FORT MORGAN HISTORIC SITE
FORT MORGAN HISTORIC SITE
FORT MORGAN HISTORIC SITE
4.5
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Located on Mobile Point, at the end of Scenic Fort Morgan Peninsula, the site has a diverse number of activities to make your vacation a memorable one. Preceded by another fort, Fort Bowyer during the War of 1812, Fort Morgan is a Third System masonry fort built between 1819 and 1833. Standing guard where the bay meets the Gulf of Mexico, the fort played a significant role in the Battle of Mobile Bay in August 1864. Used intermittently through the Spanish American War, World War I and World War II, the site showcases the evolution of seacoast fortifications and adaptations made by the U.S. Army for the defense of the country.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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from $35.00
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The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
1 within 3 miles
Attractions
8 within 6 miles

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Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,009 reviews
Excellent
510
Very good
359
Average
110
Poor
25
Terrible
6
jadestar62
Jacksonville, AL91 contributions
One of the most historical places in the area of Gulf Shores, Alabama. I do recommend this trip, but do not go during the summer, because , the South is known for the heat and humidity. There are several places inside the fort where there is a cool breeze. There is a great deal of walking, climbing stairs, and such. Several places someone in a wheelchair could not venture. I do recommend to go as soon as possible though, because of the deteriorating effects from weather events.
Written July 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Lance6270
Wylie, TX155 contributions
To start off take your bug spray.
Military veterans get in free.
Great to visit a site and see the Fort and how long it has stood the test of time. It was a great visit. I wish they would have had at least one of the guns still mounted on the inside of the fort. It has pictures of the guns from the inside but as most old forts the have been removed. Take some walking shoes and spend some time walking the whole thing and reading the material they provide you at the gate. It will take a good hour to walk the fort and see it all so plan a little time out of your day to walk around in the bottom and then on the outside of it.
Military veterans get in free.
Great to visit a site and see the Fort and how long it has stood the test of time. It was a great visit. I wish they would have had at least one of the guns still mounted on the inside of the fort. It has pictures of the guns from the inside but as most old forts the have been removed. Take some walking shoes and spend some time walking the whole thing and reading the material they provide you at the gate. It will take a good hour to walk the fort and see it all so plan a little time out of your day to walk around in the bottom and then on the outside of it.
Written September 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jeramie
Marion, IL774 contributions
Fort Morgan Historic Site is full of great history. It reminded me a lot of nearby Fort Pickens (Florida). The little museum has lots of great artifacts but signage and arrangement could be “freshened” up a bit. The restrooms are in poor condition and outdoor signage/plaques are lacking. It’s maintained by the State of Alabama and in my opinion a little more money needs to be directed to them for upkeep. However, if you’re a military or history buff a visit is warranted if in the area. Fort Gaines is just across the bay too. We did not visit it as the ferry would have to be utilized and it was very busy.
Written March 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Heidi K
Brooklyn Park86 contributions
Couples
It is well worth your drive from Gulf Shores or Orange Beach to see this well preserved fort. Very easy to learn about as you use the brochure and walk around the fort and grounds. The history is fascinating, especially the part this fort played in the Civil War. The museum on site is also full of information and displays. Small entrance fee.
Written February 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
BobM48
Burlington, KY104 contributions
Was met by very nice admissions lady to start with. It was a great self driven tour. The little kids were entertained and the adults learned some history. We did get “lost” but escaped through a window. One thing is to try and visit on a cooler day. Hands off to the lady selling souvenirs, she was isolated by the closed museum. Very friendly!
Worth the visit.
Worth the visit.
Written July 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
whencanwego
Atlanta97 contributions
The Fort was much larger than I imagined, and was used as defense for several conflicts. Even though the Visitor Center was closed due to Covid-19, we throughly enjoyed our visit. There is signage throughout to help you understand the contruction and the historical context. Lots of stairs, some quite steep, but worth the climbs. Check out the State Historic web site before you go. Veterans and military get free entrance.
