Battleship in Wilmington NC - The USS North Carolina

The USS North Carolina Battleship in Wilmington NC
The USS North Carolina Battleship in Wilmington NC
Visit the USS North Carolina Battleship:
  • Watch an introductory movie in the auditorium and make your way through the exhibit hall before heading up to board the Ship.
  • Follow the arrows and climb the ladders to explore parts of 9 levels of this magnificent Ship.
  • Listen and watch as history comes alive through the oral histories, photographs and mementos found throughout the Ship and its exhibits.
  • Steer the ship, start the engines or even get your chance to fire the guns to build your personal connection to the USS North Carolina.
What makes this Ship so special?

During World War II, THE USS NORTH CAROLINA earned 15 battle stars and established her primary role as protector of aircraft carriers. The Ship carried out 9 shore bombardments, sank an enemy troopship, and destroyed 24 enemy aircraft. Japanese radio announcements claimed that NORTH CAROLINA had been sunk 6 times! She survived many close calls and even a hit from a Japanese torpedo. In 1958, an announcement was made of her impending scrapping. The Save Our Ship (SOS) statewide campaign was initiated and led by citizens of North Carolina to save the Ship. The campaign proved to be a success and the Battleship arrived on October 2, 1961. Click here for a more detailed history!

Do not miss this opportunity to step back in time and learn all about the USS North Carolina’s amazing history. Take your time at the USS North Carolina and then explore all that Wilmington has to offer! Stay in historic downtown with our Wilmington hotel partner!

Location Information:
The USS North Carolina in Wilmington, NC is located just across the river from Downtown Wilmington. Click here for directions, hours, and ticketing information.
The Battleship USS North Carolina in Wilmington: Follow the arrows and climb the ladders to explore different parts of 9 levels of the USS North Carolina. Imagine the daily life and fierce combat that her crew faced in the Pacific during World War II. The North Carolina carried out nine shore bombardments, destroyed at least 24 enemy aircraft, and sank an enemy troopship. 

The Battleship USS North Carolina in Wilmington: Oral histories, photographs and mementos on the Ship share the stories of the crew. provides visitors with plenty of photo opportunities so be sure to bring your camera and take photographs as you take a step back in time and watch history come alive.

The Battleship USS North Carolina in Wilmington: Take a step back in time and envision the daily life and fierce combat that the USS North Carolina crew members faced in the Pacific during World War II.
HomeEventsBeachesAquariumDowntownUSS North CarolinaNightlifeThings to DoHotel Discounts


Our Proud Sponsor
Deluxe Rooms | High Speed Wi Fi
Best Breakfast in the Area
Click any one of the above for Wilmington's Greatest Hotel Values!

For more great deals across the Southeast click on one our partner websites below:  
Columbiasc-events.com  |  Charlottenc-events.com  |  Charlestonsc-events.com  |  Namanhotels.com
beach hotel

Full Service Holiday Inn | On site Restaurant and Bar | Best Breakfast Buffet in the Area |  Deluxe Rooms | Indoor Pool & Whirlpool
  Eat
  Sleep
  Play
  Party
  What's New
  Work
2020 Battleship NORTH CAROLINA Events:
Battleship Alive!
Stay Tuned for 2020 Event Dates
Watch and interact with World War II living history interpreters as they bring the Ship to life by re-enacting daily duties and drills. A great event for all ages. Bring your questions and cameras! This event is free with Battleship admission. 
Click here for additional information.

Memorial Day Observance
Stay Tuned for 2020 Event Dates
Remember those who gave their lives in service by honoring veterans at the Battleship’s traditional Memorial Day Observance featuring a military guest speaker, an all-service Color guard, a 21-gun salute by a Marine Corps Honor Guard, a military band, Taps, and a memorial wreath cast into the waters. Free with Battleship admission! Click here for additional information.

