About
Anchored across from the Wilmington Riverwalk on the Cape Fear River is the Battleship North Carolina. This warship set a new standard for naval power when it joined the U.S. fleet in 1941, and became a symbol of the nation's readiness and spirit.
When World War II began, the Battleship North Carolina first served in the Atlantic and was known as the "Showboat" for its strength and modern design. The crew spent this time on training and protecting transport ships from German U-boats prowling in Wolf Packs. When the Pacific called in the summer of 1942, it sailed through the Panama Canal to join the fray.
Serving in every major Pacific campaign, from Guadalcanal to Okinawa, its massive guns and strong defenses guarded aircraft carriers and hammered enemy coastal positions. During WWII, it earned 15 battle stars and became one of the most decorated ships of the war.
By the 1960s, the ship faced the scrapyard, but the people of North Carolina stepped in. Thanks to their dedication and fundraising, they were able to bring the warship to Wilmington.
Facing the Historic District across the river, it makes for the perfect photo op at sunset. Additionally, its proximity to this landmark makes planning an adventurous itinerary easy. Continue your journey through North Carolina's history with a visit to the Cape Fear Museum of History and Science and Wilmington Railroad Museum. With so much to see and do in the area, you could spend days exploring!
Today, the Battleship North Carolina serves as a memorial to those who served and as a living museum for history lovers and anyone curious about American naval history.
Battleship North Carolina: Fun Facts & Cool Features
An awe-inspiring feature is that you can explore the ship's nine levels. Aside from its vast arsenal and firepower, it had a post office, a tailor shop, a jail, and a medical clinic. Plan on a minimum of two hours to investigate this warship, although there are no time restrictions, so stay as long as you like.
Another highlight is stepping inside the huge 16-inch gun turrets. These enormous guns could fire shells over 20 miles. Imagine the mechanics and teamwork required to operate them in battle.
With over 2,300 men aboard, the battleship required serious logistical support. The solution was the Combat Information Center that coordinated the crew with threats and in planning maneuvers.
As you can imagine, feeding a hungry crew this size required a kitchen that could crank out over 5,000 meals daily! This cooking demand required power and clean water, and since the ship had its own electricity and could purify seawater, it was well-stocked for missions lasting months.
Speaking of food, the battleship is not far from some of Wilmington's top restaurants. Just a short drive over the river, you'll find diverse cuisine from places like Seabird, Shuckin' Shack Oyster Bar, and the Black Sea Grill.
Be sure to inspect the cramped bunks where sailors slept and the mess halls. These give you a better understanding of the rigors of combat life and the challenges of living in close quarters.
Setting time aside to explore the Battleship North Carolina will be the highlight of a Cape Fear getaway.
Getting There
Here are step-by-step driving directions to Battleship North Carolina from Wilmington:
- Head toward the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge.
- Take US-17 N/US-76 W/US-421 N across the bridge.
- Use the right lane to take the first exit for US-421 N toward the attraction.
- Keep right at the fork and follow the signs for the attraction.
- Merge onto Battleship Road.
- Address: 1 Battleship Road, Wilmington, NC 28401
Cost
Below are the costs of visiting Battleship North Carolina:
- Adults (Ages 12+): $14.00
- Seniors (Ages 65 +): $10.00
- Military (Active or retired, with ID): $10.00
- Children (Ages 6-11): $6.00
- Children (Ages 5 and under): Free
Prices are subject to change; check their website for updates.
Local Tips
- Wear flat, closed-toe shoes for safety and comfort reasons.
- Book a guided tour to add depth to your visit.
- The ship is not climate-controlled, so it gets hot in the summer and cold in the winter.
- Water fountains and soda machines on board.
