National Historical Park · South Carolina
Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park
Two forts stand at the entrance of Charleston Harbor. Patriots inside a palmetto log fort, later named Fort Moultrie, defeated the Royal Navy in 1776. As Charleston blazed a path towards secession to preserve slavery, construction on a new fort, Fort Sumter, proceeded. The Confederacy fired on the US garrison of Fort Sumter on April 12, 1861 opening the Civil War, which redefined American freedom.
Things to do
- Astronomy
- Stargazing
- Boating
- Boat Tour
- Fishing
- Saltwater Fishing
- Food
- Dining
- Guided Tours
- Self-Guided Tours - Walking
- Boat Tour
- Hands-On
- Citizen Science
- Living History
- Reenactments
- Historic Weapons Demonstration
- Junior Ranger Program
- Wildlife Watching
- Birdwatching
- Park Film
- Museum Exhibits
- Shopping
- Bookstore and Park Store
Weather & when to go
Mild winters. Hot and humid during the summer.
Entrance fees
Entrance - Per Person
Fort Moultrie charges a per person entrance fee for adults. Anyone 16 years old or older is considered an adult.
$10.00
Operating hours
Fort Moultrie
Fort Moultrie represents the entire history of static seacoast defenses in the United States, from the American Revolution through World War II. The site includes a visitor center with museum exhibits. The Fort Moultrie Visitor Center is open daily 9:00 am-4:30 pm. The fort itself is open until 4:30 pm all year. There is an entrance fee for the park.
Fort Sumter Visitor Center at Liberty Square
The Fort Sumter Visitor Center at Liberty Square, 340 Concord Street, Charleston, is the primary departure point for ferry boats to Fort Sumter. This visitor education center is free. There is a fee for the concession-operated ferry to Fort Sumter.
FAQ
- How much does it cost to visit Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park?
- Entrance to Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park costs $10.00 (Entrance - Per Person). The America the Beautiful annual pass ($80) covers entry at every NPS site.
- What are the hours at Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park?
- Fort Moultrie represents the entire history of static seacoast defenses in the United States, from the American Revolution through World War II. The site includes a visitor center with museum exhibits. The Fort Moultrie Visitor Center is open daily 9:00 am-4:30 pm. The fort itself is open until 4:30 pm all year. There …
- Do I need a reservation for Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park?
- No timed-entry reservation is currently required to enter Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park. Campgrounds and permits may still need to be booked separately on Recreation.gov.
Related guides
Trip plans and deep-dives from the PeepTrip blog featuring Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park.
