Visiting the USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park is an educational and fun attraction for the entire family. As a child, I visited the Gulf Shores, Alabama area almost every year with my family and stopped to tour the Battleship during our drive. The very first request I made when we decided to take our kids to Gulf Shores, was to stop at the USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park. I could not wait to see the experience through my kids' eyes. According to a February 2018 press release, the park welcomed 335,717 people who came to tour the historic WWII battleship USS ALABAMA, submarine USS DRUM and Metal of Honor Aircraft Pavilion, and 449,861 people who visited the park in the year of 2017.
From Monroe, LA to the gulf beaches, the USS ALABAMA Battleship Park offers a place for the kids to run off energy and learn while playing. Battleship USS ALABAMA (BB-60) had a remarkable career beginning her adventures in WWII in the North Atlantic to the South Pacific. She was awarded nine Battle Stars for meritorious service during her three-year service as the “Heroine of the Pacific.” Battleship USS ALABAMA was decommissioned in 1947 and scheduled to be scrapped in the early 1960s. On January 9, 1965, the USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park opened to the public and now welcomes thousands of visitors every year. Before this trip, I was unaware that the park is paid for by donations, entrance fees, and tax dollars.
 |  |
During your self-guided tour, imagine how people on board lived during the time USS ALABAMA was an active battleship while peering into cabins and living quarters. On the top deck, you can pretend using the guns. The USS Drum submarine is also on site which has a tour included in admission price. Next, don't miss exploring the Medal of Honor Aircraft Pavilion housing over 25 aircraft. The new downloadable app allows you to learn more about each aircraft.
 |  |  |
Outside throughout the park are tanks, aircraft, and a birding trail. Before leaving, be sure to stop by Memorial Park which includes the Korean Memorial, Vietnam Memorial, Fallen Guardian Memorial, Service Dog War Memorial, and the Fallen Hero 9/11 Memorial.
At the first mention of visiting USS ALABAMA Battleship Park, our kids were not thrilled at the idea. However, after we were done they said there favorite part was climbing into the missiles. Don't let them know, but I saw smiles and laughter a few times during our adventure on board. Being able to roam the ship fully and at our own pace was what my husband enjoyed the most. Discovering all the spaces from top-bottom, stern-bow, my 10-year-old son was difficult to get off the ship. I liked watching the kids explore the battleship with their maps and allowing them to lead the way. I also really enjoyed the Aircraft pavilion and using the new app that tells you more about each aircraft. Even if you are not usually a history fan, you will be in awe of the USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park.
Visit the new website for USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park to plan your visit and purchase online tickets today. Check their calendar of events such as "Living History Crew Drill" where reenactments help you learn about life aboard during WWII. Battleship Memorial Park is open every day except Christmas Day.
* Tips: Wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking and climbing stairs inside the battleship. If you are visiting during a travel day for your family to another destination, plan for at least 3 hours to explore almost everything the park has to offer.
| You May Also Like | ||
 |  |  |
| 15 Things to Do in Gulf Shores | Cooking With Kids: Mini Corn Dogs | 10 Ideas for Technology-Free Summer Days with Your Kids |
- - - - - - -
My family and I were guests of the USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park and admission was provided. No other compensation was received and all opinions are my own.
