Is Fort Sumter worth visiting? As a local, I’ve toured Fort Sumter countless times. In this guide, I’m answering the question of who should visit Fort Sumter and everything you should know about the experience before deciding!
The first shots of the American Civil War were fired at Fort Sumter by Confederate troops on April 12, 1861. Located in Charleston’s harbor, Fort Sumter was integral throughout the war and today remains one of the most historically significant sites in American history.
As part of the National Park Service, visitors are able to tour Fort Sumter to learn about the beginning of the war, its impacts on our country, and hear the stories of American heroes. As a visitor to Charleston, you might be wondering if Fort Sumter is worth visiting.
I grew up in Charleston and have toured Fort Sumter more times than I can count. In grade school, it was a recurring field trip year after year as we learned about American and South Carolina’s history. As an adult, I’ve since returned to tour Fort Sumter with work. I have plenty of experience to help guide you in deciding whether you should visit Fort Sumter.
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Is Visiting Fort Sumter Worth It? The Short and Sweet Answer.
Yes, Fort Sumter National Monument is worth visiting if you are interested in history. Confederate forces fired on Federal troops at Fort Sumter on April 12, 1861 which began the Civil War. This fortification, located in Charleston’s harbor, was a focal point throughout the war. History buffs and school groups will enjoy the tour and delving deeper into American history at Fort Sumter.
🇺🇸 Get your tickets to Fort Sumter in advance to secure the best time of day for your tour. It will sell out at certain times of year!
What is Fort Sumter?
If you aren’t familiar with the significance of Fort Sumter, let me give you a quick refresh on the history.
Fort Sumter is a sea fort that sits in Charleston’s harbor designed to protect this important port city from attacks. On April 12, 1861, Confederate forces fired on Federal troops stationed at Fort Sumter beginning the American Civil War.
Today, Fort Sumter is a National Historic Park that tells the unique history of the United States of America and its people. The war lasted 4 years and took the lives over 600,000 Americans, while ultimately leading to the freedom of millions of enslaved people.
Who Should Visit Fort Sumter?
Fort Sumter is a must see for those deeply interested in American history. It is perfect for school groups, field trips, families, and military reunion groups. You will definitely want to add it to your Charleston bucket list.
If you aren’t super interested in history, you may not enjoy the experience as it will take several hours. The boat ride is about 30-45 minutes each way plus an hour at Fort Sumter bringing you to about 2.5 hours. Not including the time it takes to get there, board, etc. You’ll need to allot a half day of your trip to experience it.
What is the tour like to Fort Sumter?
Getting to Fort Sumter
Fort Sumter is located on an island in Charleston’s harbor. It can only be reached via a private ferry with Fort Sumter Tours. Visitors can choose to depart from Liberty Square in Downtown Charleston or from Patriot’s Point in Mount Pleasant.
The boat ride to Fort Sumter takes about 30-45 minutes and you’ll hear about Charleston’s history along the way. The view of Charleston from the water is stunning making it an enjoyable experience.
There are usually food and drink options, plus restrooms available on board.
Once there, you disembark the ferry and arrive to the fort.
Touring Fort Sumter
Once at Fort Sumter, you are free to explore at your leisure with a self guided tour or hear from the knowledgable park ranger guides. You will have about one hour at the fort before the ferry returns.
The views are incredible as you can see Charleston from every angle while at the fort. You’ll see the skyline of Charleston dotted with church steeples, Sullivan’s Island, the Ravenel Bridge, Mount Pleasant and towards Folly Beach.
Head inside to the Fort Sumter Museum to see the exhibits and learn more about the fortification.
Before you leave, stop in to the museum shop to grab a souvenir to remember the trip.
Leaving Fort Sumter
After spending an hour exploring Fort Sumter, it will be time to board the ferry again. The return trip will take the same amount of time (~30 minutes), where you’ll spot marine life like dolphins and pelicans. You should also be able to see many notable sites like The Battery, Rainbow Row, the Ravenel Bridge and the USS Yorktown.
Personally, I always really enjoy the boat ride to Fort Sumter and getting to see the picturesque scenery. Charleston is best viewed from the water and always recommend visitors find a way to get on a boat during their trip!
Should You Do Fort Sumter and Patriots Point?
Now that you know all about Fort Sumter, I hope you’ve decided to visit. Be sure to grab tickets in advance here. If you are departing from Mount Pleasant, you might be wondering if you should do both Fort Sumter and Patriots Point. I’ll go over a few pros and cons for doing both.
Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum is home to the USS Yorktown, a World War II aircraft carrier, and the Medal of Honor Museum. You can spend hours exploring the ship and its exhibits. It is very interactive and a lot of fun especially for kids!
If you are history buff, you should absolutely see both Patriot Points and Fort Sumter. These iconic sites are filled with interactive exhibits and enlightening stories of American history and heroes.
You should know that each experience needs several hours to thoroughly enjoy. Plan for seeing both Patriots Point and Fort Sumter to take a full day of your Charleston itinerary.
Where to Buy Tickets to Fort Sumter
You can purchase tickets to Fort Sumter with the only authorized company that actually visits the Fort, Fort Sumter Tours.
Tickets to Fort Sumter cost $37.00 for adults and $24.00 for children under 12. Children under 3 years old are free. Seniors over 62 years and active military get a discounted rate of $33.00. *Please see their website for the most up to date pricing and options.
You may also purchase combo tickets to include a visit to Fort Sumter and either a walking tour, city tour, visit to Boone Hall, or Patriots Point. It is also included on the Charleston Tour Pass which is a great way to save money if you plan to do a lot of sightseeing!
FAQ
The ferry to Fort Sumter takes about 30-45 minutes where you’ll enjoy a brief historical narrative on the way. The ride will fly by as you spot dolphins, see the Ravenel bridge and admire Charleston’s skyline.
The only way to gain entry to Fort Sumter is by booking the ferry with Fort Sumter Tours. No other vessels are allowed to dock at the fort so you must purchase a ticket.
No, you must book the ferry with Fort Sumter Tours to visit. Unauthorized vessels are not allowed to dock at the fort, therefore, you can not go on your own. Once you arrive, you can do a self guided tour.
Questions? Let me know in the comments! I’m happy to help.
THINGS TO DO IN CHARLESTON, SC
There are so many amazing things to do in Charleston, South Carolina. That’s why it is constantly voted the #1 city in the United States. From charming architecture and cobblestone streets, to water-based activities, to history, and a dynamic culinary scene, there is something for every type of traveler in Charleston, SC.
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