USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park sits on the western shore of Mobile Bay in Mobile, Alabama, and centers on a World War II battleship, the USS Alabama. Visitors walk the decks, gun turrets and crew spaces, then climb into the USS Drum, a submarine. The grounds also hold an aircraft pavilion with historic planes from several wars, along with tanks, boats and artillery. The park is a national historic landmark and a memorial to people who served in the U.S. military.
From wartime battleship to memorial park
The USS Alabama, a BB-60 battleship, was launched in 1942. She served in World War II, first in the Atlantic and later in the Pacific, and was decommissioned after the war. The ship has been called the Heroine of the Pacific and the Mighty A.
In 1962 the federal government planned to scrap her. Mobile residents and other Alabamians proposed a different outcome. Local groups, fundraising and statewide legislation brought the ship to the site where the park stands today, and the park opened in 1965.
The ship's story is also part of the city's story. Mobile's shipbuilding boom of the 1940s, when the city was called Wartown, drew workers from across the country and changed the city.
Inside the battleship
A self-guided tour covers the decks, bridge, gun turrets, wardroom, mess, berth compartments and the captain's cabin. The brig is also on the tour.
The ship was built to house a crew of about 2,500, so it worked like a small city. Visitors can see the hospital, barber shop, post office, jail and morgue. These spaces show how the crew cared for itself while at sea.
Some areas require climbing ladders, so allow extra time for those sections and take your pace from the group.
The submarine, aircraft and outdoor displays
The USS Drum sits beside the battleship. Visitors can climb inside to see the close quarters where submarine crews fought, lived and slept.
The aircraft pavilion holds historic planes from World War II, the Korean War, the Cold War, the Vietnam War and the Coast Guard. Among them is a Blackbird spy plane. Outside, you will find tanks, boats, artillery from several conflicts and a 1950s skysweeper gun.
A flight simulator and films are available on site for visitors who want more time on naval history.
Facilities and getting around
Bayside picnic areas have covered tables, benches and small grills, so you can bring a meal and eat by the water.
On-site amenities include a cafe, a restaurant, a gift shop and restrooms. The entrance, restrooms, seating and parking lot are wheelchair accessible.
Parking is on site in a paid lot. Free street parking is also listed nearby.
FAQ
Is there an entry fee?
Yes. Adult admission was listed at $13, and children 5 and under and active-duty military with ID enter free. Check the official website for current prices, and consider buying tickets in advance.
How long do you need?
Plan two to three hours. The visit covers the battleship, the USS Drum submarine, the aircraft pavilion and the outdoor displays.
Is the park wheelchair accessible?
The park lists a wheelchair accessible entrance, restroom, parking lot and seating area.
Is there parking?
Yes. On-site parking is in a paid lot, and free street parking is also listed nearby.
