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Fort Sumter Tours: How to Visit the Fort Sumter National Monument and Patriots Point

Fort Sumter National Monument and Patriots Point are two Charleston attractions that are popular with history buffs, nature lovers, and photographers. While the exhibits at Fort Sumter focus mostly on Civil War history, the attractions at Patriots Point revolve primarily around the history of World War II and the Vietnam War.

You can take Fort Sumter tours or visit on your own.

Patriots Point and Fort Sumter National Monument 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 the Ferry to Fort Sumter. There is also a water taxi that shuttles passengers to Patriots Point from Downtown Charleston.

Fort Sumter Tours: Visiting the Island

Fort Sumter National Monument is one of the most popular historic attractions in Charleston. The site of the shots fired that marked the official start of the Civil War, Fort Sumter is a physical reminder of the events leading up to this moment. Built just after the War of 1812, the fort also features exhibits on its design.

Why Visit Fort Sumter National Monument

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.

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 to Fort Sumter 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 National Monument

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 island tour for an additional fee.

Food and Drink

The ferry to Fort Sumter has a snack bar, but there is no food sold on this island. There are several water fountains on the island where you can fill up a water bottle.

How to Visit Patriots Point

Patriots Point is home to the USS Yorktown, an aircraft carrier that served in both World War II and the Vietnam War. The carrier is docked at a naval and maritime museum that offers visitors a glimpse into the history of an aircraft carrier, a battleship, and a submarine. Anyone interested in naval history will appreciate a visit to Patriots Point.

Why Visit Patriots Point

In addition to the USS Yorktown, you’ll get the chance to see the USS Laffey, a battleship, and the USS Clamagore, a submarine. All three vessels can be toured, and there are plenty of photo opportunities in each one. Both adults and kids find the living quarters impressive on these vessels — especially the barber shop and mess hall.

How to Get to Patriots Point

If you have a car, you might want to take a drive to Patriots Point. Only about 10 minutes from Downtown Charleston, the drive is worth it. Crossing over the impressive Ravenel Bridge is an attraction unto itself.

If you don’t have a car, don’t worry — you can get to Patriots Point via the Charleston Water Taxi too. It departs once an hour and takes a little over 30 minutes to reach the other side. You can also choose to stay on the ferry to Fort Sumter for the entire route, which takes approximately 60 minutes. A local company also offers helicopter rides to and from Patriots Point.

What to See at Patriots Point

The biggest attraction at Patriots Point is the maritime museum that features three vessels:

• USS Yorktown
• USS Glamagore

There are also a few other attractions that appeal to visitors, including:

• Cold War Memorial
• Waterfront park and pier
• Patriot Point Links golf course

You should plan to spend at least three hours here if you want ample time to visit all three vessels and time to take photos of the surrounding areas.

Food and Drink Near Patriots Point

There are plenty of places to grab a bite to eat while you’re at Patriots Point — and one of them even offers great views of the water! Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a sit-down meal, you can enjoy some authentic Lowcountry cuisine at these three spots.

Page’s Okra Grill

Comfort food doesn’t need frills, bells, or whistles. When it’s good, you can just taste it. For those looking for a little more substance (at a lower price point), Page’s Okra Grill serves up some stick-to-your-ribs comfort without putting on its fancy pants.

You’ll find some classics, like fried chicken and waffles, fried green tomatoes, pimento cheese, and shrimp and grits here. Most dishes are between $5 and $9.

Graze Restaurant

For a more “elevated” experience that doesn’t take itself too seriously, go to Graze. The minimalist décor is still homey and features plenty of clean, crisp lines and muted colors. Menu items include lobster mac and cheese, spicy tuna tataki, and crispy chicken livers. Most meals are served with a side of hand-cut pomme frites.

The Bridge Bar

If you want to enjoy some lighter fare or a cocktail, head to the Bridge Bar at the Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina. From here, you’ll get fabulous views of the Ravenel Bridge, USS Yorktown, and Downtown Charleston. You can also nosh on fresh fish, crisp salads, and homemade soups — including the local she-crab soup!

If you are headed back to Charleston after your trip to Fort Sumter or Patriot’s Point and are craving more history, you will have plenty of time to join us on one of our afternoon walking tours.  The Charleston History Tour leaves from City Hall at 2 pm and our Alleys & Hidden Passages Tour leaves from the Old Exchange Building at the same time.

