Looking for a hands-on, kid-friendly history adventure your family will actually enjoy?
At the Vietnam Experience Exhibit at Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant, SC, you don’t just read about history—you walk right into it.
From climbing into helicopters to exploring real-life military gear and bunkers, this outdoor and indoor exhibit is packed with opportunities to learn, explore, and imagine—together.
Walk Through a Realistic Vietnam-Era Base
Spanning 2.5 acres, this immersive exhibit recreates a 1968 military support base in Vietnam. As you walk through the paths, you’ll pass by buildings, vehicles, and equipment that show what life was like for American service members.
Here’s what you can step into:
- A Marine Corps artillery fire base
- A Brown Water Navy support base
- Full-size barracks, mess hall, Quonset hut, fire control bunker, and more
Kids can explore inside several of the buildings and peek into bunk beds, soldier supplies, and communications gear.
See it in Motion: Our Visit to the Vietnam Experience
You can see a bit of our visit to the Vietnam Experience with the kids on our Kidding Around YouTube channel.
Helicopters, Trucks, and Boats—Oh My!
If your kids are into vehicles, this part is a dream.
- Five helicopters including the iconic UH-1 Huey, a Medevac Huey, CH-46 Sea Knight, AH-1J Sea Cobra, and UH-34 Seahorse
- M151 Jeep and M35A2 “Deuce and a Half” truck
- A River Patrol Boat named Elaine
- A 17-foot Viet Cong sampan
- A 105 Howitzer artillery gun
- An ambulance, fuel truck, and more
“We loved the helicopters. The kids got to climb in them and see all the details up close!”
These aren’t roped-off displays—you can really get in there and see how things worked. Great for hands-on learners and future engineers.
See, Hear, and Feel the History
This isn’t just a visual experience—it’s immersive.
- Step into an observation tower and hear the sounds of helicopters buzzing overhead
- Watch holograms of Marines share their stories
- Walk through spaces filled with realistic sound effects and details
It feels like a movie set—except it’s all based on real history.
Our kids especially loved the watchtower, where they could climb up and see the full layout while jet sounds echoed from above.
It sparked lots of curious questions—and a few dramatic reenactments.
A Place for Reflection, Too
While the exhibit is packed with action, it also includes space for reflection and conversation. Families will find gentle reminders of the courage and sacrifices made during the Vietnam War.
It’s a great opportunity to talk with kids about bravery, service, and history in a setting that’s respectful, safe, and thoughtfully designed.
Good to Know Before You Go
Where Is It?
Vietnam Experience Exhibit
Part of Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum
40 Patriots Point Road, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
When Can You Visit?
Ship Store (gift shop): Open from 9 am to 5 pm
Museum & Exhibit Hours: Daily from 10 am to 5 pm
Last ticket sold at 4 pm
How Much Does It Cost?
Your ticket includes:
- Vietnam Experience Exhibit
- USS Yorktown Aircraft Carrier
- USS Laffey Destroyer
- Medal of Honor Museum
- Cold War Memorial
Explore more about Patriots Point and all of the things to see.
Ticket Prices:
- Adults (13–61): $28 online / $30 at the gate
- Seniors (62+): $25 online / $27 onsite
- Military (with ID): $22 online / $24 onsite
- SC Teachers & First Responders: $23 online / $25 onsite
- Kids (6–12): $23 online / $25 onsite
- Kids under 6: Free with a paying adult
- Active-duty military in uniform: Free
Tip: Buy tickets online to save a few dollars per person.
Make It a Day to Remember
Whether your kids love helicopters, history, or just exploring cool stuff, the Vietnam Experience at Patriots Point offers a chance to learn, play, and connect with the past in a meaningful way.
With interactive exhibits, lifelike settings, and real vehicles to climb on, this is one history experience your family will be talking about long after the drive home.
Has your family visited the Vietnam Experience?
