For Immediate Release: August 29, 2025
Scenic Transport from Zoo to Garden is Now a Breeze
Columbia, SC, August 29, 2025 — Riverbanks Zoo and Garden will celebrate the opening of the Saluda Skyride on Friday, August 29, 2025, marking an important milestone in the "Bridge to the Wild” vision for the future.
The Saluda Skyride’s construction is complete and ready to welcome guests on a unique aerial journey across the scenic Saluda River, connecting the Zoo and Botanical Garden campuses. The transport system features 19 modern cabins, each accommodating up to eight passengers and offering sweeping bird’s-eye views of the river and surrounding landscape. Designed for universal access, every cabin easily accommodates wheelchairs and strollers, ensuring a comfortable 2½-minute ride for visitors of all ages and abilities. With the capacity to transport 1,600 guests per hour, Saluda Skyride provides uninterrupted panoramic vistas throughout the experience.
The Saluda Skyride marks the debut of Phase Two of Riverbanks’ multi-year expansion, titled “Bridge to the Wild.” This initiative is projected to increase Riverbanks’ annual economic impact in the Midlands to over $175 million and will create 500 new jobs. Through new attractions and continual enhancements, Riverbanks strengthens Columbia’s profile as a must-visit destination.
“Bridge to the Wild is about forging connections, linking the Zoo and Botanical Garden, bringing people closer to wildlife, and building a bright future for our community,” says Tommy Stringfellow, president and CEO of Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. “The Saluda Skyride signifies just the beginning of our bold expansion, offering new opportunities for exploration, learning, and conservation that will benefit our region for years to come.”
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden was recently recognized as Best Family Attraction in the Free Times’ Best Of 2025. With the Skyride welcoming its first guests and the next phases of expansion underway, Riverbanks continues to prioritize engaging experiences and lasting community value for its members, guests, and residents.
All guests can enjoy access to the Saluda Skyride with paid general admission or membership. For more information about upcoming “Bridge to the Wild” projects and Saluda Skyride, download the press kit.
- ### -
About Riverbanks Zoo and Garden: Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is home to more than 3,000 magnificent and fascinating animals and one of America’s best public gardens. The Zoo opened on April 25, 1974, and for over five decades, has connected individuals, families and school children with the natural world. Riverbanks is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and is recognized as a global leader in animal care and welfare, education, recreation, science and wildlife conservation. It is the mission of the Zoo and Garden to create meaningful connections and inspire actions that will have a lasting impact on wildlife and wild places. For more information, visit riverbanks.org.