If you’re not ready to head back to city life after your trip to Patriots Point and Fort Sumter tour, head further inland to Shem 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!

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Fort Sumter Tours

Michael Trevis

Michael has a BA in History & American Studies and an MSc in American History from the University of Edinburgh. He comes from a proud military family and has spent most of his career as an educator in the Middle East and Asia. His passion is travel, and he seizes any opportunity to share his experiences in the most immersive way possible, whether at sea or on the land.

Fort Sumter holds a special significance in the course of US history. It was this relatively unassuming military post where the Civil War began in earnest. Today, it is a popular attraction and opens for visitors to explore. This article serves as your guide to making the most of your tour of the site.

Fort Sumter, along with nearby Fort Moultrie , forms a designated National Historical Park of South Carolina. Fort Sumter was indelibly etched into American history when, on the 12th of April 1861, Confederate forces open fired on the US garrison.

The park is open year round but closes for Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. The visitor center is open each day from 9 am to 5 pm.

In preparation for your visit and tour it is critical to check the boat schedule. Boats depart from two locations: Patriots Point (Mount Pleasant) and Liberty Square in downtown Charleston. Peak season runs from March 1 to November 30. During this time there are three daily departures from Liberty Square and two from Patriots Point.

From December 1 to February 28, there are two daily departures from Liberty Square and one from Patriots Point. The period from December 26 to December 31 reverts to the peak season timetable.

Liberty Square also hosts the Visitor Education Center - a free service and one that is critically important in learning about the fascinating history of the fort. Note that Fort Moultrie is also open from 9 am to 5 pm from Friday to Sunday.

Tours & Particpation

An iconic part of the daily ritual for park staff is the raising and lowering of the US flag. Visitors on the first ferry out to the site can assist rangers in raising the Stars and Stripes, while visitors on the final ferry out can assist in lowering and folding the flag.

Fort Moultrie

Fort Moultrie has lower visitation than Fort Sumter but still offers guided tours twice daily (11 am and 2 pm). However, it is open all year round for walking and exploring.

Current fees are $10 for adults and the site is free for children aged 15 and under. If you intend to visit in a group twice or more during a year, consider purchasing an annual pass for $35, which covers the card holder and up to three adults.

America the Beautiful Federal Lands Pass Holders enjoy free access, as do school tour groups. The latter require advance reservations and should reach out to the site staff at (843) 883-3123.

Fort Sumter

Strictly speaking, there is no entrance fee for Fort Sumter per se. However, the island is accessible only by ferry and private boats are not allowed.

To get the most out of your visit, we recommend booking an acclaimed tour aboard the Carolina Belle. You'll be engrossed in sightseeing and scenery suitable for the whole family, and local experts offer narrated insight into the history of the site.

Pets and alcoholic beverages are not permitted aboard the boat. Although every effort is made to make the tour accessible, ramps used for access are sometimes unavailable due to adverse weather conditions.

Visitors from outside the area should consider seeking accommodation in Charleston.

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Fort Sumter Tours | How To Get There

This post covers how to take a tour of Fort Sumter, how to reach the boats, and a visitors guide for when you are on the island. 

• Tours of Fort Sumter  
• Tickets + Schedule
• Promo Codes/Combo Deals

TOURS OF FORT SUMTER 

Tours on Fort Sumter are very limited. Fort Sumter Tours , a local tour company, is the only authorized National Park Service concessioner of Fort Sumter.

They offer 1 - 3 tours per day, depending on the time of year.

The tours include a 30-minute ferry ride to and from the fort and 60 minutes self-guided tour of 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. 

Since you won't be allowed to bring your own snacks with you there is a snack bar available onboard the ferry.

Upon arrival, guests are greeted by a National Park Service Rangers who provides a 10-minute overview of the island. Guests are then given 45-60 minutes to explore the fort and the museum on their own.

Save some time and listen to the  National Park ranger s talk here .

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.

If you would like a more in-depth tour of the history and significance of Fort Sumter, consider taking our Charleston Civil War Tour .

The tour is a nice complement for those planning a trip out to the island. It details the historic Fort Sumter Battle, as well as many other sites around Charleston that were significant during the Civil War. 

