Battleship North Carolina

Visitors can explore the Battleship North Carolina on a self-guided tour. Climb the ladders to nine different levels and inside gun turrets; get an up-close look at a Kingfisher Scout plane; walk through the bridge, sick bay, and the engine room; see where the crew worked, ate, and slept; and learn about life onboard through crew stories. Several different guided tours offer an in-depth exploration of the ship, while some Wilmington tours, including ghost tours and Cape Fear River boat tours, also pass by the battleship.

• There’s an entrance fee with discounts for children, seniors, ADA, and military. The SECU Memorial Walkway is free to visit.

• Several guided tours are available for an additional fee, but it’s advisable to book 36 hours in advance. You may be able to join a walk-up tour, subject to the availability of guides.

• On-site amenities include restrooms, water fountains, soda machines, and a ship store.

• It’s recommended to wear sneakers or closed footwear due to the uneven surfaces and stairs on the ship.

• The main deck of the Battleship North Carolina and the SECU Memorial Walkway are wheelchair accessible.

The Battleship North Carolina is located at 1 Battleship Rd on the Cape Fear River, across from downtown Wilmington. It’s located at the junction of highways 421, 17, 76, and 74. Plenty of free parking is available on-site, including for buses and RVs. You can also take a water taxi from the base of Market Street in downtown Wilmington.

The Battleship North Carolina is open daily from 8am to 5pm, including all holidays (with the exception of Christmas Day, when it opens at 12pm). Plan to spend at least two hours to fully explore the site. Guided tour times vary—ranging from around 90 minutes to 3 hours—and most are predominantly inside the ship, making it an ideal option during inclement weather. The battleship is not air-conditioned and it can get hot below decks during days with high temperatures.

Right across the Cape Fear River from the Battleship North Carolina is Wilmington’s Historic Downtown. Stroll along 1.75-mile (2.8-kilometer) long Riverwalk along the Cape Fear River, with access to plenty of cafés, restaurants, galleries, and boutiques. Alternatively, explore the nearby National Register Historic District, which spans more than 200 blocks, and offers gardens and antebellum houses, including Bellamy Mansion, Latimer House, and the Burgwin-Wright House and Gardens.