The Hunley submarine, “the find of the century” is South Carolina’s most prized historic military possessions. So on your next Charleston vacation make sure to visit the Hunley, the world’s first submarine to sink an enemy ship.
Tours are offered Saturday from 10AM – 5PM and Sunday 12 – 5 PM. Tickets are $12 adults, $10 seniors, and free for kids 5 and under.
A real tight squeeze even for a child...
Things to know before you go
• The guided tour lasts about 20 minutes, most spent on a platform overlooking the conservation tank. Here you’ll be “bombarded” with all kinds of facts, figures and trivia that will make your head spin.
• For obvious conservation reasons you will not be able to get too close to the sub nor take any pictures once inside the lab area.
People line up for the real tour
• Take your time in the exhibit gallery. Here you and the kids can play inside life-size submarine replicas, learn about the Hunley history, crew and recovery efforts, see amazing artifacts and even get your own golden lucky charm coin.
I really enjoyed watching the National Geographic documentary “Raising the Hunley”. Who knew there is still so much drama surrounding the sub discovery?
• The most difficult part is finding the museum! From I-526 take exit 19, then N. Rhett east until you reach the Park Circle roundabout. Take Sprull to McMillan where your turn left. McMillan will take you to the old Charleston Naval Base. Follow the (small) white signs to the Friends of the Hunley museum. Here is the Google Map.
What kids love to do inside the museum
No wonder they call it the Infernal Machine! The 4 by 3.5 foot cabin could barely fit 8 men; all sat hunched on benches cranking hard on a center shaft while the captain steered. One flimsy candle provided a glimmer of light…
Is not as easy as it looks...this is hard mom!
Just for kids fun activities…pretend you’re the captain of the mighty submarine!
Peekaboo! Hunley just for kids
Check out Pioneer, the first submarine build by the Hunley, McClintock and Watson trio. The 3-men submersible was fabricated from quarter-inch iron plates bolted to an iron frame.
It looks a little scary...
Although Pioneer received a privateering commission from the Confederate government it didn’t have a chance to prove itself.
When Admiral Farragut captured New Orleans, Pioneer was scuttled so it will not fall into enemy hands. Unfortunately, it was soon discovered and dragged to shore by Union soldiers. The little torpedo boat was examined, sketched, and in 1868, auctioned away as scrap metal…
The battle mystery begins! What ever happened to the submarine? Learn all about the clues, theories, legends and the incredible forensic analysis.
Wow! Can you believe this?
More fun family attractions in the area
• The American LaFrance Fire Museum has the best fire show in town (free for kids, $6 adults).
• Isle of Palms beach and park feature the best playground and free outdoor family recreation in the Charleston area.
• Fort Moultrie, a cradle of heroism and southern ingenuity (free for kids, $3 adults).
Filed under: Charleston, Edisto Island, Folly Beach, Historic Carolina Sites, Isle of Palms, Museums, Sullivan's Island, Videos and Photos | Tagged: Charleston activities under $15, Charleston best children museums, Charleston Civil War sea battles wrecks, Charleston fun children activities, Charleston Mt Pleasant best family activities, fun stuff for kids Mount Pleasant, HL Hunley replica photos, Hunley interactive exhibits just for kids, Isle of Palms Sullivan area attractions, Pioneer sub replica, what kids love to do North Charleston, what to expect on Hunley sub tour |
Shout About South Carolina Travel, Family Attractions and Free Things to Do 
nice tips…
Thanks!
Maybe I’ll make it to Bali some day…:-)
Hope that you enjoy your time while in Bali 🙂