People who like to learn about history, the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park is the right place for them. This park is famous for its rich history and gives you an inspiring and unique experience of a war era. Their museums represent a huge collection of ships, drums, guns and more war equipment. It is a place where you can learn and have fun with your family. Mobile, Alabama has more attractions where visitors can go and enjoy more fun activities like picnics, exploring museums, trails etc.
In this blog, we will explore the history, attractions of USS Alabama visitor guide with some nearby places where you can visit. It helps in your complete tour.
History of USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park
In 1942 the war was started on the Atlantic and pacific theatre. They earn 9 battle stars in the Pacific to lead the American fleet to Tokyo bay. The ship they used is known as a lucky ship for them because no one died in this ship during the war. In 1960 this ship was parked in Mobile bay as an honor of war. After everything will stop, war is finished. This place is transformed into a memorial park. On 9 January 1965 this park was opened to the public as a historical moment of the world.
Top Attractions at USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park
Whether you are interested to know the history, military and more related to World War II. Ones visit USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park in Mobile, AL.
The USS Alabama(BB-60)
USS Alabama is also known as Mighty A and “Heroine of the Pacific”. This park shows the past of memories and sacrifices of the country. You can see drum submarines, tanks and aircraft. this will provide you a self guided tour where you can explore historical ships with their engine room, captain quarter, crew quarter and more interesting spot. that takes your time around 30-45 minutes.
USS Drum (SS 28)
Drum is First and oldest Gato-Class submarine of the era of world war II. This is a landmark of USS Alabama memorial park. This is the best place to explore with family and kids. It’s like a maritime museum where visitors can go and experience its physical property. You can enter the drum to understand more deeply the sacrifices of 72 crew members.
Aircraft Pavilion
This is an army museum which has a huge collection of historical military aircraft, helicopters, planes etc from different eras. you must see these planes A-12 blackbird, B-25 Mitchell Bomber they are secret spy planes of second world war. More than planes you can see military vehicle collections like jeep, tank etc. this can be a unique experience for you.
Things to Do at the Park
Here are some activities which you can do and enjoy with your family & friends.
Historical Monuments
You can enjoy the historical spots of USS Alabama battleship memorial park. There are multiple spots and second world war real equipment to explore like military tanks, drum submarines and aircrafts. It can be a memorable adventure for your family.
Nature Fun
It is an open park where you can enjoy family or friends day out. You can experience a picnic under the open sky with a beautiful view of nature view. There are some nearby parks which ideal for hiking, cycling and boating.
Foods and Drinks
If you love to taste unique cuisines and drink you need to go on dauphin street of Mobile city. There are many restaurants and bars with amazing taste and multiple experiences. These delicious food is an unforgettable taste for you.
Photography
There are many spots like a big ship, submarines etc for photography. It has more moments because it’s a very beautiful place with a wonderful natural view. This picture can hold memorable moments for your entire life.
Nearby Attractions in Mobile, Alabama
Alabama is a beautiful state and filled with eye opening cities and mobile city is one of them. Mobile is famous for its rich history, interesting culture and attractive place like:
The National Maritime Museum
This place is best for maritime lovers or for those who are interested in maritime. It’s a family friendly museum that means everyone can come here. It has multiple exhibits like ocean planets where you can see six foot diameter sphere ocean planets with real time satellite, ocean images and live footage. A full size of container ship exhibits which shows the development of trades on a global level through containerization. The most interesting feature of the National Maritime Museum is the helm feature where every visitor gets a chance to control a boat.
Phoenix Fire Museum
It is a place where you can explore and learn about the Phoenix Fire Organization of 1838. You can go there with your family because it is family friendly. This museum has a huge collection of horse drawn fire trucks, vintage uniforms of volunteers and their badges. You will experience how volunteers save others from fire and you with your family can try on their uniforms
Mobile Carnival Museum
This mobile carnival museum is known as the birthplace of mardi gras. you can experience mardi gras celebration with full enjoyment and fun activities. It will saw colour costume peoples with band marching and crowd cheer which enhance beauty of this celebration. In the museum you can see multiple colorful carnival statues and a photo gallery of mardi gras. This celebration must be in a bucket list in your Alabama tour.