FERRY DEPARTURE LOCATIONS

Fort Sumter is on an island and is only accessible by boat. 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 authorized concessioner of Fort Sumter that actually docks at the Fort.

At Liberty Square, you can find the Fort Sumter Visitor Center. The building and exhibits inside are free to enjoy. Restrooms and a water bottle fill station are available for your convenience.

If you are coming from the city center to Liberty Square , head east on Calhoun Street, then turn right onto East Bay Street. Continue straight on East Bay Street until you reach Liberty Square at the intersection of Concord Street and Adger's Wharf.

And if you want to head to Patriots Point , head east on Calhoun Street, then turn left onto East Bay Street. Continue straight on East Bay Street until you reach the intersection with Morrison Drive. Turn right onto Morrison Drive and follow it until you reach Patriots Point on the right side.

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.

Ticket Prices

• $32 for Adults
• $29 for Military/Seniors
• $19 for Children (ages 4-11)
• Children under 3 ride for free with a parental guardian.
• Purchase tickets or learn more .

NOTE: This activity is included with the Charleston Tour Pass , a concession service you can use to save 30% - 40% or more off general admission prices.

Departure Schedule

Jan 2nd – Feb 27th

• 11 AM & 2:30 PM (from Liberty Square) | 1 PM (from Patriot's Point)

Feb 28th – Mar 13th

• 9:30 AM, 12 PM & 2:30 PM (from Liberty Square) | 10:30 AM, 1 PM, and 3:30 PM (from Patriot's Point)

Mar 14th – Aug 21st

• 9:30 AM, 12 PM, 2:30 PM & 4 PM (from Liberty Square) | 10:30 AM, 1 PM & 3:30 PM (from Patriot's Point)

Aug 22nd – Nov 30th

• 9:30 AM, 12 PM & 2:30 PM (from Liberty Square) | 10:30 AM & 1 PM (from Patriot's Point)

Dec 1st – Dec 24th

Dec 26th – Dec 31st

Additional Details

• No tours available on Christmas or Thanksgiving
• Labor Day Weekend departures are extended to summer hours
• Free cancellation up to 2 hours in advance for a full refund

FORT SUMTER REVIEWS

Whether you plan to learn about this fort from afar or see it up close, it could be useful to hear what locals and other tourists thought about the historic site.

These reviews will reveal the details that guests either enjoyed or disliked about this location, making it much easier to determine whether or not a trip to Fort Sumter is right for you. 

History Comes to Life

Several reviews indicate that history buffs and beginners alike can find a lot to enjoy about Fort Sumter.

That being said, some tourists felt that their experience was made less enjoyable by guests who didn't know anything about the location and had no interest in learning about its historical significance.

Although this doesn't seem to be a common issue, it is worth noting that some audiences may not understand the importance of a site like this.

As long as you don't let that affect your enjoyment of the attraction, there shouldn't be a problem.

Original Artifacts

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.

A majority of tourists appreciate the maintenance of these important items, allowing them to see an actual piece of history in the best possible quality. 

Many tourists feel that these objects are monuments that remind us of the struggle that this country has undergone, providing a greater appreciation for the freedom we enjoy today.

Flag Raising

Many tourists have noted that if you take the first tour of the day, you can take part in the flag-raising ceremony at Fort Sumter.

Tourists describe the event as "wonderful and touching," paying honor to the fallen heroes of our past.

One could imagine that raising the flag over this historic site would easily put you in the right frame of mind to learn all about its past.

Great Views

Many visitors have also enjoyed the fantastic views of Charleston.

Guests who took the tour (which includes a boat ride) were quite impressed with the trip both to and from the site, indicating that there were a lot of wonderful photo opportunities along the way.

Some tourists even mentioned seeing dolphins during the boat ride, making the outing even more pleasurable.

Fort Sumter Museum

If just visiting the fort isn't enough, the museum located on-site should provide plenty of historical context for the landmark.

Guests recommend using the museum either to take a break from walking around the grounds or to learn more about Fort Sumter while you're there. 

PROMO CODES AND COMBO PACKAGES

If you're looking to do more than just see Fort Sumter, there are a few combo packages that can help you save money on a variety of activities in and around Charleston.

Bus tour companies offer combo packages that include a tour and an activity, such as visiting Fort Sumter. But they have many other combos as well.

Find out more about saving money with a Charleston Bus Tour Combo Ticket here .