Written June 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
kmbrown021393
Cedar Rapids, IA366 contributions
This is a neat place and definitely worth the stop. We went with friends on a nice day and enjoyed walking the grounds. The price is reasonable and it is really a large place. They had a little demonstration going while we were there and people seemed to really enjoy it. It is a one time thing...so we likely won't be back, but would recommend to others.
Written February 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Carol
Anniston, AL206 contributions
Beautiful old fort. It doesn't look like much driving up because it's hidden from view but the ruins of this fort are absolutely beautiful. There's not a lot to see like at other forts I've visited but as a photographer and architecture fan this is a new favorite. There's a small museum outside the fort and some other structures on the property but we ran out of time. If you like to take your time when you visit places I'd allocate at least 2-3 hours for a visit here, four if you really want to take your time and read everything.
Written June 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
tine1281
Illinois151 contributions
Fort Morgan is a gem of a fort! The site is very well kept up and the majority of the interior of the fort is accessible. I could have spent a few hours exploring all the passageways and climbing around on the top level. There is a small museum covering the history but the majority of the time should be spent outside. Great views as well!
Written February 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
mudpuppy78
Madison, AL145 contributions
Couples
Fort Morgan is a great way to touch US history, this is an amzing place.
Start at the museum, it gives a good background on the Fort and how it played a part in the Civil War and other military events. It has a history that spans over 100 years in use and is remarkably well preserved. We have become very interested in the Civil War and touring places likethis makes the history books and audios come to life.
Start at the museum, it gives a good background on the Fort and how it played a part in the Civil War and other military events. It has a history that spans over 100 years in use and is remarkably well preserved. We have become very interested in the Civil War and touring places likethis makes the history books and audios come to life.
Written February 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Rick Ruth N
3 contributions
Can we bring our dogs on the trail at Ft Morgan
BobM48
Burlington, KY104 contributions
Not for sure, but I don't recall seeing any dogs. It was so hot and not any water.
jenniferbX1444IO
Memphis, United States13 contributions
Hi! Can you tell me about how long it takes to see everything in the fort?
legaleagle76_10
Delphi, IN30 contributions
About 2 hours, but is one of those self-guided tours that can last as long as you want it. I think we explored every nook and cranny and was there over 4 hours.
Teri C
Dixon, IL
Are the beaches and water clean in this area?
Zeke T
Winston Salem, NC1,692 contributions
I would consider them clean. The beaches in the area are not like those near the boardwalk areas that are raked & smoothed by machine. These areas are cleaned & smoothed by the tide waters so they are more natural. As for the water, it is the saltwater of the gulf. I would not hesitate to swim there but you will have to decide that on you own.
Teri C
Dixon, IL
What is the water and beaches like here in May?
Zeke T
Winston Salem, NC1,692 contributions
We were there at the end of June but the beaches had plenty of visitors & lots of people were enjoying the water. Since your on the gulf coast there is not a lot of difference between May & June. May is about 7 degrees on average lower than June with the average high at 82 degrees & a low of 74 degrees for May.
317Ruth
Oklahoma City, OK2 contributions
Is Fort Morgan State Historic Site open for visitors seven days a week in February, 2018?
678karlaw
226 contributions
According to their website it appears they are open. There is a Facebook page as well. Gates close daily at 5pm. For more information you can call (251) 540-7127
Extraordinary716036
9 contributions
What time are the reenactment events? On Tuesdays?
Leigh Ann W
Maumelle, AR28 contributions
Hello! Per the updated website, on Tuesdays in June and July at 7:00 p.m. The remaining dates are 11th, 18th and 25th. Hope this helps! Enjoy! Where good shoes. Get there early. :)
TexasTravler1964
Arlington, TX1 contribution
How much time do you need till tour the fort?
Jill B
Oklahoma City, OK45 contributions
We spent about 2-3 hours there, but we are slow goers.