles from Denmark, offering three lakes, fishing spots and nature trails that meander through pine and oak forests. Edisto Memorial Gardens is about 20 miles away in Orangeburg, featuring rose gardens that draw thousands of visitors each May during the Orangeburg Festival of Roses. The gardens also have a boardwalk trail within cypress wetlands, an art center, play areas, sports courts, and a disc golf course.
Annual Dogwood Festival brings art, food and music
Denmark's main streets are Heritage Highway and Carolina Highway, both of which offer a handful of small businesses, churches, salons and shops. There are chain restaurants and a few local spots, including Wee Bake, a coffee and pastry cafe. Hong Kong Chinese Restaurant offers classic Chinese American takeout fare. Residents may pick up groceries and goods at Piggly Wiggly, Dollar General or Rose's Discount Store. More dining and retail may be found in nearby communities like Orangeburg, 20 miles away.
The community is home to the annual Dogwood Festival. Starting in 1985, the town celebrates the dogwood trees that display their pink or white blossoms. The family-friendly event features a parade, dogwood painting, games, contests, food vendors and live music. There is also a popular prayer brunch during the festival, which takes place at Voorhees University.
Travel options include Amtrak, I-26 and Columbia airport
U.S. Highways 321 (Carolina Highway) and 78 (Heritage Highway) are Denmark's major thoroughfares. Interstate 26 is about 30 miles away, and I-95 and I-20 are within 60 miles. The Floridian train stops daily at the Denmark Amtrak station between New York and Miami. There is an emergency room at Bamberg-Barnwell Emergency Medical Center on Barnwell Highway, 2 miles away. The nearest full-service hospitals are MUSC Health-Orangeburg and Allendale County Hospital, both 30 miles from Denmark. Columbia Metropolitan is the closest airport, about 50 miles away. Denmark earns a four out of 10 CAP Index Crime Score, equal to the national number.
