Cold War Submarine Memorial
A powerful tribute to Cold War submariners, featuring the sail and tail fin of the USS Lewis and Clark, set in a peaceful park.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather
Cold War Submarine Memorial
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A powerful tribute to Cold War submariners, featuring the sail and tail fin of the USS Lewis and Clark, set in a peaceful park.
"A beautiful and moving memorial that honors the brave submariners of the Cold War."
🚗 Parking can be tricky
Park on the side of the road or at the adjacent ball field if main spots are full.
🚶♀️ Explore the walking trail
Educational stations offer insights into the submariners' crucial role.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
USS Lewis and Clark Sail
Main memorial structure
The imposing sail and tail fin of the USS Lewis and Clark (SSBN 644) rise dramatically from the earth, a powerful symbol of the silent service.
Educational Stations
Walking trail around the memorial
Learn about the sacrifices of submariners through informative stations detailing the risks and importance of their missions during the Cold War.
Peaceful Reflection Area
Grassy park with benches
A serene setting to contemplate the dedication of submariners and their families, offering a quiet space for remembrance.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Parking & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking can be tricky
Park on the side of the road or at the adjacent ball field if main spots are full.
🚶♀️ Explore the walking trail
Educational stations offer insights into the submariners' crucial role.
📸 Great photo opportunities
The unique design makes for striking images, especially during golden hour.
🤫 Quiet contemplation
This memorial is a place for reflection on the 'silent service.'
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking can be tricky
Park on the side of the road or at the adjacent ball field if main spots are full.
🚶♀️ Explore the walking trail
Educational stations offer insights into the submariners' crucial role.
📸 Great photo opportunities
The unique design makes for striking images, especially during golden hour.
🤫 Quiet contemplation
This memorial is a place for reflection on the 'silent service.'
🚫 No restrooms on site
Plan accordingly before your visit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Cold War Submarine Memorial as a beautiful and moving tribute to the dedicated submariners of the Cold War era. The unique design, featuring the sail and tail fin of the USS Lewis and Clark, is particularly impactful, and the educational stations offer valuable historical context. While parking can be a minor inconvenience, the overall experience is described as thoughtful and worthwhile for anyone interested in naval history.
"Nice tribute to Submariners. The grounds are well maintained. Vehicle parking you will need to park on side of road. Or at the ball field next to site."
Myers Gaming
"My husband and I went to this amazing place and we enjoyed it tremendously. This is an absolute beautiful memorial. I will definitely be coming back here to view this beautiful place."
Angela “Angie” Goodale
"Located on Charleston Harbor, the Cold War Submarine Memorial stands as an enduring tribute to the dedicated men who served in our submarines during this unique and dangerous period in our nation's history; to their families who remained behind and managed alone at home during their long absences; and to the men and women, both civilian and military, who provided the superb support that assured the remarkable success of their missions.
One corner of Patriot’s Point that you may not have noticed at first is the Cold War Memorial. Its design, size, and sheer emotion will move you beyond words.
The monument is a Fleet Ballistic Missile Submarine rising from under the ground beside the highway. It is breathtaking. The monument’s design placed the sail and rudder of the USS Louis and Clark where they would be on the submarine. This gives a unique perspective of the sheer size of the boat. Around the site is a walking trail with educational stations to pay homage to the sacrifice and risk these men took."
Sanjay Gupta
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The memorial is located in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, across from Patriots Point. Visitors often find parking on the side of the road or at the nearby ball field.
Information on direct public transportation is limited, but it's accessible by car. Consider ride-sharing services if not driving.
Parking is often available on the side of the road or at the adjacent ball field.
The memorial is situated in a grassy park area with a walking trail, which is generally accessible.
As an outdoor memorial, it's generally accessible during daylight hours. It's recommended to visit during pleasant weather.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Cold War Submarine Memorial is a free outdoor exhibit and does not require tickets for entry.
As an outdoor memorial, it is generally accessible during daylight hours. There are no set opening or closing times.
There is no admission fee to visit this memorial. It's a public space dedicated to remembrance.
The memorial features the sail and tail fin of a submarine, but it is not a walk-through exhibit like a museum submarine.
No, the memorial is open to all ages and is a place for everyone to learn about history.
📸 📸 Photography & Experience
Late afternoon, during the 'golden hour,' offers beautiful lighting for photography. Weekday mornings are also good for fewer crowds.
It's a memorial dedicated to the submariners who served during the Cold War, featuring parts of the USS Lewis and Clark (SSBN 644).
You'll see the sail and tail fin of a submarine emerging from the ground, along with educational stations along a walking trail.
Yes, it's a peaceful place for families to learn about military history and pay respects.
The USS Lewis and Clark (SSBN 644) was a Fleet Ballistic Missile Submarine that served from 1965 to 1992, a key vessel during the Cold War.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The educational stations along the walking trail provide age-appropriate information about the submariners' roles and the importance of their service during the Cold War. 🇺🇸 History Buffs & Veterans
The memorial's design and educational components offer a tangible connection to this significant period. 📸 Photographers & Art Enthusiasts
The memorial is particularly photogenic during the 'golden hour' in the late afternoon, when the light casts a warm glow on the structure. The surrounding park setting also offers opportunities for landscape and reflective shots. Photographers can capture the scale of the submarine components and the solemn atmosphere of the memorial. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Silent Service: A Cold War Legacy
The memorial's design, with the submarine's sail and tail fin emerging from the earth, is intended to evoke the powerful image of a submarine surfacing. This unique visual is a stark reminder of the immense scale and capability of these vessels. Visitors can walk along an educational trail, learning about the sacrifices made by these sailors and their families, who endured long periods of separation and uncertainty.
While the memorial itself is a static display, it represents a significant chapter in naval history. Unlike some other Cold War sites that might feature entire decommissioned vessels, this memorial focuses on a symbolic representation, allowing visitors to connect with the spirit and importance of the submarine force during a critical geopolitical era.
Understanding the Memorial's Design
Surrounding the main structure is a walking trail dotted with educational stations. These stations provide historical context, detailing the roles and responsibilities of submariners, the challenges they faced, and the significance of their contributions to national security during the Cold War.
Many visitors find the memorial to be a 'thoughtful work of art' and a moving tribute.
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