How much does it cost to tour Fort Sumter?
Don’t just tour history, experience it! Your $32 adventure includes: You’ll get to see where the 1st shots of the Civil War were fired and learn about Fort Sumter’s role. View Battery Park, the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge and Fort Moultrie. You may even see dolphins along the way.
How do you get to Fort Sumter by boat?
2015 Image of Fort Sumter taken from the tour boat. Historic Fort Sumter is located in Charleston Harbor and is only accessible by the concession-operated tour boat. Fort Sumter does not charge an entrance fee; however tickets for the authorized concession-operated ferry are required and may be purchased in advance.
How long is the ferry ride from Charleston to Fort Sumter?
The ferry ride is 30-minutes long each way, and ferry schedules vary throughout the year but generally run several times a day from Downtown Charleston and at least once a day from Patriots Point. What to See at Fort Sumter Once you arrive on the island, you’ll have 60 minutes to tour the fort and surrounding areas.
Should you visit Fort Sumter during your Charleston stay?
If you have any interest in United States history, touring Fort Sumter during your stay in Charleston is well worth your time. The ferry ride out to the island is also a nice way to get out on the water. Fort Sumter is where the first shots of the Civil War took place. Today, Fort Sumter is maintained by the National Park Service.
How much is Fort Sumter tour?
$32.00How much does the day time tour cost?Ticket PricesAdults$32.00Seniors/Active Military$29.00Children (4-11)$19.00Children under 3FREE
Can you visit Fort Sumter without a tour?
Historic Fort Sumter is located in Charleston Harbor and is only accessible by the concession-operated tour boat.
How long is the boat ride to Fort Sumter?
The tours include a 30-minute ferry ride to and from the fort and 60 minutes on the island. The total length of the tour is just under 2.5 hours. During the 30-minute boat ride out to the island, a pre-recorded voice discusses various points of interest, including the history of Fort Sumter and Charleston Harbor.
Is Fort Sumter worth visiting?
According to most Charleston visitors, Fort Sumter is a must-see, especially for kids and history buffs. Fort Sumter National Monument is perched on a small island in Charleston Harbor several miles southwest of the city.
How much time do you need at Fort Sumter?
about 2.5 hoursGive yourself about 2.5 hours in order not to feel rushed. You will spend about a half an hour on the ferry each way with an hour of time at the fort to explore. Give yourself the extra window of time at the beginning to purchase tickets and board. over a year ago.
Does Fort Sumter have food?
You won't go hungry during a Fort Sumter Tour! Tour boat concessions offer a variety of drinks and snacks (including healthy options) available for purchase during the cruise to and from the fort.
Are there bathrooms on Fort Sumter?
Inside Fort Sumter Battery Huger houses the restrooms, water fountain, museum, museum store, and the observation level. The lowest level of Battery Huger, which houses the restrooms, is accessible by a power lift.
Are masks required at Fort Sumter?
Pursuant to 36 CFR § 1.5 (a)(2), the National Park Service (NPS) is implementing mask-wearing requirements for park visitors at Fort Sumter & Fort Moultrie National Historical Park to project the health and safety of park employees, volunteers, partners, contractors and park visitors.
Where do you catch the ferry to Fort Sumter?
There are two departure locations: Liberty Square Visitor Education Center, a National Park Service visitor center open daily from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, and Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum. The concessioner does not honor the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass for the cost of the ferry ride.
Do Fort Sumter tickets sell out?
Ferry tickets do sell out ahead of time. The National Park Service Rangers recommend buying your tickets at least 2-3 days in advance. The ferry ride from Fort Sumter to Charleston is about 30 minutes.
Is Fort Sumter sinking?
It was still incomplete in 1861 when the Battle of Fort Sumter began the American Civil War. It was severely damaged during the war, left in ruins, and although there was some rebuilding, the fort as conceived was never completed....Fort Sumter.Significant datesAdded to NRHPOctober 15, 1966Designated HDApril 28, 194815 more rows
Do you need a reservation for Fort Sumter?
Reservations for families and other small groups are generally not required for Fort Sumter. Tickets are sold first come, first served each day at the departure locations.
Can you go inside Fort Sumter?
Visiting Fort Sumter Fort Sumter Tours provides the only National Park Service authorized access to Fort Sumter. There are two departure locations: Liberty Square Visitor Education Center, a National Park Service visitor center open daily from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, and Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum.
Can you kayak to Fort Sumter?