Museum Ships Weekend
Stay Tuned for 2020 Event Dates
Operating aboard Battleship NORTH CAROLINA, the Azalea Coast Amateur Radio Club will participate in the annual Museum Ships Weekend. The Battleship is NI4BK and HAM operators may contact the ship via Voice, Digital and Morse Code. Sponsored by the Battleship NEW JERSEY Amateur Radio Club, 63 museum ships worldwide will have HAM radio operators aboard ready to receive contacts from HAM operators. The Battleship is NI4BK and we look forward to hearing from you. Click here for additional information.

Battleship 101
January 18, 2020 | February 15, 2020 | March 21, 2020 | April 18, 2020 | June 13, 2020 | June 25, 2020 | July 11, 2020 | July 23, 2020 | August 8, 2020 | August 27, 2020 | October 10, 2020
Friendly, knowledgeable volunteers stationed throughout the ship engage visitors in specific subjects and areas including gunnery, radar, sick bay, galley, engineering, and daily shipboard life. Try on helmets, raise signal flags, “text” using semaphore flags, tap out your name using Morse code, type on vintage typewriters and more! A great event for all ages. Bring your questions and cameras! FREE with Battleship Admission. Click here for additional information.
Celebrate Flag Day
Stay tuned for 2020 Event Dates
Fly your own flag at the Battleship on Flag Day! American Legion Post 10 Honor Guard assists visitors in hoisting and folding their flags. Makes a great video keepsake and family heirloom. Provide your name and email and a certificate of authenticity will be mailed to you. Visitors can bring a flag or purchase a 3 x 5 foot American-made nylon flag with embroidered stars from the Ship’s Store for $39.95 plus tax. Sales from the store benefit the Battleship. Click here for additional information.

Celebrate the Legacy
Stay tuned for 2020 Event Dates
Celebrate the ships named NORTH CAROLINA! They have been serving our country from the 1824 ship-of-the-line to the fast attack submarine currently stationed in Hawaii. From the Mediterranean to the Atlantic to the Pacific, our state’s namesakes have traveled the globe. Come enjoy a major display of Civil War, WWI and submarine arms, clothing, and equipment from enthusiastic costumed collectors and submarine veterans. Admission is included with Battleship Admission. Click here for additional information.

Batty Battleship's Halloween Bash
Stay Tuned for 2020 Event Dates
Trick or Treat aboard the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA. Batty Battleship, brother Buggy and their friends return to the Battleship for a spooktacular trick or treating time. A lot of fun and no scares it is the best location for the family to share. But don’t be frightened and don’t you fret we promise we’ll provide a zoo with animals to pet. With candy and sweets there’s plenty of treats you’ll be asking yourself what more should I eat. Bring your little ghouls and goblins to Battleship for trick-or-treating! Fun games, activities, henna tattoos, & storytelling is all part of the Halloween fun. Batty Battleship is perfect for the little ones and families! Children are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes. Bring your camera! Click here for additional information.

Battleship Ho Ho Ho
Stay Tuned for 2020 Event Dates
Celebrate the Season at the Battleship! Santa welcomes everyone on board and volunteers stationed throughout the ship will help children and parents understand this floating city. Type your Christmas wish list on a vintage typewriter using authentic WWII USS NORTH CAROLINA radio message paper. Call the North Pole from the Battleship’s main radio room. See Santa’s journey being tracked in the Combat Information Center. Bring your camera for some great photo ops! A fabulous way to start your holiday season! Free with Battleship Admission. Click here for additional information.

Pearl Harbor Day Remembrance
Stay tuned for 2020 event details.
Operating two stations aboard Battleship NORTH CAROLINA, the Azalea Coast Amateur Radio Club hosts a worldwide ham radio operator event commemorating the December 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor. The Battleship is NI4BK and HAM operators may contact the ship via Voice, Digital and Morse Code. NI4BK looks forward to hearing from YOU! Radio operators making contact will receive a special postcard verifying the contact. Click here for additional information.
Call The Hotel NOW to Book!
(910) 392-1101