Fort Morgan State Historic Site: Guardian of Mobile Bay
Explore a historic military fort on the Alabama Gulf Coast, offering a glimpse into the past and natural beauty along Mobile Bay.
Explore Fort Morgan, a well-preserved historic fort that has stood as the guardian of Mobile Bay since 1834. This 479-acre site on the Alabama coast played strategic roles in four wars, most notably the Civil War. Visitors can explore the museum, wander the grounds, and learn about the fort's fascinating history.
A brief summary to Fort Morgan State Historic Site
- 110 AL-180, Gulf Shores, Alabama, 36542, US
- +1251-540-7127
- Visit website
Local tips
- Allow 2-3 hours to fully explore the fort, museum, and grounds [5].
- Check the website for guided tour schedules and special events, including reenactments [2, 5].
- Bring binoculars for birdwatching, especially during the spring and fall migrations [5, 8].
- Dogs are allowed on the grounds but must be kept on a leash; they are only allowed on the Old Fisherman's Wharf Beach [5, 8].
- Consider taking the Mobile Bay Ferry from Dauphin Island for a scenic approach and to see both Fort Morgan and Fort Gaines from the water [3, 5, 6].
Getting There
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Driving
From Gulf Shores, head west on Highway 180 for approximately 22 miles [3, 4, 6, 9]. The drive is scenic, offering views of the coastline. Follow AL-180 W to the Fort Morgan State Historic Site. There is a large parking area available near the museum [5]. Parking is free [5]. Be aware that traffic can be heavy during peak season, so allow extra time.
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Public Transport/Ferry
For a unique approach, consider taking the Mobile Bay Ferry from Dauphin Island [3, 5, 6, 11]. From Dauphin Island, drive onto the ferry. The ferry ride is approximately 40 minutes and provides views of both Fort Morgan and Fort Gaines [5]. Upon arrival at Fort Morgan, it's a short drive to the site entrance. The ferry cost is around $18 for a car and driver, plus $6 per additional adult passenger [11]. Check the Mobile Bay Ferry website for current schedules and pricing, as they may vary [5]. This option saves about 2 hours of driving [5].
Discover more about Fort Morgan State Historic Site
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Battery Thomas
0.5 km
Explore Battery Thomas at Fort Morgan, a historic coastal defense site offering insights into late 19th-century military strategies.
Battery Duportail
0.5 km
Explore Battery Duportail at Fort Morgan: A historic coastal defense site offering a glimpse into military engineering and Mobile Bay's strategic importance.
Battery Experimental
1.7 km
Explore a unique military test site in Gulf Shores, AL, where a coastal gun battery faced live fire from battleships in the early 20th century.
Dauphin Island Indian Shell Mound Park
8.9 km
Discover ancient Native American history and serene natural beauty at Dauphin Island's Indian Shell Mound Park, a haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers.
Middle Bay Lighthouse
23.0 km
Explore the Middle Bay Lighthouse, a historical gem in Mobile Bay, showcasing Alabama's rich maritime heritage and stunning waterfront views.
Weeks Bay Plantation, Inc.
25.3 km
Experience organic blueberry picking, live music, and water sports at this unique Gulf Coast agricultural and entertainment venue in Fairhope, Alabama.
WildNative Tours
28.1 km
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Brodbeck And Zundell General Store Historical Site
28.6 km
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Seacrest
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Swift-Coles Historic Home
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Little Point Clear Suites & Space
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Old Battles Place Apartments
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Luxury patio apartment homes in Fairhope, AL, offering privacy, upscale amenities, and a convenient location near downtown and Mobile Bay.
Gulf Shores Alabama
30.9 km
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Gulf Shores Public Beach
31.6 km
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Souvenir City
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Unmissable attractions to see
Sand Island Lighthouse
5.7 km
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Dauphin Island East End Public Beach
5.7 km
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Fort Gaines
5.7 km
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Alabama Aquarium at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab
6.0 km
Explore the Alabama Aquarium at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, where marine life and conservation come together in an unforgettable experience.
Dauphin Island Beach
6.0 km
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Mobile Bay Ferry - Dauphin Island Landing
6.4 km
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Audubon Bird Sanctuary
6.9 km
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D.I. Reef Monster
7.4 km
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Hernando Beach
8.2 km
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Cadillac Square
8.3 km
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Goat Tree Reserve, Dauphin Island Bird Sanctuaries, Inc.
8.3 km
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Indian Shell Mound Park
9.0 km
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Dauphin Beach
9.2 km
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Dauphin Island Heritage and Arts Council
9.2 km
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Island Golf
9.5 km
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Essential places to dine
BGH Cafe LLC
6.5 km
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Sassy Bass Amazin' Grill
8.3 km
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9.2 km
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Foxy's Waffle Bar and Sugar Den
9.3 km
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Miguel's Beach'n Baja
9.3 km
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Subway
9.5 km
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Pirate's Bar And Grill
9.6 km
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Dockside Seafood Restaurant
9.7 km
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Capt'n Snapper's
9.9 km
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Islanders Restaurant & Bar
10.6 km
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Pirate's Pizza and Wings
10.9 km
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Reel Deal BBQ & Seafood
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Peninsula Restaurant & Grill
23.8 km
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Wash House Restaurant
28.7 km
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Char 32
29.1 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Dockside Bait and Tackle
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Treasure Trove
9.3 km
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Best way to go
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Beach Planet
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Lighthouse Bakery
9.3 km
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Mexican Gulf Outfitters
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Island Chevron & Grill
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Beach Shack Dauphin Island
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Ship & Shore Supplies Inc
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Circle K
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Redbox
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Majestic Mermaid Dauphin Island
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Sun Kissed Hair Salon & Boutique
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Arts of Dauphin Island
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Savvy Southern Designs
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Tacky Jacks Fort Morgan
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The Salty Dog Beach House
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Island Time Nutrition
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Dority's
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Skinners Seafood
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Pelican Pub
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Public Beach
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Gulf Breeze Motel
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Sassy Bass Island Grill
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West End Public Beach
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Sugar Shack
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Bucky's Lounge
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RodNokers & Hannah's Kitchen
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The deck
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Ice House Taproom
31.7 km
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