The most famous, Fort Sumter, is located on an island in Charleston Harbor. The National Park Service has partnered with a private concessionaire that operates boat tours up to six times a day during the peak season, but anyone with their own boat can visit the fort (you can even kayak or canoe to the fort).
How to get to Fort Sumter?
The only way to get to Fort Sumter is on a boat. Fort Sumter Tours runs the ferries that takes visitors to Fort Sumter. The ferry departure points for Fort Sumter are in Downtown Charleston at Liberty Square or from Patriots Point.
How long does it take to visit Fort Sumter?
The museum outlines the history of slavery in the South, tensions between the states and more information at Fort Sumter. A visit will take about 30 to 60 minutes depending on how much reading you do. If you are visiting with kids, be sure to pick up a junior ranger packet at the Visitor Education Center.
How long is the ferry ride from Fort Sumter to Charleston?
The ferry ride from Fort Sumter to Charleston is about 30 minutes. The overall tour is 2 hours and 15 minutes with about an hour left to walk the grounds. The ferry boat is three-levels with some seating and tables. The indoor seating is limited so if it is a sunny day pack your sunscreen and hats.
What to bring to Fort Sumter?
It is also a good idea to bring a hat, sunscreen and bug spray. There are several water fountains on Fort Sumter. Your time at the fort will go faster than you think. Take your time and soak in the details but keep a good pace as you explore the island. A ranger will come by to tell you when the ferry is boarding.
What to see on the Charleston ferry?
On your way back to the ferry, walk out to the beach to admire the view of downtown Charleston. You will be able to see Patriots Point, USS Yorktown, the Battery, the Ravenel Bridge and other Charleston landmarks.
How long did the Battle of Fort Sumter last?
About Fort Sumter. The Civil War began with an attack on Fort Sumter. The attack lasted two days from April 12-14, 1861. The only death during the attack was a union soldier who was accidentally killed during an explosion during the 100-gun salute.
Where was the first shot of the Civil War?
Fort Sumter is where the first shots of the U.S. Civil War took place. Today, Fort Sumter is maintained by the National Park Service. It is found on a man-made island in Charleston Harbor. Our family had a great time visiting the fort.
Can you bring pets to Fort Sumter?
Pets are not permitted at Fort Sumter due to the high volume of visitors to this secluded island fort. Fort Sum ter Tours does not permit pets on board vessels. Please visit the Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park website for details – click here.
Is the Charleston ferry accessible?
Due to this, the ferry departing from downtown Charleston or Patriots Point is not always fully accessible. To ensure that your visit will be fully accessible, we recommend that you contact the concessioner, Fort Sumter Tours, on the day of your visit at (843) 722-2628.
Is there an elevator at Fort Sumter?
No Elevator Service at Fort Sumter. The museum, museum bookstore and top level of Fort Sumter are only accessible by climbing stairs. For more information, visit the link below or please call (843-) 883-3123. Visit the National Park Service’s page on accessibility to learn more. Restrooms at Fort Sumter.
Is Fort Sumter a cruise?
Fort Sumter Tours will cruise in most weather conditions all-year round. Time on the Fort may be impacted by weather at the discretion of the National Park Service. Sunset at Fort Sumter Cruises: Cancellations with refunds accepted up to 24-hours in-advance.
How long is the boat ride to Fort Sumter?
Fort Sumter is a fascinating place to visit and only accessible by taking a 30 minute boat ride through the Charleston Harbor. After arriving at the fort, guests will have the opportunity to learn about the major events that led to the outbreak of the American Civil War.
Where is the Fort Sumter ferry?
The Fort Sumter ferry departs from the Fort Sumter Visitor Education Center in Liberty Square next to the South Carolina Aquarium and also from Patriots Point Maritime Museum.
Is there a restroom at Fort Sumter?
For the first boat of the day, restrooms are unavailable at Fort Sumter. Restrooms are available on the ferry boat and at the Liberty Square. **This boat trip makes a brief interim stop at Liberty Square before and after fort tour. Tour boat schedule is subject to change and cancellation at anytime.
Common Questions
What are the departure times? Accessibility? Is there parking available? Where can I buy a ticket? Where are the departure points? How much does the day time tour cost?
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Where to visit Fort Sumter?
