Standing with quiet dignity and majesty across the river from downtown Wilmington, the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA beckons visitors to walk her decks and envision daily life as well as fierce combat that her crew faced in the Pacific Theatre during World War II

From all across the Nation they came, young men who had grown up in the crucible of the Depression and now determined to serve their Country in its time of need. These are the young men whose stories you will encounter through their oral histories, uniforms, and mementos as you explore the ship and its exhibits.

The self-guided tour of this authentically restored World War II-era combatant is well-marked so that you can tour at your own pace and it takes approximately two hours to complete. For the enthusiast, it can easily take three to four hours to fully experience the ship, particularly with the extensive interpretive signage throughout the ship.

For the mobility challenged, the main deck of the Battleship and a part of the interior of the main deck is accessible. Part of the Phase III Restoration Project will increase the accessibility to most of the interior main deck spaces and exhibit areas.

We recommend beginning your tour in the Visitors Center with the orientation film that takes you through the wartime history of the ship and her current role as a memorial. There are also exhibits to view before going onboard the Battleship. Onboard, portions of nine decks are open where you can enter gun turrets, inspect the bridge, view officer"s and crew"s quarters, sick bay, engine room, and much more. Discover how the ship was like a floating city with hotel facilities, diners, movie theater, church, post office, laundry, ice cream shop, soda fountain, newspaper, barber shops and repair shops for most everything. See one of the seven remaining Vought Kingfisher floatplanes in the world. Visit, too, the Roll of Honor that memorializes the names of the more than 10,000 North Carolinians from all the branches of the armed forces who gave their lives in service to their Country during World War II.

Conclude your visit in the Pepsi-Cola Canteen and the Ship"s Store or enjoy a picnic in Battleship Park on the Cape Fear River overlooking historic downtown Wilmington.

The Battleship gladly accepts Cash, VISA or MasterCard. We do not accept personal checks.

Hours of Operation: The Battleship NORTH CAROLINA is open every day of the year, including all holidays, as the ship is a memorial.

Summer Hours (Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day) 8:00am - 8:00pm, EXCEPT Independence Day when the ship closes at 6:00pm to prepare for fireworks. Winter Hours (After Labor Day weekend through Thursday prior to Memorial Day weekend) 8:00am - 5:00pm, EXCEPT Christmas Day when the ship opens at noon.

Fees: There are entry fees for this park
Metro Region: Wilmington NC
Park Management: State