Dauphin Island and the neighboring city of Mobile are filled with fascinating historic sites.
The USS Alabama, a World War Two-era battleship, is one of the best tours to take while on a family vacation on Dauphin Island if you are looking to learn some exciting war history that everyone is sure to appreciate.
Experience life on a war-bound battleship, as you immerse yourself in the stories and history you’ll find in the museum. For one of the best family activities in the area, visit the USS Alabama in Mobile, AL, on your way to beachfront Dauphin Island vacation rentals.
History and Location of the USS Alabama
The USS Alabama was commissioned in 1942 at the start of the Second World War and served in the Atlantic and Pacific theatres. The South Dakota-class battleship is the sixth in the Navy to be named after the state of Alabama.
The ship was decommissioned in 1947 and ultimately moved to Mobile Bay in 1964, where it was turned into a museum. The ship is now listed as a National Historic Landmark, and sits at the mouth of Mobile Bay, at 2703 Battleship Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36603, about a 40-minute drive from Dauphin Island rentals.
Tour the USS Alabama
On September 5, 1945, the USS Alabama, also known as the “Heroine of the Pacific,” led an American fleet into Tokyo Bay – her last foray into battle. In her lifetime, she received nine Battle Stars and was home to 2,500 soldiers and crew. The ship itself weighs 45,000 tons and measures almost 700 feet.
While touring Alabama, you can also visit the USS DRUM, a World War Two submarine that held a crew of 72 people – and one dog named Stateside. Be sure to check out the Aircraft Pavilion, the Tanks & Artillery at Battleship Memorial Park, and the nearby memorials.
If you’re keen for a bite to eat after taking in all the museum and memorial park have to offer, head down to The Galley, the onsite café that services snacks and lunch. From burgers to personal pizzas to ever-changing daily specials, the menu at The Galleys varied enough for both kids and adults to enjoy.
Programs & Events
The USS Alabama has a wide range of programming and events for groups including. The museum offers overnight stays in the belly of the ship and the opportunity to eat breakfast in the galley to experience the life of a war-era sailor, guided tours, school field trips, kids’ birthday parties, and private parties on the front lawn, in the Aircraft Pavilion, or aboard the ship.
Admission Information
Daily admission to the museum costs $15 per adult, $6 for children ages 6 to 11, and $13 for senior citizens. Children under 5 and active military are admitted free of charge.
The museum offers tours for large groups – school, business, and otherwise. They offer several tour packages, some of which include a catered lunch. Reservations for large groups should be made at least two weeks in advance.
Southern Alabama is a perfect place to learn about an important time in U.S. history while on your family vacation. Experience what it was like to serve in World War Two, captain a battleship and eat in a ship’s mess hall.
If you are planning on staying in Dauphin Island rentals, the USS Alabama and Battleship Memorial Park is the perfect place for a fun-filled historic day trip.
Learn more about vacationing to the coast of Alabama and the many exciting activities that you can enjoy while staying on Dauphin Island – one of the best locations to experience the attractions of Mobile, ocean activities, beautiful beaches and so much more. Call us today at (251)-861-3311 to learn more.
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