Friends of the Hunley
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Overview
H. L. Hunley, also known as the Hunley, CSS H. L. Hunley, or CSS Hunley, was a submarine of the Confederate States of America that fought in the American Civil War. Hunley demonstrated the advantages and dangers of undersea warfare. She was the first combat submarine to sink a warship (USS Housatonic), although Hunley was not completely submerged, and following her attack was lost along with her crew before she could return to base.
Practical Info
MonClosed
TueClosed
WedClosed
ThuClosed
FriClosed
Sat10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sun10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Suggested Duration1.5-2 hours
Best TimeThe specialized preservation lab is open exclusively on weekends; advanced online booking is strictly mandatory. Arriving on Saturday between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM is highly recommended; a smaller morning group maximizes your experience standing right beside the massive conservation tank housing the legendary 1864 submarine hull.
Getting ThereLocated deep within the historic former Naval Base complex in North Liberty at 1250 Supply Street (Building 212). Driving is essential: from downtown, travel north on I-26 N to Exit 218, take SC-642 E east, turn onto McMillan Avenue, and follow specific 'Hunley' banners straight into the designated free surface lot fields.
Travel Tips
- The historic submarine conservation lab opens to the public exclusively Saturdays 10:00 AM-5:00 PM and Sundays 12:00 PM-5:00 PM, maintaining absolute weekday closures for industrial research. Tickets must be booked online 14 days out; day-of gate purchasing is unavailable.
- The authentic H.L. Hunley submarine is submerged in a 75,000-gallon chemical preservation tank; to deter evaporation, the lab maintains a chilling 60°F environment with 75% humidity. Visitors must wear heavy long-sleeve apparel and pants to combat the cold.
Photo Tips
Photo Rules
- Operating as a high-security federal naval conservation facility, the main preservation tank pavilion enforces an unyielding digital recording and photo ban. All cameras must be secured in lockers; unauthorized media capture results in immediate asset seizure and eviction.
Reviews
Positive
- The HL Hunley, the world's first submarine to sink an enemy warship, is a marvel. Seeing this authentic piece of history recovered from the ocean floor is mind-blowing.
- The tour guides and scientists are incredibly professional and passionate. They cover not only its history but also the scientific conservation process of uncovering why it sank.
- The interior layout is scientific and well-organized. Interactive multimedia and archaeological artifacts bring Civil War submarine tech alive, a must-visit for military and history buffs.
- The tour follows a strict capacity limit and runs orderly. The size of each group is well-controlled, ensuring every visitor gets a clear view of the submarine hull in the conservation tank.
Heads up
- Opening hours are highly restricted, typically only opening to the public on weekends. This makes itinerary planning rigid and unfriendly for weekday visitors to Charleston.
- The ticket price feels a bit steep relative to the small size of the museum. The entire tour usually wraps up within an hour, and gift shop souvenirs are highly priced.
- To protect the artifact and maintain the conservation environment, some areas are dimly lit, and the A/C is kept very cold to prevent metal corrosion, causing physical chill.
- Located within a former naval base, the surroundings feel industrial with no adjacent walking streets or dining, and the driving route can be tricky to navigate without GPS.