Visit historic Fort Sumter in Charleston, the site of the battle which signified the start of the American Civil War. This tour is provided by the only operator within the city that includes both round trip ferry service in addition to entry into Fort Sumter. Enjoy a scenic 30-minute cruise each way along Charleston Harbor from two convenient departure locations, Liberty Square and Patriots Point. On the way, view top Charleston sites such as Rainbow Row and the Battery from your ferry. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by National Park Rangers who will relay stories of America's deadliest war before your 1-hour self-guided tour of Fort Sumter National Monument. Make sure to leave time for a stop at the museum and souvenir shop before making your way back to Charleston or Mt. Pleasant.
How long is the tour of Fort Sumter?
Upon arrival, you will be greeted by National Park Rangers who will relay stories of America's deadliest war before your 1-hour self-guided tour of Fort Sumter National Monument. Make sure to leave time for a stop at the museum and souvenir shop before making your way back to Charleston or Mt. Pleasant.
Is there elevator service at Fort Sumter?
There is no Elevator Service at Fort Sumter – the museum, restrooms, bookstore and top level of Fort Sumter are only accessible by climbing stairs.
What artifacts are in Fort Sumter?
Several significant artifacts from Fort Sumter remain, including a cannon that was actually used during the war and the flag that was flown over the fort.
How long do you have to use Old South Carriage tickets?
Once you receive the Old South Carriage tour tickets, you can use them at any point during the next 7 days.
Where do ferries leave from in Charleston?
Tours have ferries that leave from Liberty Square and Patriots Point in Charleston. It is suggested that guests book reservations in advance. Again, Fort Sumter Tours is the only concessioner of Fort Sumter.
Is there a tour around Fort Sumter?
There is no guided tour around Fort Sumter. However, signs label different points of interest, and if interested, the Fort Sumter Tours can arrange a guided tour through the museum for an additional cost.
Is there a fee to visit Fort Sumter?
TICKET COST/SCHEDULE. There is no charge for visiting Fort Sumter, the museum, or Exhibit Hall in Charleston. However, there is a fee for transportation to and from the island. Departure times depend on the time of year, the departure point, and the weather.
Is Fort Sumter Tours a concession?
It is suggested that guests book reservations in advance. Again, Fort Sumter Tours is the only concessioner of Fort Sumter.
How to get to Fort Sumter?
The only way to get to Fort Sumter is by boat. One company, Fort Sumter Tours, runs the ferries that shuttle passengers to and from the island via Downtown Charleston at Liberty Square or from across the harbor at Patriots Point. The ferry ride is 30-minutes long each way, and ferry schedules vary throughout the year but generally run several times ...
How long does it take to tour Fort Sumter?
Once you arrive on the island, you’ll have 60 minutes to tour the fort and surrounding areas. A National Parks ranger will greet you at the island and offer a general overview of the island’s history and attractions. Fort Sumter Tours offers a full tour of the island for an additional fee.
What was the Battle of Fort Sumter?
Not only was this the site of the start of the Civil War, but it was also the site of the Second Battle of Fort Sumter in 1863, where the Union Army attempted to reclaim control over the fort. Visitors can learn about the military history of the island while appreciating stunning views of Patriots Point, Downtown Charleston and the Ravenel Bridge.
What time does the Charleston History Tour leave?
The Charleston History Tour leaves from City Hall at 2pm and our Alleys & Hidden Passages Tour leaves from the Old Exchange Building at the same time.
How long is the Charleston ferry ride?
The ferry ride is 30-minutes long each way, and ferry schedules vary throughout the year but generally run several times a day from Downtown Charleston and at least once a day from Patriots Point.
Where to go in South Carolina after Patriots Point?
If you’re not ready to head back to city life after your trip to Patriots Point and Fort Sumter, head further inland to She m Creek and Sullivan’s Island. These areas offer water sports, some of the best beaches in South Carolina and even more restaurant options. Stay tuned for our next blog post with details!
Can you visit Fort Sumter and Patriots Point?
Patriots Point and Fort Sumter can be visited in tandem or separately. Yet many visitors choose to visit them on the same day because Fort Sumter can be reached from Patriots Point by boat. There is also a water taxi that shuttles passengers to Patriots Point from Downtown Charleston. Click Here to book your tour of Charleston!
Where is Fort Sumter located?
2015 Image of Fort Sumter taken from the tour boat. Photo:NPS/Taormina. Fort Sumter. Historic Fort Sumter is located in Charleston Harbor and is only accessible by the concession-operated tour boat.
Where is Fort Moultrie?
Fort Moultrie. Fort Moultrie is located on Sullivan's Island and features 171 years of seacoast defense history from the American Revolution through World War II. Learn more about visiting Fort Moultrie on Sullivan's Island and its operating hours and fees. Teachers.
