Historic Fort Sumter is located in the middle of Charleston Harbor and is only accessible by boat. 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 group’s 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 students’ questions and help them 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 group’s convenience. Admission to the Fort Sumter Visitor Education Center is free, however tickets for the authorized concession-operated ferry to Fort Sumter are required and may be purchased in advance when you schedule your group’s visit. You may schedule a visit by contacting Fort Sumter Tours, Inc. at www.spiritlinecruises.com, or by phone at (843) 722-BOAT

During the months of January and February, a special education ferry will depart at 11:00 a.m. from Liberty Square. Education Specialist Michael Allen will provide curriculum-based school tours for your class Tuesday through Thursday.

Special admission prices are available for this education tour to the fort:

Grades 1 through 5 - $4.00 per student
Grades 6 through 12 - $6.00 per student

Normal school rate apply to all other departure times:

Grades 1 through 5 - $5.00
Grades 6 through 12 - $9.50

REQUIREMENT: One adult chaperone is required per 10 students.