Fort Pulaski National Monument

Hot and humid in summer, mild to chilly and breezy in winter. Rainy periods throughout the year. Wear comfortable sportswear. Walking shoes and insect repellant are recommended.

Adults: $3.00, children free.

Fort Pulaski National Monument offers visitors the chance to experience many interesting and exciting activities year-round. Fort Pulaski itself is a large-scale outdoor exhibit. The main structure, together with outlying works including demilune, drawbridges, ditches, and dikes, is a fine example of historic military architecture.

Indoor exhibits highlight the history of Fort Pulaski from the fort's construction, to its eventual fall due to advancing military technology.

Fort Pulaski offers an abundance of outdoor activities including hiking, biking, walking trails, self-guided fort tours, as well as bird watching, and fishing.

The Junior Ranger Program is fun way for young visitors and their families to get the most out of their visit to Fort Pulaski National Monument. We encourage children ages 6-12 to participate. Booklets are located inside the Visitor Center. While doing the activities, children can earn an official Junior Ranger Badge.

Checklist of Requirements:

• Visit Fort Pulaski National Monument.
• Complete all activity sheets in the booklet.
• Attend a ranger talk if scheduled.
• Read exhibits in the visitor center
• View the movie in the Visitor Center or take the self-guided tour.

Allow at least one hour to complete the Junior Ranger Program. If you cannot visit Fort Pulaski at this time, you can become a WebRanger. By becoming a WebRanger you will learn about different National Parks and why they are important places that should be protected. After completing the web activities, you will receive an official Junior Ranger certificate.

Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy exploring numerous trails throughout Fort Pulaski National Monument. Selected trails include:

North Pier Trail
This trail guides visitors through a scenic wooded environment and passes through remnants of Fort Pulaski's original construction village. Battery Hambright, built in the late 19th Century, and the historic north pier highlight this 1/4 mile trail.

Lighthouse Trail
The Lighthouse Trail guides visitors along open marsh as well as a forested environment offering views of the Savannah River, Tybee Island, and back towards Fort Pulaski. The 3/4 mile trail also offers the island's best views of the historic Cockspur Lighthouse.

Historic Dike System

Designed by Lt. Robert E. Lee, the historic dike system allowed for tide control and drainage which aided in the construction of Fort Pulaski. The two mile length trail circles Fort Pulaski, offering visitors unparalleled views of Cockspur Island and the Savannah River.

McQueens Island Rails to Trails
Located on McQueens Island at the entrance to Fort Pulaski National Monument, this six mile trail follows the path of the old Tybee Rail line that once connected Savannah to the beaches of Tybee Island. The packed-gravel trail is open to bikers, runners, and walkers.

Fort Pulaski National Monument offers guided tours Monday thru Friday at 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM. Tours may vary on Saturdays. Through the tour, visitors will see one of the nation’s finest examples of a seacoast fort, while learning about the construction and engineering of Fort Pulaski, Civil War technology, rifled cannons, general fort life, and the Battle for Fort Pulaski in 1862. Tours meet inside the fort and usually last 45 minutes.

Fishing is allowed along the banks of the Savannah River and Cockspur Island, including the use of the Cockspur Island Bridge after the park closes. You must possess a valid fishing license issued by the State of Georgia.

Visitor Center and Museum

Exhibits inside the Visitor Center highlight Casimir Pulaski, General David Hunter, and Robert E. Lee. Learn about the construction of Fort Pulaski and the significance of the battle for Fort Pulaski in April 1862. Recent additions include a new high-definition presentation detailing the historic battle , as well as a full-scale replica of a 13-inch Seacoast Mortar.

"The Battle for Fort Pulaski," a 17 minute film highlights the history of Fort Pulaski from its early construction to the later struggle for its control during the Civil War. Film shows on the hour and half-hour from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm daily.

Restrooms, water fountains, and bookstore are all located in the visitor center complex. Sutler Store located inside historic Fort Pulaski.

Picnic Area

Come enjoy Fort Pulaski's large picnic grounds. Covered and outdoor settings let you and your family sit back and relax on scenic Cockspur Island.

Historic North Pier

Visit the historic North Pier where long ago countless materials and goods were brought to construct and later supply Fort Pulaski. Enjoy excellent views of the Savannah River while watching the passing ships.

Battery Hambright

Explore Battery Hambright, built to protect the entrance of the Savannah River in the late 19th century during the Spanish-American War.

John Wesley Memorial

Landing on Cockspur Island in 1736, John Wesley is said to have preached his first sermon in the new world nearby. Today, a monument stands to honor his passing through Cockspur Island.

Cockspur Island Lighthouse

The small beacon, ca. 1856, situated on an islet on the southeastern tip of Cockspur Island, survived Union bombardment of Fort Pulaski in 1862. The tower was later decommisioned in 1909 and is now part of Fort Pulaski National Monument.