Charleston Tour Pass

This is one of the best ways to save money on tickets to Fort Sumter, because you can save anywhere from 30% - 40% off general admission prices.

In addition to that, the pass also includes many other popular activities and attractions in Charleston, including the following options:

• Schooner Pride Afternoon Sail
• Palmetto Carriage Tours
• Haunted Yorktown Tour
• Charleston Tea Garden
• Charleston Fun Park
• Gray Line City Tour
• Harbor Tour Cruise
• Charleston Museum
• Kayal Rental
• Drayton Hall

If you're already planning to enjoy some of these activities while visiting, the Charleston tourist pass will definitely come in handy.

Check our post covering Charleston city passes to learn more about how to use this service.

This company is well known for providing bus tour services all over the world. In Charleston, they offer a historic city tour that takes you to some of the most significant sites in the area.

One of their combo packages combines the city tour with a trip to Fort Sumter for one low price. This is a great way to discover the city and see some of the most important landmarks along the way.

• Ticket Price: $57/Adults | $37/Children
• Duration: 3-4 hours
• Availability: Daily
• More information .

They also have a combo deal which includes their city tour, a trip to Fort Sumter, and a visit to the Joseph Manigault House.

• Ticket Price: $68/Adults | $44/Children
• Duration: 4 hours
• Availability: Not currently available.
• More details .

Reviews for these combo deals are pretty good, although there were a few complaints from time to time.

Some customers would have liked the opportunity to stop and take pictures, but the city of Charleston does not allow hop-on, hop-off bus tour services.

A majority of guests were very happy with this trip, indicating that their tour guides were friendly and entertaining. Several tourists felt that this was a wonderful way to discover the area and its history.

Old South Carriage Company

If a bus tour isn't your style, perhaps you'll enjoy a carriage ride instead.

This company provides a combo tour of Charleston via horse-drawn carriage, allowing you to experience the city in an old-fashioned style.

You'll pick up your tickets for this tour when you check in for the Fort Sumter tour. Once you receive the Old South Carriage tour tickets, you can use them at any point during the next 7 days.

• Ticket Prices: $79 for Adults | $57 for Children
• Duration: 2-3 hours
• Click here for more info .

With a 4 ½ star rating on TripAdvisor, it's clear that most customers enjoy the carriage tours offered by this company.

Some guests described the outing as romantic, while others are pleasantly surprised by the amount of information provided by their tour guides.

Although most visitors describe this service as very professional, there are a few negative comments which take issue with Charleston's rules regarding tourism.

Unfortunately, there's nothing that the Old South Carriage Company can do about these issues, so it's not really their fault.

Despite a few concerns, the overwhelming majority of customers appreciated their experiences on this trip.

TIP: If you are thinking about a carriage tour, read our post  comparing the different Charleston carriage tours  to choose from.

USS Yorktown

Located at Patriot's Point, the USS Yorktown is an aircraft carrier developed for the United States during WWII. The craft was named after the Battle of Yorktown during the American Revolutionary War.

One of the combo deals available for Fort Sumter National Monument also allows you to visit this must-see attraction and walk in the footsteps of heroes from an entirely different generation.

Both sites are historically significant landmarks in Charleston, so it's safe to say that this combo package is a great deal for history buffs.

• Ticket Prices: $52 for Adults | $33 for Children
• Click here for more information .

USS Yorktown and the Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum have received excellent reviews on TripAdvisor. The aircraft carrier was the first installment of this museum, and it remains one of the most popular sites in the area.

Guests are typically very impressed with the volunteers and employees on hand, stating that they are very helpful. Some visitors even suggest that this is one of the best naval museums in the country.

South Carolina Aquarium

This is an excellent option for families, allowing them to have a wonderful experience of both the history and the natural beauty of Charleston.

You'll start off with a visit to Fort Sumter and finish the day at the South Carolina Aquarium .

While most of these combo packages focus primarily on historical sites, this one also provides an opportunity to learn about a variety of marine life. If you're looking for fun activities that everyone in your family can enjoy, this is a pretty good deal.

• Ticket Prices: $47 for Adults | $33 for Children
• Duration: 3-4 hours, Daily
• To know more, click here .

It might not come as a surprise, but this aquarium is very well rated on TripAdvisor. Guests tend to enjoy the opportunity to see some of the aquatic life that you'll find in the waters off the coast of South Carolina.

