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Bienville Square: Mobile's Historic Heart

Discover Mobile's historic Bienville Square: a vibrant downtown park with a rich history, natural beauty, and year-round community events.

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Bienville Square, located in the heart of downtown Mobile, Alabama, has been a central part of the city's history and community life since its establishment in 1824. Named after Mobile's founder, Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne, Sieur de Bienville, this picturesque square offers a green oasis amidst the urban landscape.

A brief summary to Bienville Square

  • Monday 7 am-10 pm
  • Tuesday 7 am-10 pm
  • Wednesday 7 am-10 pm
  • Thursday 7 am-10 pm
  • Friday 7 am-10 pm
  • Saturday 7 am-10 pm
  • Sunday 7 am-10 pm

Local tips

  • Check the local events calendar for festivals, concerts, and markets happening in Bienville Square, especially during the spring and fall.
  • Visit during lunchtime on a weekday to experience the park's popularity with local office workers seeking a relaxing break.
  • Take a stroll around the perimeter to admire the diverse architectural styles of the surrounding buildings, ranging from late Victorian to Neoclassical.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Bienville Square occupies the block bordered by Dauphin, Saint Joseph, Saint Francis, and North Conception streets. The park is easily accessible on foot from most downtown locations, including the Mobile Convention Center and the History Museum of Mobile. If you are in downtown Mobile, head towards Dauphin Street.

  • Public Transport

    The Wave Transit System provides several bus routes that stop near Bienville Square. Routes 4 (Springhill), 5 (Highway 45), 7 (Dauphin Street), 9 (Broad Street), and 11 (Dauphin Island Parkway) all have stops within a short walking distance of the square. A single ride fare is $1.25. Baylinc bus route connects Spanish Fort to Bienville Square in downtown Mobile. The journey takes around 30 minutes, with prices ranging from $1.50 to $3 depending on the distance traveled.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxi and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Mobile. A short ride from the Mobile Cruise Terminal or the Amtrak station to Bienville Square typically costs between $8 and $15, depending on traffic and demand. Uber from Spanish Fort to Mobile costs approximately $21.

  • Driving

    If driving, navigate to the intersection of Dauphin Street and North Conception Street. Several parking lots and garages are located within a few blocks of Bienville Square. On-street metered parking is also available, costing $1.00 per hour with a two-hour limit on certain streets. Parking garages like the AirGarage on Conception Street and the Mobile County Parking Garage on Jackson Street offer hourly and daily rates. Expect to pay around $8-$12 for 2 hours of parking. Premium Parking (P2601) is located at 15 N. Joachim St.

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Discover more about Bienville Square

Bienville Square, a treasured landmark in downtown Mobile, provides a captivating mix of history, natural beauty, and community spirit. Established in 1824, the square was named in honor of Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville, the founder of Mobile. The United States Congress designated the area, previously the site of a Spanish hospital, as a public space. Throughout its history, Bienville Square has been a focal point for significant events. Theodore Roosevelt delivered a speech in 1905, emphasizing the importance of the Panama Canal to Mobile's port. The square also served as a gathering place for shipyard workers during World War II. The park features a cast-iron fountain erected in 1890 to honor Dr. George Ketchum for bringing potable water to Mobile. The fountain's design adds elegance and a soothing ambiance to the park. Today, Bienville Square continues to be a vibrant hub of community life, hosting various events throughout the year, including concerts, festivals, and markets. The LoDa Artwalk, a monthly event showcasing local artists, often extends into Bienville Square. The square is bordered by Dauphin, Saint Joseph, Saint Francis, and North Conception streets, making it easily accessible from most downtown locations.

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