parris island museum

We were surprised to find out that you could drive right onto the training grounds. We had to show our license and registration for our vehicle and the marine at the gate let us on through. A very unique experience even though we were not able to find the museum. There were signs pointing ahead for it, but once we got back in a ways we couldn't seem to find further directions.

This is a small but well maintained museum. The exhibits detail the history of the Marines. It is not interactive, other than an introductory film but it is worth a visit.

I lived on Parris Island almost 50 years ago when my father was stationed there. First, I was shocked that we could get on the base because of potential security issues, but visitors are welcome. We drove all over the base, searching for the house we used to live in and viewing the Iwo Jima monument. We did not realize that there was a museum there until we drove by it. The museum was the highlight of the trip. The displays of Marine Corp history were high quality and the film very educational. I gained a deeper appreciation of my deceased Dad's sacrifice in serving his country for 30 years and regretted that he could not be with us to share our pride in him. We were able to view his duty posts on the large Korea and Vietnam Nam maps and read about the conflicts of that era. It ended up being an emotional journey for my family and one that I would highly recommend.

Dr. Stephen Wise and his staff have spent many years making the Parris Island museum a special attraction to see, especially for those who enjoy military (Marine) history. The museum chronicles pre-colonial and colonial history and then has many showcases with the evolution of Parris Island's and the Marine Corps military history. The museum has a gift shop where visitors can purchase Parris Island and Marine Corps memorabilia. Visitors can also pick up a map of historic and other sights to see and points of interest at Parris Island (windshield or walking tour).(To get onto Parris Island, you will need to show your driver's license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance.)

This is great museum that tells the history of the marines all the way to the battles in Iraq and Afghanistan.We learned so much and the time spent here was worth the drive.The museum is free to visit but freedom is not!

This Museum is a must visit if you are visiting the low country. Very easy to get to from Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, Savannah and Charleston. You will need to have a Drivers License, Vehicle Registration and proof of insurance to show the Military Police/Marine Corps Police at the front gate of Parris Island. Everyone you will encounter is very professional and courteous. When at the gate you will be given directions. Having graduated from Parris Island in June of 1995. It was a very powerful experience for me to return. I was so impressed by the Museum that I felt it meets the same standards of what you might experience when visiting the Smithsonian up in Washington DC. The attention to detail is incredible on all the displays within the Museum. Not only will you learn about the History of Parris Island, but you will gain a wealth of knowledge on the surrounding areas. This Museum rates five stars and more. You will also get to experience Parris Island when visiting this amazing museum. Lots of great photo opportunities. I spent a whole day on Parris Island. As stated in the above it was such a powerful, spiritual experience for me returning. A must visit if you are visiting Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, Savannah and Charleston. Also I must add it is very easy to get to from I95.

Very interesting visit while on Parris Island. I learned a lot about the Corps' history. Recommend a stop it you are on Parris Island.

Visited the US Marine Corps Recruit Depot at Parris Island which includes a very well-done museum. Allow a couple of hours to view the exhibits which feature the Corps in US military history during both peace and war time. The fascinating memorabilia on the upper level is even accompanied by music of each time period. Since visitors are allowed everywhere on the base, you can also see some of the training. For example, we watched recruits entering and leaving the mess hall as their drill instructors demanded perfect marching precision. Just be prepared for the entry requirements at the main gate. You will need to show your drivers license, car registration and auto insurance card in order to get a day pass. All the Marines we met were beyond courteous. It is also possible to eat on the base as there is a Subway.

The museum that is located on Parris Island is a great display and history of the USMC. You can spend 2-3 hours reviewing all the displays and watching the film.

Very interesting collection of uniforms, weapons, gear, and various collectibles. So much history to take in! It is a beautiful museum with many great stories to tell. We visited on a Family Day so it was a little crowded, but that was expected. The only complaint is that it was VERY warm inside. It was 83 degrees on one of the thermostats we saw. That made us want to hurry through and get back outside!

This is a wonderful museum, covering all battles and timeline of the Marine Corp. I was very impressed with the attention to detail in the display of the uniforms and weapons.

A little crowded with a stroller, but so worth going to. There was so much to see. I know we didn't see it all. Something for a variety of age groups.

This is a must see if you are in the area. It was my first time on a military training base. I was impressed watching the soldiers doing their drills. They were extremely polite to us "Good after noon ma'am." The Museum has so much History. It was easy to read and follow the wars. I appreciated what the Marines has done for our country. It gave me a new respect for our brave men and the training they go through.

The exhibits were very interesting. I especially enjoyed seeing the different uniforms our military has worn throughout the years.

Drove out there from Savannah this morning. Easy, pleasant drive but, if you're not a U.S. Citizen don't bother. I'm sure it's a great place to visit but if you're a "foreign national" you won't get in. The very pleasant and apologetic gate guard took our UK ID and hire car papers but returned to say that even if we submitted to all the checks and paperwork, as foreigners we still wouldn't be allowed on the base. We still had a nice morning in Beaufort with coffee and cake overlooking the marina though. Now that is to be recommended.