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ocean_bound's avatar
ocean_bound
Explorer II
Aug 05, 2014

battleship north carolina

Going to battleship north Carolina in Wilmington nc any one know if the parking lot is big enough for a 36 ft motorhome and toad thank you
  • Handbasket wrote:
    I agree with Bucky. The old 'Showboat' is very much a tourist's delight, with almost everything open to enter and gawk. The thickness of the armor is amazing, if no reason other than that this country once had the ability to make & shape steel that thick. My Navy hitch gave an understanding of the complexities of the engineroom.

    I think if you park at the outer edge of the lot, you'll be OK. I second the suggestion of using Google Earth to do an advance recon.

    BTW, I was a 4th grade student when NC acquired the ship. It was free from the Navy, but had to have a berth provided by the state. We gave dimes from our lunch money to buy the berthing space where she's been to this day. She badly damaged or sank a floating restaurant when being tugged into position there ;).

    Jim, "A conclusion is where you got tired of thinking."


    I was in the first grade when the money was taken up.
    In the museum of the ship, on the main deck. You will find a list of all the schools in NC that donated to the ship. I have been going there since it was put there, and it is amazing how much more is open to the public every year. IF you get a chance to see the night show. Called the "Showboat". Take it. It is a great show, with guns firing, and torpedoes hitting. Tells the story of the Showboat.

    The North Carolina is the first modern battleship. Nothing like her had been seen before. In her first battle, as all guns were fired. The Admiral on the carrier, radioed, and wanted to know had she blown up, so great was her firing.

    And YES. there is plenty of room for you to park your MH.
  • I agree with Bucky. The old 'Showboat' is very much a tourist's delight, with almost everything open to enter and gawk. The thickness of the armor is amazing, if no reason other than that this country once had the ability to make & shape steel that thick. My Navy hitch gave an understanding of the complexities of the engineroom.

    I think if you park at the outer edge of the lot, you'll be OK. I second the suggestion of using Google Earth to do an advance recon.

    BTW, I was a 4th grade student when NC acquired the ship. It was free from the Navy, but had to have a berth provided by the state. We gave dimes from our lunch money to buy the berthing space where she's been to this day. She badly damaged or sank a floating restaurant when being tugged into position there ;).

    Jim, "A conclusion is where you got tired of thinking."
  • Been to Wilmington a couple times in the last couple years and stayed at the KOA (we love). Never made it to the battleship though. We need to try that sometime. WE did do a ghost walk in Wilmington...that was a lot of fun. If you get a chance, try it.
  • The interior of the ship is almost completely open to visitors thanks to the many volunteers. It makes you realize the conditions the men endured to protect our tail ends. The carrier in Charleston is hardly open compared to the North Carolina.
  • Its been many years since I was there but I think there is space. Wife and I spent 4 -5 hours looking and reading. Very interesting ship. Randu
  • Looking at the parking lot on Google Maps it appears that you would be able to find a space.

    click

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