USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park — Attraction in Mobile

I wish I could do 4.5 stars...

Went to Battleship Park on 5/17 with my partner & two bonus-kids. (15f & 11m. Her age is later relevant.) We're Mobile natives & it's one of our favorite places to go as a family. I always make sure to get lots of pictures.😊

We always go the USS Drum submarine first. We got to look out of the periscope & it's aimed at the Battleship, which was super cool! It wasn't open the last time we went.

When we got over to the USS Alabama, there's 3 tour routes & we did the Green Route. There's Green, Red, & Yellow. Do all 3 & you see the whole ship!

We went down into the engine room, saw where they stored the ammo, sick bay, laundry rooms, officers quarters, enlisted quarters, all kinds of cool stuff. It's the same stuff that was there when my partner & I were kids, but it's always really cool to see.

One thing happened at the end of our visit. We were taking some family pictures at the bow of the ship to get the big guns in the shot & then heading out. We didn't know until we were almost to the ramp to get off the ship when our 15yr old said that a man (30s-40s) had been staring at us (he was staring at her) & taking pictures of us taking pictures. As we walked past him to leave, (he was sitting under the big guns) he made a "call me" gesture towards her & it made her uncomfortable, all while she was walking with her Daddy, her little brother, & as far as he knew, her Momma! Then he stared at us/her as we walked down the ramp & all the way to the gift shop entrance to exit the park.

He's in the background of our pictures taking pictures of us/my bonus-daughter. I went into the gift shop & told the woman behind the counter the situation & she immediately called security! When Security got to me & I explained everything, they weren't able to do much except see if he was still on property.

Even with all that, we had a great time & will always go back. It's our place we love to go together. A creep isn't gonna make us afraid, but it will make us more mindful. And it wasn't the Parks fault, it's. But it's always good to as they say in the military. "Keep your Head on a...

Great experience!

The USS Alabama offers an immersive journey through naval history. Its well-preserved exhibits showcase the ship's role in World War II, providing visitors with a glimpse into the challenges faced by sailors. The meticulously restored interiors and extensive collection of artifacts contribute to a fascinating experience. The on-site aircraft and submarine add an extra layer of exploration. However, the sheer size of the ship may be overwhelming for some, and accessibility could be a concern for those with mobility issues. Overall, a visit to the USS Alabama is a captivating exploration of a bygone era at sea.

The USS Alabama's aircraft museum adds an exciting dimension to the overall experience. The collection of historic planes showcases the evolution of aviation and its crucial role in naval operations. From iconic World War II aircraft to more modern displays, aviation enthusiasts will find the variety impressive. The detailed information accompanying each exhibit enhances the educational value. However, the aircraft museum space is relatively compact, and during peak times, it can become crowded, affecting the ability to fully appreciate each display. Despite this, the aircraft museum is a noteworthy extension of the USS Alabama visit, offering a comprehensive look at both naval and aerial history.

The submarine at the USS Alabama provides a captivating glimpse into underwater warfare during World War II. Visitors can explore the cramped quarters, gaining an appreciation for the challenges submariners faced. The well-preserved interior, complete with authentic equipment, offers a hands-on experience. However, the confined space may be claustrophobic for some, and navigating through the submarine can be challenging for those with mobility issues. Overall, the submarine adds a compelling and immersive element to the USS Alabama visit, allowing guests to step into the shoes of those who served beneath the...

$5US to park at the site and $18 for entry ticket. Plenty of parking was available. Although we didn't have to line up for entry at 9:30 am on a Monday during summer break, they have infrastructure there for handling lines, so I guess it gets busy at times.

Entry ticket gives access to the battleshio, submarine, display hall and the surrounding field that has various aircraft and tanks. The battship entry includes the opportunity to climb over a large part of the battleship 3 floors below deck and 3 floors above deck, including inside the turrets, which was pretty cool. On a hot day, the intermittent aircon was greatly appreciated. Entry to the submarine was (understandably) far more confined and there is almost no possibility to pass other visitors who are going through, so the line goes at the speed of the slowest walker.

Although there is some access for wheelchairs onto the battleship, it only covers the deck (including access to restrooms on the deck) no access for wheelchairs on the submarine. The giftshop and cafe had a good range of products available, but I visited at a moderately quiet time, and they were at capacity. On busy days, I imagine the giftshop and cafe would be insufferably crowded.

Overall, for a person who isn't at all interested in military stuff, I thought it was an OK visit, and I did it in 3 hours. It gave me a pretty good idea of what life would be like on a battleship and submarine of that era, so it was worth doing just once in my life.

I wish there had been some chairs on the battleship so I could take weight off my feet and rest...