Background

Historic Blakeley State Park: Where History and Nature Converge

Discover Alabama's past and natural beauty at Historic Blakeley State Park: Civil War history, ghost town exploration, and Mobile-Tensaw Delta adventures await.

4.6

Explore Alabama's largest Civil War battlefield and a ghost town at Historic Blakeley State Park. This 2,100-acre park on the Mobile-Tensaw Delta offers a unique blend of historical significance and natural beauty with hiking, camping, and boat tours [7, 8].

A brief summary to Historic Blakeley State Park

  • Monday 8 am-9 pm
  • Tuesday 8 am-9 pm
  • Wednesday 8 am-9 pm
  • Thursday 8 am-9 pm
  • Friday 8 am-9 pm
  • Saturday 8 am-9 pm
  • Sunday 8 am-9 pm

Local tips

  • Download the park map and auto tour brochure before your visit to make the most of your exploration of the historical sites and natural trails [13].
  • Check the park's event calendar for Civil War reenactments, living history demonstrations, and boat tours, which offer unique insights into the park's history and ecology [7, 13].
  • Bring binoculars and a bird guide to take advantage of the park's designation as a stop on the Alabama Gulf Coastal Birding Trail [6, 13].
  • Wear comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for hiking, as the park offers over 20 miles of trails to explore [3, 13].
widget icon

Getting There

  • Driving

    From Spanish Fort, head north on AL-225 for approximately 4.5 miles [2, 7]. The park entrance will be on your left [3, 7]. Parking is readily available within the park [3, 7]. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for children ages 6-12, and free for children under 6 [2, 6, 13]. Veterans and active-duty military are free for individual day use [13, 18].

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    From a central location in Spanish Fort, a taxi or ride-share to Historic Blakeley State Park will cost approximately $15-$25, depending on traffic and demand [7]. The ride is about 4.5 miles and takes around 10-15 minutes [7]. Confirm the fare with the driver or app before starting your trip [7]. Note that you will still need to pay the park's admission fee upon arrival: $5 for adults, $3 for children ages 6-12, and free for children under 6 [2, 6, 7].

  • Public Transport

    While there is no direct public transportation to the park entrance, you can take a Mobile Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) bus to Spanish Fort [16]. From there, you will need to arrange a taxi or rideshare service to reach Historic Blakeley State Park, located approximately 4.5 miles north on AL-225 [7, 16]. Taxi/rideshare fare will be an additional $15-$25 [7]. Check local MBTA schedules for bus fares and routes [14].

Unlock the Best of Historic Blakeley State Park

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Historic Blakeley State Park

Historic Blakeley State Park, a sprawling 2,100-acre sanctuary near Spanish Fort, Alabama, offers a unique blend of historical significance and natural beauty [7, 8]. More than just a park, it's a journey through time, where visitors can explore the remnants of a once-thriving Alabama town, walk the grounds of a pivotal Civil War battlefield, and immerse themselves in the rich biodiversity of the Mobile-Tensaw Delta [13]. Blakeley's story begins in the early 19th century when it was chartered in 1814 and quickly rose to prominence as a major commercial center, even rivaling Mobile in size and importance [13, 10]. The town boasted numerous businesses, homes, a newspaper, and a bustling port [13]. Shipbuilding was a key industry, with notable steamers like the 400-ton Mississippi and the 60-ton Tensas constructed here [13]. However, Blakeley's prosperity was short-lived. Recurring epidemics of yellow fever, coupled with economic challenges, led to its decline [13]. By the time of the Civil War, the town's population had dwindled [10, 13]. Despite its diminished state, Blakeley played a significant role in the Civil War [13]. Confederate forces constructed Fort Blakeley to defend Mobile from Union advances [13]. In April 1865, the Battle of Fort Blakeley raged, marking one of the last major engagements of the war [2, 13]. Union troops, including a significant number of African-American soldiers, eventually overwhelmed the Confederate defenders [13]. Today, visitors can explore the well-preserved Confederate and Union fortifications, offering a tangible connection to this pivotal moment in American history [2, 3]. As you wander through the park, you'll encounter the ghost town of Blakeley [7, 13]. While most of the town's buildings were dismantled and moved to Mobile after the war, the foundations of the courthouse and jail remain, providing a glimpse into the town's original layout [11, 13]. The park has also created "ghost structures" in the Washington Square section, representing typical homes and businesses of the 1820s [11, 13]. Beyond its historical significance, Historic Blakeley State Park is a haven for nature lovers [2, 7]. Situated on the Mobile-Tensaw Delta, often called "America's Amazon," the park is home to a diverse array of plant and animal life [7]. Explore over 20 miles of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails that wind through woodlands and along the Tensaw River [3, 8, 9]. Take a guided boat tour on the Delta Explorer for a chance to spot alligators, black bears, turtles, and bald eagles [2, 3, 7].

Popular Experiences near Historic Blakeley State Park

Popular Hotels near Historic Blakeley State Park

Select Currency