Operating Hours & Seasons

Historic resources from the Civil War Era, like this Mountain Howitzer, can be seen at Fort Sumter.

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All park sites within Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park are closed on New Year’s, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Days.

Visiting Fort Sumter

Private boats are not permitted at the fort.

Fort Sumter Tours provides the only National Park Service authorized access to Fort Sumter. There are two departure locations: Fort Sumter Visitor Center at Liberty Square, the official National Park Service visitor center which is open daily from 8:30 am - 4:30 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.

To purchase tickets to visit Fort Sumter, visit Fort Sumter Tours. Tour boat schedule is subject to change and cancellation at anytime. Please call Fort Sumter Tours at 843-722-2628 for more information regarding the ferry operations, group rates, etc.

The National Park Service highly recommends purchasing tickets prior to the day of your visit. Please review CDC guidance, safety regulations and pet policies prior to your visit. A free water bottle-fill station is available for your convenience at the Fort Sumter Visitor Center, and at the fort.

There are no trash receptacles at Fort Sumter, which is a trash-free facility. Please take any trash you bring with you back to the boat. Trash cans and recycling containers are available at departure locations.

 

Fort Sumter Visitor Center

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Fort Sumter Visitor Center at Liberty Square

340 Concord Street, Charleston, SC 29401

The Fort Sumter Visitor Center at Liberty Square is open daily from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. The building and exhibits inside are free to enjoy. Restrooms and a water bottle fill station are available for your convenience. This Visitor Center is staffed by National Park Service employees and partners.

To purchase tickets to visit Fort Sumter, visit Fort Sumter Tours. Tour boat schedule is subject to change and cancellation at anytime. Please call Fort Sumter Tours at 843-722-2628 for more information regarding the ferry operations, group rates, etc.

 

Fort Moultrie's visitor center, located on Sullivan's Island

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Fort Moultrie

1214 Middle Street, Sullivan's Island, SC 29482

Fort Moultrie's grounds, parking area, and restrooms are open daily from 9:00 am - 4:30 pm. Please check in at the Visitor Center before exploring the fort. Please call 843-883-3123 for inquiries.

To purchase tickets to visit Fort Sumter, visit Fort Sumter Tours. Tour boat schedule is subject to change and cancellation at anytime. Please call Fort Sumter Tours at 843-722-2628 for more information regarding the ferry operations, group rates, etc.

 

Park Headquarters

1214 Middle Street, Sullivan's Island, SC 29482

The park headquarters for Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park and Charles Pinckney National Historic Site is located next to the Fort Moultrie Visitor Center and is open Monday-Friday from 7:30 am to 4:00 pm except for federal holidays.

Please call 843-577-0242 for inquiries.

To purchase tickets to visit Fort Sumter, visit Fort Sumter Tours. Tour boat schedule is subject to change and cancellation at anytime. Please call Fort Sumter Tours at 843-722-2628 for more information regarding the ferry operations, group rates, etc.