Welcome Aboard The

Battleship North Carolina

Plot Your Own Course!

The Battleship North Carolina

Battleship NORTH CAROLINA participated in every major naval offensive in the Pacific theater of operations during World War II, earning 15 battle stars. This authentically restored National Historic Landmark proudly serves as her State’s World War II Memorial to the 11,000+ North Carolinians who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Moored across from historic downtown Wilmington, the Battleship welcomes visitors daily. Plot your own course as you explore nine levels, climb inside gun turrets, marvel at early computers, and see where the crew ate, slept, and worked. Crew stories throughout the Ship introduce you to the 2,000 young men who called the Showboat home.

Encircling the Ship, the State Employees Credit Union (SECU) Walkway provides an opportunity to appreciate her majesty and power. Enjoy a picnic in Battleship Park or savor a meal in Wilmington. And take a piece of her home from the Battleship Steel Collection!

How will YOU plot your own course?
Please share your pics and stories with us!

How will YOU plot your own course?
Please share your pics and stories with us!

Visitors can expect to spend at least 2 hours touring, but many stay longer. It’s up to you and how much you would like to discover! The Ship is yours for the day!

The Battleship offers several fun and interactive programs throughout the year. Most of the programs are free with regular Battleship admission. 

The NORTH CAROLINA was the first battleship to be constructed in sixteen years. She became the first of ten fast battleships to join the fleet in WWII.

USS North Carolina Battleship Memorial receives no regular government funding. Visitors help keep the gangway open, and donors ensure our long-term success.

Visitor Testimonials

Great For All Ages!

We were unsure how long we would spend with two small kids (ages 4 & 7) and ended up spending over 2 hours on this huge battleship! The experience really makes you appreciate the men and women who defend our nation as you can tour many levels of the ship. You get a chance to see how the sailors lived their daily lives as you see many different sections, including above and below the main deck.

Wonderful Staff!

This is a unique opportunity to get to tour this class of Battleship. The staff here is very friendly and does a great job of maintaining this ship and opening it up as much as possible for tours. It was really a treat to get to see the very tight working spaces inside the 16-inch gun turrets.

Amazing Tour!

I served 4 years in the Navy on an aircraft carrier. What could I learn on a tour of the North Carolina? A lot! Our tour guide took our group of four from the bridge to the bilge and from the bow to the fantail. He tailored the tour to our liking, stopped when anyone needed a break, and always made sure we saw everything we wanted to see.

An Incredible Ship!

An incredible ship, with an equally incredible history. We toured the vessel on our own, taking time to read crew memories and explore in our own time over a 2hr period. Surprised how much is accessible! Loved exploring below deck. We had a great experience learning more about BSNC and her crew. Nice souvenirs to take home in the gift shop, too.

Loved Every Minute!

What an amazing battleship museum! My husband was in the Navy, and he absolutely loved every minute of our visit. It was awesome to have our own personal guide to show us the various items and locations throughout the ship. The admission price was very reasonable (be sure to mention if you are a veteran for a discount) and the history of the Battleship was amazing. If you’re in the area, this is a must stop!

Keep the History Alive!

Spectacular! I was there in 1968 with my Father. I was excited to go back with my other half. He enjoyed the history as well. These are things that we need to keep alive and not slip away.

Great For All Ages!

We were unsure how long we would spend with two small kids (ages 4 & 7) and ended up spending over 2 hours on this huge battleship! The experience really makes you appreciate the men and women who defend our nation as you can tour many levels of the ship. You get a chance to see how the sailors lived their daily lives as you see many different sections, including above and below the main deck.

Wonderful Staff!

This is a unique opportunity to get to tour this class of Battleship. The staff here is very friendly and does a great job of maintaining this ship and opening it up as much as possible for tours. It was really a treat to get to see the very tight working spaces inside the 16-inch gun turrets.

Amazing Tour!

I served 4 years in the Navy on an aircraft carrier. What could I learn on a tour of the North Carolina? A lot! Our tour guide took our group of four from the bridge to the bilge and from the bow to the fantail. He tailored the tour to our liking, stopped when anyone needed a break, and always made sure we saw everything we wanted to see.

An Incredible Ship!

An incredible ship, with an equally incredible history. We toured the vessel on our own, taking time to read crew memories and explore in our own time over a 2hr period. Surprised how much is accessible! Loved exploring below deck. We had a great experience learning more about BSNC and her crew. Nice souvenirs to take home in the gift shop, too.

Keep the History Alive!

Spectacular! I was there in 1968 with my Father. I was excited to go back with my other half. He enjoyed the history as well. These are things that we need to keep alive and not slip away.

Loved Every Minute!

What an amazing battleship museum! My husband was in the Navy, and he absolutely loved every minute of our visit. It was awesome to have our own personal guide to show us the various items and locations throughout the ship. The admission price was very reasonable (be sure to mention if you are a veteran for a discount) and the history of the Battleship was amazing. If you’re in the area, this is a must stop!

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