Confederate States Ship Neuse II — Attraction in Kinston

Very cool companion experience to go along with seeing the hull of the original ship about a block away. Generally I don't find replica ships very interesting, but this one was different - there is no other place in the country that you can actually enter a full-scale ironclad model. There are smaller scaled ones (the Albemarle replica in Port-o-Plymouth) and full-scaled static displays that you cannot enter (the Monitor replica in Newport News), but none that combine full scale and access to the interior. The ship is only open on Saturdays, is free, and sells souvenirs for cash or check (no credit card). There is a lift for handicapped access, and stairs otherwise. There are also stairs inside the ship, which go from the gun deck (main deck) down to the lower deck. The stairs are the only option inside. The gun deck is 1/4 exhibits, 1/4 gift shop/staff booth, and half recreated gun deck, with a proper cannon replica and the pilot house dominating the center of the replicated section. The stairs leading down to the lower deck are not accurate, there would have been a vertical ladder to below in the original ship, but the stairs were added for accessibility to the replica. Below, there's a replica boiler, then signage and a few recreated compartments showing officer bunks, the captain's cabin, a workshop, and the galley/mess area. It is fun to explore around but does not take long to see everything, maybe 45 minutes total (both top, bottom, & outside). It was fun, unique, and interesting.

There is room for improvement, so I gave it four stars (though, as a free attraction, the fact this exists at all is fantastic - so these critiques are purely well-meaning). I don't think the construction techniques mirror the original methods, but I could be wrong - so the feel is more spatial than cosmetic. It would be nice to see additional items below, like more bunks, additional tables, a replica stove, rope coils, etc. It felt a little empty down there. Some of the signs were water damaged or just printed out on a piece of printer paper, which was kinda tacky. I also would like to see signage that explains the engine would have been below the stairs - that was confusing to me, seeing a boiler but no engine. I had to look at the plans and talk to the volunteer to figure out how it would have actually been.

All in all, this was 100% a worthwhile piece of our Kinston stop. We did the CSS Neuse Museum first, then walked over to the replica. The museum gave us great perspective on the ship's history and provided great context for when we toured the replica. Note the replica does close an hour earlier than the museum though. The walk between the two is about 4 minutes through a parking lot and across one road. We parked on the street across from the museum and left our vehicle there even while walking back to the replica. In Kinston, the replica (and the Neuse Museum) are must-do activities. Even if driving nearby,...

It is a little known exhibit that show a full scale replication of the CSS Neuse. The replica has a few modern conveniences that aid the public access to the vessel. Our guide was a kindly gentleman who was well informed and understood the varied history of the CSS Neuse and the Civil War era. After the initial overview and tour of the gun deck we were allowed to freely roam the vessel at our pleasure.

It is one of the few vessels that is certified by the US Coast Guard for inner waterways. A...

Everyone visiting Kinston should see this. Free admission. I was a bit disappointed, but didn't take in the MUSEUM prior to boarding or walking around the CSS Neuse II. A bit sparse on the inside. I probably expected more. Stunning from the outside and a full size replica (I think). The low profile was submarine like and would definitely be problematic for an enemy ship...