Dora Franklin Finley African-American Heritage Trail
If you are interested to know about Alabama this tail tour is perfect for you. This tour was begin for school going children and students of college as a learning purpose. It gives you complete information about the history of Africans and Americans. They provide you a tour guide “Eric Finley”. He has a good story telling skill that makes your tour more interesting. This trail shows 40 historical landmarks like Africatown, churches and schools which support black communities.
USS Alabama Tickets, Hours & Visitor Information
When you plan to visit USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park. It has some criteria that you need to follow such as.
- It is open every day of year except Christmas day.
- The timing to visit is 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- It has an entry fee where you have to buy a ticket from the website or after visit there you can buy from the ticket counter.
- There is parking available but it has some parking fee such as. For general parking like car and bike $5 but for large or over size vehicles like bus and RV has $30.
- It also provides accessibility of restroom, wheelchair and sitting area on the entry gate.
Ticket Prices are mention below:
| Persons | Price |
| Adults (Age 12 to 55) | $18 |
| Children (6 to 11 year old) | $6 |
| Senior Citizen (Age 55+) | $15 |
| Kid (below 5 or 5) | Free |
| Retired Military person | $15 |
| On Duty military person | Free |
| AAA member | $16 |
Best Time to Visit USS Alabama
For visiting USS Alabama you need to decide the right time for your tour excellent experience.
High Season
If you plan to explore USS Alabama, spring and fall seasons are the peak and best time to visit USS Alabama. Some months like March to May and September to November have nice and mild weather to explore. In March you can participate in the festival of flowers. In this season you can easily see the natural beauty and enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, picnic or a day out with close ones.
Low Season
Summers and winter are usually low time to visit because of hot humid days and extremely cool days. But when you visit these times you will find less crowds and low prices. You can explore indoor activities like museum exploration, shoppings, zoo safari and more. you can enjoy the mardi gras celebration in february at the mobile, alabama.
Tips for Visiting USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park
Here are a few tips that help in your exploration.
- You have to spend approx 2.5 to 3 hours there to complete the tour.
- Try to wear easy clothes and comfortable shoes while exploring.
- When you go to USS Alabama try to explore everything like Drum submarines and air crafts.
- Book your ticket online to avoid a ticket counter crowd.
- Carry Cash in USA currency with you.
- Always Wear good SPF sunscreen which saves you from harmful UV rays.
- you need to carry a water bottle for maintaining hydration and energy.
- Try to visit in the early morning for a complete exploration and be less crowded.
Where to Stay Near USS Alabama
These are some places where you can stay with comfort at USS Alabama.
The Battle House Renaissance
This hotel is a right option for luxury travelers, seekers and couples. The staff are well educated and mannered. They offer delicious breakfast and dinner in their restaurant. You will see amazing property with elegant interiors. Their rooms are clean and fully filled with good quality furniture and art pieces. The Battle House hotel gives you a wonderful experience of the stay.
Hilton Garden Inn
This is a very beautiful hotel with friendly staff members who will create a safe stay for you. This property gives you amazing services like Free internet, room microwave, mini fridge, drycleaning and housekeeping in the rooms. You can go there with a cat or dog in your control. It offers you a bar and restaurant where you can enjoy your complimentary breakfast.
Fort Conde Inn
This hotel gives you the vibe of a village historical house. It is decorated with gas lamps that enhance the beauty of the hotel. The First priority there is cleanliness and comfort of guests. Fort Conde Inn offers spacious rooms for families and a romantic and cozy atmosphere for couples.
Holiday Inn, Mobile
It is an affordable and comfortable option for staying and best for a friend group. They can enjoy pool parties and a tasty complementary breakfast buffet. This is located in downtown Mobile. Holiday Inn has a lovely atmosphere and helpful staff who help in your best stay. Their rooms are clean and beautiful with nice ventilation.
Conclusion
In the end this travel guide, we hope it’s helpful for your USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park trip. This is an eye opening worth it place with multiple spots that gives you learning and fun activities. Mobile, Alabama offers you more amazing places where you can visit and enhance experience. You can stay in their beautiful hotels. These hotels offer you world class facilities with a comfortable cozy zone. We mentioned some tips above that will help in your trip.