Fort Gaines: Guardian of Mobile Bay
Explore a historic Civil War fort on Dauphin Island with stunning views, original cannons, and fascinating stories of the Battle of Mobile Bay.
Explore historic Fort Gaines on Dauphin Island, a well-preserved 19th-century fort that played a crucial role in the Battle of Mobile Bay. See original cannons, a blacksmith shop, and more, while enjoying panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico [3, 4].
A brief summary to Fort Gaines
- 51 Bienville Blvd, Dauphin Island, Alabama, 36528, US
- +1251-861-6992
- Visit website
- Monday 9 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
- Thursday 9 am-5 pm
- Friday 9 am-5 pm
- Saturday 9 am-5 pm
- Sunday 9 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Check the event schedule for living history demonstrations, cannon firings, and other special activities [3, 4, 14].
- Bring a camera to capture the panoramic views of Mobile Bay and the Gulf of Mexico [4, 8].
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking on uneven surfaces and exploring the fort's grounds [8].
- Visit the museum and gift shop to learn more about the fort's history and find unique souvenirs [3, 7, 10].
Getting There
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Driving
From central Dauphin Island, head east on Bienville Boulevard. Fort Gaines is located at the very end of the road on the eastern tip of the island [3, 11]. Parking is available at the fort, with daily fees applicable from 8 AM to 7 PM [17, 18]. From April 1 through Labor Day, the fee is $10, and from post-Labor Day through March 31, the fee is $5 [18]. You can pay for parking using the ParkMobile app, zone 95202 [17, 21, 25].
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Taxi/Ride-Share
Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available on Dauphin Island [5, 28, 29]. From anywhere on Dauphin Island, a taxi to Fort Gaines will cost approximately $10-$20, depending on the distance [5]. UberX rates in Mobile, AL, start with a $1.50 initial fare, $1.21 per mile, and $0.15 per minute, with a minimum fare of $6.05 [27]. Be aware that pick-up times may be longer than usual [28].
Discover more about Fort Gaines
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Dauphin Island Indian Shell Mound Park
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Battery Thomas
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Battery Duportail
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Battery Experimental
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Middle Bay Lighthouse
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Weeks Bay Plantation, Inc.
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Brodbeck And Zundell General Store Historical Site
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Little Point Clear Suites & Space
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Silver Market
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WildNative Tours
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Lebanon Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church
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Swift-Coles Historic Home
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Fairhoper's Community Park
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Unmissable attractions to see
Dauphin Island East End Public Beach
0.2 km
Discover serene shores and historical echoes at Dauphin Island's East End Public Beach.
Alabama Aquarium at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab
0.3 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
0.5 km
Discover Dauphin Island Beach: Pristine shores, stunning sunsets, and a relaxed Gulf Coast escape await in Alabama's best-kept secret.
Mobile Bay Ferry - Dauphin Island Landing
0.7 km
Experience the scenic route! Connect Dauphin Island & Fort Morgan via the Mobile Bay Ferry, saving time and offering stunning Gulf Coast views.
Audubon Bird Sanctuary
1.2 km
Explore a vital migratory bird haven on Dauphin Island with diverse habitats and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities.
D.I. Reef Monster
1.7 km
Reel in unforgettable memories with D.I. Reef Monster: Dauphin Island's premier fishing charters and sight-seeing tours along the Alabama Gulf Coast.
Cadillac Square
2.6 km
Discover Cadillac Square on Dauphin Island: where history and nature intertwine under the shade of ancient oaks, offering a tranquil coastal escape.
Goat Tree Reserve, Dauphin Island Bird Sanctuaries, Inc.
2.6 km
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Hernando Beach
2.7 km
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Indian Shell Mound Park
3.2 km
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Dauphin Island Heritage and Arts Council
3.5 km
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Dauphin Beach
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Island Golf
3.7 km
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Dauphin Island Welcome Center
3.8 km
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Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo Site
3.8 km
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Essential places to dine
BGH Cafe LLC
0.7 km
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Dinner’s Ready
3.5 km
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Foxy's Waffle Bar and Sugar Den
3.6 km
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Miguel's Beach'n Baja
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Subway
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Dockside Seafood Restaurant
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Pirate's Bar And Grill
4.1 km
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Capt'n Snapper's
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Islanders Restaurant & Bar
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Pirate's Pizza and Wings
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Reel Deal BBQ & Seafood
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Sassy Bass Amazin' Grill
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Peninsula Restaurant & Grill
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Wash House Restaurant
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Southern Roots
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Dockside Bait and Tackle
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Best way to go
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Treasure Trove
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Beach Planet
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Lighthouse Bakery
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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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Circle K
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Ship & Shore Supplies Inc
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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
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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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Tacky Jacks Fort Morgan
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West End Public Beach
11.1 km
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Sugar Shack
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Sassy Bass Island Grill
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RodNokers & Hannah's Kitchen
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Bucky's Lounge
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VFW Tiki Bar
33.1 km
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Tiki bar at Amer Legion
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