While some visitors enjoy this location because it isn't too crowded all the time, others appreciate its uniqueness. Customers indicate that the building is located right next to the boat to Fort Sumter, making it easy to visit both attractions in one day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you visit Fort Sumter without taking a tour?

No, it is not possible to visit Fort Sumter without taking a tour. Fort Sumter is located on an island in Charleston Harbor, South Carolina.

The only way to reach the fort is by taking a boat tour operated by Fort Sumter Tours.

Due to its status as a national monument, access to Fort Sumter is restricted, and visitors are not allowed to reach the fort on their own without taking an authorized tour.

Can you see Fort Sumter from Charleston?

Yes, you can see Fort Sumter from Charleston. Since Fort Sumter is located in Charleston Harbor, it is visible from various vantage points along the waterfront in downtown Charleston.

You can catch glimpses of the fort from Battery Park, Waterfront Park, or even while taking a stroll along the historic district.

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• Charleston Harbor Tours
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• Prospective Cadets
• Faculty & Staff

From prospective cadet candidates visiting the United States Military Academy to guided tours of historic West Point to top-notch shows and sporting events, there are numerous reasons to visit West Point.

General Information

Please Note:   Entrance is allowed for business, for visiting staff, faculty, and cadets who live on West Point, and for public events such as concerts, sporting events, cadet reviews, and graduation.  Visitors may take a nominally priced guided bus tour of the Academy grounds departing from the West Point Visitors Center.  Please visit  West Point Tours  or call (845) 446-4724 for more details.  Foreign nationals without a qualified escort may only access West Point by taking a West Point tour.

For specific entry requirements, please click on the appropriate category below:

Type of Visitor

• Cadet Candidates
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• Guided Tours (845) 446-4724
• Virtual Tour
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Attractions

• Frederic V. Malek West Point Visitors Center
• West Point Museum
• West Point Cemetery
• Constitution Island
• West Point Band Schedule
• Cadet Review/Parade Schedule
• NCAA Athletics Events
• West Point Family and MWR Events
• Eisenhower Hall Theatre

Dining at West Point

Visitors to West Point have a variety of dining options to choose from on campus - with several options providing support directly to Cadets through the Directorate of Cadet Activities. 

• On-post dining options
• Catering options

Chamber of Commerce

• Town of Highlands Chamber of Commerce
• Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber of Commerce  (Peekskill area) 
• West Point Garrison and Community
• Directions - Garrison and Community Website
• Local Conditions - Garrison and Community Facebook Page

Resources for K-8

• West Point Courses (Online learning activities)

Fort Duffield Park and Historic Site

Salt River Drive West Point , KY 40177 United States

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Native son of Kentucky, President Abraham Lincoln , said: "I think to lose Kentucky is nearly the same as to lose the whole game." At the confluence of the Salt and Ohio Rivers in North Hardin County, Kentucky, Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman , commander of the Army of the Cumberland, ordered the construction of a fort some 300 feet above the city of West Point to protect his supply base there and to protect Louisville from attack via the Louisville-Nashville Turnpike and Ohio River. Work on the fort began on Sunday, November 3, 1861, and the 1,000 foot long earthen fortification with no less than 10 angles for artillery took about one and a half months to complete. The bulk of the construction was done by the 9th Michigan Infantry Regiment commanded by Colonel William W. Duffield. Many of the green troops who worked with pick-ax and shovel were stricken with disease. Current research shows that of the 48 Civil War Soldiers that died while in West Point, Kentucky, 39 were Michigan soldiers. 10 of those soldiers were sent home for burial. In 1868, the remaining Michigan soldiers and 1 Kentucky soldier were reinterred in the New Albany, Indiana National Cemetery. Today a memorial cemetery with stone markers and a modest granite monument pays tribute to the memory of these men who gave their lives to preserve the Union. This impregnable fortress was never challenged; however, its strategic position no doubt played an important roll in the Civil War in Kentucky. 

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Halfway Point Calculator

Midpoint between two places.

