The Fort Sumter Visitor Education Center, a new state-of-the-art and fully accessible facility located in downtown Charleston, is the primary ferry departure facility for visiting the fort. The Fort Sumter Visitor Education Center is located in Liberty Square, a quiet, park-like setting at the eastern end of Calhoun Street on the Cooper River and adjacent to the South Carolina Aquarium.

Before your ferryboat ride to the fort, take time in the Fort Sumter Visitor Education Center to explore the interpretive and visual exhibits. National Park Service rangers will answer questions and help you achieve a better understanding of the causes of the Civil War, why it began at Fort Sumter and what happened during the war. Also available at the Fort Sumter Visitor Education Center is a bookstore operated by Eastern National, a non-profit cooperating association. A percentage of proceeds from all bookstore sales are donated to the park’s interpretive program. Restrooms and a water fountain are available for your convenience. Admission to the Fort Sumter Visitor Education Center is free. Tickets for the authorized concession-operated ferry to Fort Sumter may be purchased at the ticket window at the main entrance to the Fort Sumter Visitor Education Center.

Liberty Square contains shade shelters, benches, a fountain and green space. Also located within Liberty Square and next door to the Fort Sumter Visitor Education Center is the South Carolina Aquarium.