Cadillac Square: Dauphin Island's Historical Heart
Discover Cadillac Square on Dauphin Island: where history and nature intertwine under the shade of ancient oaks, offering a tranquil coastal escape.
Cadillac Square, located on Dauphin Island, Alabama, is a tranquil park that whispers tales of the island's rich history [3]. Named in honor of Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac, the French Governor-General of Louisiana, who resided here in the early 18th century, the square provides a unique window into the island's past [3, 5, 10]. As you enter Cadillac Square, you're immediately greeted by the grandeur of ancient live oak trees [3]. These majestic trees, adorned with delicate Spanish moss, have stood as silent witnesses to centuries of history [3]. Their sprawling branches offer a cool, shaded respite from the Alabama sun, making the square a popular spot for picnics and leisurely strolls [3]. The history of Cadillac Square is intertwined with the early French colonization of the Gulf Coast [3]. In 1699, French explorers landed on Dauphin Island, initially naming it "Massacre Island" [3]. By 1717, Dauphin Island had become the capital of French Louisiana, and Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac established his residence here [3]. Though Cadillac's time on the island was short, his legacy lives on through the park [3]. Today, Cadillac Square is a peaceful escape, inviting visitors to appreciate nature and connect with the past [3].
Local tips
- Pack a picnic to enjoy under the shade of the ancient live oak trees.
- Bring binoculars for birdwatching, especially during migration seasons [3, 9].
- Visit the Dauphin Island Welcome Center for island information and discount coupons [12, 14].
A brief summary to Cadillac Square
- 661 Bienville Blvd, Dauphin Island, Alabama, 36528, US
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Getting There
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Walking
Cadillac Square is easily accessible by foot from many points on Dauphin Island [3]. From the eastern end of Bienville Blvd, walk west for about 2 miles [3]. Be mindful of traffic. There is no charge for walking or biking in [3].
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Driving
From the Dauphin Island bridge, continue along Bienville Boulevard [14]. Cadillac Square will be on your right at 661 Bienville Blvd [3, 5, 8]. Parking is available, utilizing the ParkMobile system [13, 16, 23]. From April 1 to Labor Day, parking costs $10.35 from 8 AM to 7 PM. From October 1 to March 31, the fee is $5.35 during the same hours [13, 16]. There is no charge after 7 PM [16].
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Ferry
From Fort Morgan, take the Mobile Bay Ferry to Dauphin Island [4, 6, 7, 15, 19]. The ferry docks at 112 Bienville Blvd on Dauphin Island [6, 15]. From the ferry landing, Cadillac Square is a short drive or bike ride west along Bienville Boulevard [6, 14, 15]. As of July 2025, the cost for the ferry is $16 for a car and driver, plus $4.50 for each additional passenger [7]. Adults without cars are $5 each [7]. The ferry ride is approximately 40 minutes [7, 19].
