Alabama Aquarium at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab
Alabama Aquarium: Coastal Alabama's Underwater World
Fort Gaines: Guardian of Mobile Bay
Explore a well-preserved Civil War fort on Dauphin Island, offering historical insights, stunning views, and living history demonstrations.
Historic Fort Gaines, located on the eastern tip of Dauphin Island, Alabama, has guarded the entrance to Mobile Bay for over 150 years. Known for its crucial role in the Battle of Mobile Bay during the Civil War, the fort offers panoramic views and a glimpse into the past.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Fort Gaines
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
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
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Getting There
Driving
From anywhere on Dauphin Island, follow Bienville Boulevard east towards the end of the island. Fort Gaines is located at the very end of Bienville Boulevard. Parking is available near the fort entrance. Parking fees are collected via the ParkMobile system. From April 1 to September 30, parking costs $10.35 from 8 AM to 7 PM. From October 1 to March 31, parking costs $5.35 from 8 AM to 5 PM.
Ferry
The Mobile Bay Ferry connects Fort Morgan to Dauphin Island. From Fort Morgan, board the ferry to Dauphin Island. The ferry docks near Fort Gaines at 112 Bienville Blvd. From the ferry landing, it is a short walk or drive to the Fort Gaines entrance. The ferry ride is approximately 45 minutes. The cost for a car and driver is $16, with an additional $4.50 per passenger. Adults without a car are $5 each.
Local tips
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Check the tide charts before visiting, as low tides can create clearance issues for some vehicles on the ferry.
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Consider booking a guided tour in advance for groups of 15 or more to experience cannon firing and blacksmithing demonstrations.
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Wear sturdy shoes for walking on the fort's uneven, historic grounds.
Discover more about Fort Gaines
Fort Gaines stands as a well-preserved 19th-century fortification on Dauphin Island, Alabama. Construction began in 1821 as part of a plan to strengthen the nation's seacoast defenses, but wasn't completed until 1862. The fort quickly became a key site in the Battle of Mobile Bay, where Union Admiral David G. Farragut famously declared, “Damn the torpedoes! Full speed ahead!”.Visitors can explore the fort's ramparts, original cannons, a blacksmith shop, kitchens, a museum, and tunnel systems. Exhibits include the anchor from Admiral Farragut's flagship, the USS Hartford. Living history tours, cannon firings, and blacksmithing demonstrations offer an immersive experience.Despite its historical significance, Fort Gaines faces ongoing threats from shoreline erosion and storm damage, leading to its designation as one of America's Most Endangered Historic Sites. The fort is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM, offering a fascinating glimpse into the past.
A brief summary to Fort Gaines
Use Fort Gaines as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
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