Inside: A local mom shares about her visit to Fort Moultrie with her kids. Get details and tips for your visit to Fort Moultrie in South Carolina.
A visit to Sullivan’s Island is not complete without a tour of Fort Moultrie, and with just a few dollars needed to get through the gate, you’ve got to put it on your Charleston Bucket List. Local mom Jackie Vest shares her experience touring Fort Moultrie on her trip to Charleston.
A Bit on the History of Fort Moultrie National Historical Park
Fort Moultrie has watched over Charleston Harbor since 1776 — that’s nearly 250 years of history! Named for William Moultrie, this spot saw its first major action when South Carolina’s palmetto-log fort helped defend Charleston from British warships during the Revolutionary War.
Fun fact: That squishy palmetto wood helped absorb cannon fire, and it’s how South Carolina earned its nickname, “The Palmetto State!”
From pirate threats to Civil War battles to guarding the harbor in WWI and WWII, Fort Moultrie tells the full story of America’s coastal defense. It was officially decommissioned in 1947 when newer military technology took over.
Plan your own trip to Fort Moultrie
You can visit the Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie website for more details about the fort’s construction. You will also be happy to find that both Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie are a part of the National Park Service Jr Ranger Program.
This one location tells the tales of defending our soil from our nation’s earliest history through World War II. The visitor center holds many artifacts, educational bits, souvenirs, books, and useful information before you head across the street to the fort.
To an adult, this fort serves as a gateway back in time, beginning with the most recent historical use of the fort and progressing further and further back in history as you progress through the walls and tunnels. To a child, this is an ocean-view maze peppered with massive cannons, enticing them to run the whole place over in a matter of about an hour. Both parties will leave feeling like the afternoon was well-spent.
Here’s what to expect:
- Visitor Center: Stop here first! You’ll find artifacts, educational displays, a gift shop, and friendly rangers who can answer your questions.
- The Fort: Walk through tunnels, walls, and cannon stations that reflect different periods of American military history — from WWII all the way back to the 1700s.
- Kid appeal: Think cannon-lined walkways and wide-open spaces to explore. Your kids will love it!
Cost to Enter Fort Moultrie
Fort Moultrie is an affordable adventure for families:
- $10 for general adult entry
- $35 for an annual pass (worth it if you’ll go more than 3 times!)
- Free with an America the Beautiful pass or Military ID
🕘 Open daily from 9 am – 5 pm
📍 1214 Middle Street, Sullivan’s Island, SC 29482
📞 843.883.3123
Fort Moultrie
1214 Middle Street
Sullivan’s Island, SC 29482
843.883.3123
Open Daily from 9 am – 5 pm
Have you ever visited Fort Moultrie?
Check out our Kidding Around® Guide to Things to Do in Charleston, SC.
