Fort Sumter Visitor Education Center

Situated on an isolated outpost in Charleston Harbor, Fort Sumter National Monument is an early nineteenth century fortification that witnessed the first shots of the Civil War on April 12, 1861. Today visitors can explore the ruins of the fort and learn about the significant role it played in American history.

Parking and public transportation at Fort Sumter National Monument
Fort Sumter is accessible only by Fort Sumter Tours, the park's authorized ferry service, or by private boat. Parking can be found at the tour departure locations at Liberty Square and Patriots Point. Visitors arriving by private boat are encouraged to anchor or beach their vessel on the west side of the fort.

Best and worst time to go to Fort Sumter National Monument
Fort Sumter National Monument in open year round with the exception of New Years, Thanksgiving and Christmas days. As the fort is reachable only by boat, the best time to visit is on clear days. Inclement weather may hinder accessibility and diminish views of the fort and surrounding harbor.

Admission to Fort Sumter National Monument
Admission to Fort Sumter is free to visitors arriving by private boat. Ferry service via Fort Sumter Tours, the park's authorized concessioner, ranges from $12 to $19.

Must see/do at Fort Sumter National Monument
Take a ranger-guided tour or explore the fort on your own as there are several wayside exhibits which tell the fort's story. Be sure to take in the view of the parade grounds and Charleston Harbor before visiting the Fort Sumter Museum Exhibit and gift shop.

Other places of interest near Fort Sumter National Monument
Nearby places of interest include the Revolutionary War era Fort Moultrie on Sullivan's Island. Explore the World War II aircraft carrier USS Yorktown at the Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum or visit seventeenth century Boone Hall Plantation with its famous avenue of live oaks.

Insider tip for visitors to Fort Sumter National Monument
A great and free way to explore the ramparts of Fort Sumter is by kayak or paddleboard.

Author's bio: Laura Caldwell is an author and licensed tour guide in the City of Savannah. She has been published in "South Magazine".