Fort Fisher-Southport Ferry
U.S. Hwy. 421, south of Kure Beach
 (910) 457-6942

More than transportation, this half-hour crossing is a journey into the natural and social history of the Cape Fear River. You'll have excellent views of Federal Point, Zeke's Island and The Rocks from the upper deck. On the Southport side, you'll spot historic Price's Creek Lighthouse at the mouth of the inlet. The crew is knowledgeable, and the cabin is air-conditioned. When traveling between Southport and New Hanover County, timing your trip to the ferry schedule makes getting there half the fun. See our Getting Here, Getting Around chapter for schedules, or call the ferry offices: (910) 457-6942 on the Southport side and (910) 458-3329 on the Fort Fisher side.

One-way fees are $1 for pedestrians, $2 for bicycle and rider, $3 for motorcycles, $5 for vehicles from 20 feet or less, $10 for vehicles 20 to 40 feet, $15 for vehicles 40 to 65 feet. The ferry can be part of a wide-ranging, self-directed, car-and-foot Circle Tour that includes seven attractions and museums in Wilmington, Southport and Pleasure Island. See our listing for the Cape Fear River Circle Tour in the Outside Wilmington section of this chapter.

Fort Fisher State Historic Site
U.S. Hwy. 421, south of Kure Beach
(910) 458-5538

Fort Fisher was the last major Confederate stronghold to fall to Union forces during the Civil War. It was the linchpin of the Confederate Army's Cape Fear Defense System, which included forts Caswell, Anderson and Johnston and a series of smaller batteries. Largely due to the tenacity of its defenders, the port of Wilmington was never entirely sealed by the Union blockade until January 1865. The Union bombardment of Fort Fisher was the heaviest naval demonstration in history up to that time. During the war, the fort, which stretched for 1.5 miles, was the largest and strongest earthen fort in the Confederacy. Today, the Department of Cultural Resources operates and maintains the remains of Fort Fisher as a State Historic Site.

The property boasts scenic easements of both the Cape Fear River and the Atlantic Ocean. A half-mile tour trail surrounds the archaeological remains of the Confederate fort. Exterior exhibits, a reconstructed palisade fence and a partially restored gun emplacement enhance historic interpretation. The tour trail encircles the Western Bastion, including the partially restored Shepherd's Battery, which boasts a fully functional reproduction of a rifled and banded 32-pounder cannon. This huge gun is the only one in the nation said to be fired on a regular basis. On the north side of the fort, re-created palisades will be of interest to Civil War buffs. Because Fort Fisher is an archaeological site, metal detectors are prohibited. The tour trail is handicapped accessible.

Following your visit to the fort, walk across U.S. Route 421 to The Cove, where you'll find a live oak–lined area overlooking the ocean; it's a great place for a relaxing stroll. Swimming here is discouraged because of dangerous currents and underwater hazards. However, miles of unspoiled beaches are available immediately to the south at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area, complete with bathhouse showers, a visitors center and a concession stand (see our Sports, Fitness and Parks chapter).