WWII Landing Ship LST-325 Coming to Ashland City for Public Tours

The Landing Ship Tank, or “Large Slow Target” as the LST was called by her crew, revolutionized amphibious warfare, enabling large-scale landings of troops and equipment on hostile shores. (Photo: LST Ship Memorial)

A piece of World War II history will dock in Ashland City next week as USS LST-325 arrives at Riverbluff Park for six days of public tours.

The ship will be open October 1–6 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily at Riverbluff Park, 175 Old Cumberland Street, Ashland City. Tours are self-guided, with volunteer docents available to answer questions and QR codes throughout the ship providing additional information.

LST-325 is an authentic World War II Landing Ship, Tank, built in 1942 and commissioned into the U.S. Navy in 1943. The 328-foot vessel was designed to transport troops, tanks, vehicles and supplies directly to shore during amphibious operations. It participated in operations in Sicily and Salerno and was part of the Normandy invasion, arriving off Omaha Beach during the D-Day operation in June 1944.

Admission in Ashland City is $20 for adults, $10 for children ages 6–17, and free for children 5 and younger. Tickets may be purchased at the ship or online. Visitors should be prepared for stairs aboard the vessel; the Tank Deck is the only area accessible to wheelchairs, walkers and strollers.

After departing Ashland City, LST-325 will travel to Clarksville, where it will be open for tours at McGregor Park and Cumberland Riverwalk from October 8–12.