Travelmath helps you figure out the midpoint between two locations based on the driving directions from each starting point. You can find the closest town that is an equal distance from two cities. Use this tool to determine the best city to meet, or to look for interesting stops along the way if you're planning a long road trip and you need to take a break or stay overnight. Search for hotels at the midpoint city to split up your drive, or explore other nearby cities and discover local towns on your trip. If you're meeting a friend halfway in-between, you can figure out how far each person has to drive and how long it will take to arrive at the center. Even if you're separated by water, you can still calculate the straight line geographic midpoint to determine the closest flight distance.

You can also calculate the driving distance or check the total driving time . Or figure out the cost of driving for each person to get to the meeting spot. If you're driving a long distance, it might be useful to get a list of the best places to stop along your entire route.

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• Guided tour

Patriot Park: Russian Military Large as Life

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Patriot Park represents the unique, world’s biggest collection of armed vehicles. The Park, also known as the “Russian military Disneyland”, is able to host tens of thousands of visitors per day. Patriot incorporates the world’s famous Kubinka Tank Museum. In the future, Monino Aviation Museum will likely become a part of Patriot Park as well. Location: 55 km (34 mi) from Moscow. The Park covers 5.4 ha (13.3 ac).

Patriot Park is divided into several main areas. We'll cover the two most significant ones. The Air and Space Force cluster . On display are 268 pieces of Soviet and Russian aircraft, tanks and armoured vehicles. The “Echo of the war” exhibition is devoted to damaged pieces. They stayed untouched since the day they were found and remind people of the horrors of the war. We’ll make a stop for coffee/lunch in the military style canteen, and then move on to the next area (which requires a transfer of about 10 km by car/bus). Kubinka tank museum . Founded in 1978, the museum keeps replenishing its collection with new battlefield findings and army write-offs. The collection features armoured vehicles from different countries and eras including the Soviet T-34, the German Tiger and Panther tanks, the super-speed T-8, and the 180-ton tank “Maus”. Besides, the Kubinka tank museum houses several dozens of self-propelled guns, armoured cars, reconnaissance and command vehicles, and a variety of technical and engineer support vehicles. The exhibits are located in several pavilions. On the Patriot Park tour, you will be walking among the numerous military vehicles in the company of our knowledgeable guides, who will reveal the history of Park’s exhibits. Please get in touch with us for details of EXTRA entertainment options : - the Park features a Guerrilla Village – an interactive area dedicated to ‘the partizans’, the guerrilla troops during the Great Patriotic War. Guerilla detachments were formed on the first days of the war with Nazi Germany. One can see their everyday life and learn of their heroic deeds. - the Training complex - area of historical reenactments - Extreme Sports area - Military-industrial complex etc.

The cost of an excursion with a personal guide for 1 person

Meeting point We'll pick you up at your hotel

Transfer to Patriot Park

Guided tour of Air Force and Space Cluster

Transfer to Kubinka Tank Museum

Guided tour of tank exhibits

Transfer back to Moscow

End of tour

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Select time, who's going.

• Excursion Patriot Park: Russian Military Large as Life
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Quick Answers Fort Sumter Tours FAQs

Where can i buy a ticket.

Book online or simply walk in to either departure point. Call 800-789-3678 or 843-722-BOAT (2628). If purchasing tickets in person please arrive at least a half an hour early.

How much does the daytime tour cost?

• Adults $37.00
• Senior/Active Military $33.00
• Children (4-11) $23.00
• Children 3 and under FREE

What are the departure times?

Liberty square (downtown).

• Jan 2 – Feb 29 11:00 am & 2:00 pm
• Mar 1 – Mar 22 9:00 am, 12:00 pm &  2:30 pm
• Mar 23 – Apr 7 9:00 am, 12:00 pm, 2:30 pm & 4:15 pm
• Apr 8 – May 23 9:00 am, 12:00 pm &  2:30 pm 
• May 24 – May 26 9:00 am, 12:00 pm, 2:30 pm & 4:15 pm
• May 27 – July 3 9:00 am, 12:00 pm & 2:30
• July 4 – July 7 9:00 am, 12:00 pm, 2:30 pm & 4:15 pm
• July 8 – Aug 29 9:00 am, 12:00 pm & 2:30
• Aug 30 – Sept 1 9:00 am, 12:00 pm, 2:30 pm & 4:15 pm
• Sept 2, – Nov 30 9:00 am, 12:00 pm & 2:30 pm
• Dec 1 – Dec 24 11:00 am & 2:00 pm
• Dec 26 – Dec 31 9:00 am, 12:00 pm & 2:30 pm

