momma mommy bwuh

On a sweltering summer Saturday, we set out on a family adventure to Fort Sumter. Hubs hadn’t visited since he was a child, and I hadn’t been since my early twenties when I was exploring the area with my family. We were confident the boys would at least enjoy the boat ride to the fort, and hopefully, they’d be captivated by the stunning views and historic cannons.

Upon our arrival at Fort Sumter, a Park Ranger greeted us with a rundown of the rules before another Ranger provided an engaging brief history lesson. After that, we had the freedom to explore the fort for an hour.

We began our exploration by strolling along the lower perimeter, admiring the historic cannons and searching for fingerprints in the old bricks. Next, we climbed the steps to the upper level, where the museum and the impressive overlook are located. The overlook area was securely fenced, which gave me peace of mind about the boys being up there—unlike the more precarious spots like Chimney Rock.

At the heart of the upper level stands the iconic American flag, proudly visible from all around the Charleston Harbor, adding a striking touch to our visit.

To be honest, the highlight of our trip was definitely the air-conditioned museum! After enduring the steamy sun, the cool breeze inside the fort was a refreshing relief. The museum, which chronicles the history of Fort Sumter and the opening shots of the Civil War, was set up in a circular space with maps, infographics, and intriguing artifacts.

The boys enjoyed checking out the old guns, muskets, and cannonballs, but their interest in the historical details was more limited. They zipped around the displays, showing curiosity for the items that caught their eye but not delving into every description. They were happy to learn a bit about the artifacts they found intriguing, but they preferred a more hands-on exploration rather than reading every piece of historical text.

Regarding the boat ride, I was a bit anxious because I tend to get motion sickness, and it had been a while since my last boat trip. Although I hadn’t experienced issues with motion sickness on boats before, the time lapse made me a bit apprehensive. I was more concerned about my anxiety than actual motion sickness, so I took a Dramamine just in case—it’s always better to be safe.

The initial spinning of the boat made me a little uneasy. Since the boat had been docked with its bow facing the land, they needed to turn it around to head out into the harbor. This rotation triggered a bit of my motion sickness, but fortunately, it didn’t last long.

The rest of the ride, which lasted about 35 minutes each way, was smooth and enjoyable. It only got slightly rocky when we encountered the wakes of other boats. We saw various ships, including a container ship and a cruise ship, along with boats, birds, and what might have been dolphins splashing in the water. The ride was a delightful adventure in itself.

On our return trip, we had a great view of the U.S.S. Yorktown from our side of the boat, and we captured some fantastic pictures. We’re looking forward to taking the boys on a trip there soon.

The gift shop at Fort Sumter had a fantastic selection. We let each boy choose a souvenir: one picked a plush toy, while the other chose a building set—similar to Legos but not branded. Hubs opted for a sticker, and I picked out a magnet.

I also decided to get us National Park Passports. I bought one for each boy, so they can collect stamps from their adventures as they grow up and explore new places. For Hubs and me, I got a shared passport since our travels are usually together. It was a special moment to get our first stamps at Fort Sumter, and I think it’s a wonderful way to commemorate our family adventures.

Here are my tips for visiting Fort Sumter:

1. Departure Location: You can choose to book your tour from either downtown Charleston or Mount Pleasant. Consider what you’d like to do before or after your visit to Fort Sumter, including dining options and parking preferences, to decide the best departure location for you.
2. Timing: Although the email confirmation suggests arriving 30 minutes early, the boat doesn’t actually depart until the scheduled time and usually boards about 10 minutes before departure. Arriving 15 minutes early allowed us to get in line, board quickly, and find seats inside the lower part of the boat. We also had a nice spot at the stern to enjoy the view. For the return trip, arriving a bit earlier gave us the opportunity to sit on the upper deck for a better vantage point.
3. Water and Refreshments: Bringing your own refillable water bottles is a great idea, especially if you visit during warmer weather. The refill station on Fort Sumter offers water at room temperature, so loading your bottle with ice before your visit can be helpful. If you forget your water, there’s a water fountain on the fort, and the boat also sells beverages and snacks.
4. Visit Duration: You’ll spend about an hour on the fort, which is generally sufficient to explore the main areas. However, if you’re a history enthusiast wanting a more in-depth experience, you might find the time a bit short. Considering the heat, the duration felt just right for us.
5. National Park Passport: Don’t forget to get the National Park Passport! It’s a fun souvenir that not only helps you preserve memories but also serves as a checklist for future adventures.
6. Heat Considerations: Summer heat can be intense. Boy1, who usually handles heat well, found it draining and uncomfortable. Remember, even though your time on the fort is short, you’ll be outside for over two hours with the boat rides and waiting in line. If you have someone who’s sensitive to heat, plan for some relief to make the experience more enjoyable.

You can purchase tickets here: Fort Sumter Tours
National Park Service website: Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie

Images courtesy of mom mommy bwuh.