Patriots Point (Mt. Pleasant)

• Jan 2 – Feb 29 12:30 pm
• Mar 1 & Mar 22 10:30 am &  1:15 pm
• Mar 23 – Apr 7 10:30 am, 1:15 pm & 3:45 pm
• Apr 8 – May 23 10:30 am &  1:15 pm 
• May 24 – May 26 10:30 am, 1:15 pm & 3:45 pm
• May 27 – July 3 10:30 am & 1:15 pm
• July 4 – July 7 10:30 am, 1:15 pm & 3:45 pm
• July 8 – Aug 29 10:30 am & 1:15 pm
• Aug 30 – Sept 1 10:30 am, 1:15 pm & 3:45 pm
• Sept 2 – Nov 30 10:30 am & 1:15 pm
• Dec 1 – Dec 24 12:30 pm
• Dec 26 – Dec 31 10:30 am & 1:15 pm

Where are the departure points?

Downtown charleston.

Fort Sumter Visitor Center 340 Concord St, Charleston, SC 29401

Mount Pleasant

Patriots Point 40 Patriots Point Rd, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464

How long does the tour last?

Total tour time is 2 1/4 hours.  Time at the is 60 minute, except for the 9:00am trip March 1 – Nov 30, which is 75 minutes.  Please note the 3:45pm tour from Patriots Point will return to Patriots Point around 6:45pm.

Accessibility

The Fort Sumter Tour is a boat excursion. Due to changing weather and tide conditions, Fort Sumter Tours cannot and does not guarantee accessibility. The Liberty Square boarding ramp can accommodate electric and manual wheelchairs and scooters except in extreme tide situations. The Patriots Point location cannot accommodate wheelchairs or scooters. To ensure your visit will be fully accessible, we recommend calling Fort Sumter Tours on the day of your visit at 843-722-2628 .

There is a lift at Fort Sumter enabling visitors access to the museum, restrooms, bookstore and top level of Fort Sumter.  In addition, the tour boat does have restrooms and will remain at the fort during your visit. The tour boats are equipped with an elevator/lift and handicapped accessible restrooms. Please visit the National Park Service Accessibility page for more details.

Is there parking available?

Yes. For Liberty Square in downtown Charleston the Aquarium parking garage is adjacent to the Fort Sumter Visitor Center.  Please allow extra time for parking as the garage does fill up quickly most days.  Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum in Mt. Pleasant has adjacent parking.  Both parking areas are pay to park.

America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass, frequently referred to as the National Parks pass does not apply to the ferry fee. This includes the Interagency Senior, Access, Military, 4th Grade Pass and Annual passes.

Fort Sumter Tour daytime tickets are 100% refundable if canceled 2 hours in advance of the departure time. If tickets are canceled less than 2 hours from departure time they are non-refundable but please call the 843-722-2628 regarding transferring to a different day. Rates and times are subject to availability and change without notice.

Fort Sumter tours cruise in most weather conditions year-round. The Charleston area experiences a high number of lightning strikes during the summer. Know the latest weather conditions and seek safe shelter in the event of lightning or thunder. Lightning identified within 10 miles of Fort Sumter will prompt the closure of the observation deck, and visitors are advised to shelter in the fort’s museum or on the ferry. The National Park Service and Fort Sumter Tours will inform visitors when there is a possibility that storms may impact the length of time visitors can spend at the fort. For more weather information, visit www.nps.gov/fosu .

May I bring food and non-alcoholic beverages onto the boat and fort?

Outside food and non-alcoholic beverages are permitted, but they are not allowed inside the fort’s museum. Please contact our Group Sales department for information regarding groups and this policy ( 843-722-2628 ).

May I bring alcohol onto the boat and Fort Sumter?

Bringing outside alcoholic beverages onto the boats and Fort Sumter is strictly prohibited. Beer and wine will be available for purchase on the return boat trip only. Intoxicated visitors are not allowed in the fort.

Mask Requirements

Please follow the current recommended CDC guidelines. Visit the National Park Service site for more info.

Pets are not permitted at Fort Sumter due to the high volume of visitors to this secluded island fort. Fort Sumter Tours does not permit pets on board vessels.  Please visit the Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park website for details.

No concealed weapons are allowed on any vessels operated by Fort Sumter Tours.

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