This was quite educational..things were very tough back then...small quarters, no luxury there...we toured the entire place...great view from the top...lots of walking but well worth it...great facilities..restrooms, gift shop for postcards (yes they still sell those) and very well taken care of...very helpful staff ...grounds were immaculate..a whole lot of history there... read more

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"Damn the torpedoes! Full speed ahead!" You have heard this quote before, but you didn't know it happened here, or close to hear.....if it happened at all. They explain it all on one the historic markers inside the fort. Fort Gaines is one of the better kept up forts that i have been to amongst my travels around 'Merica. The cost is 10.00 per person unless you have an old or very young person discount. You pay in the gift shop where you can get the usual fair before entering the fort. Inside, you can follow the pamphlet along a self-guided tour. They have barracks for the various ranks, a kitchen, bakery, different gunports and tons of markers talking about the history of the fort and various battles in Mobile Bay. There is a small museum inside the fort too and it focuses on Dauphine Island as a whole not just the fort. Don't forget to check out the old latrine but don't use it if you are shy and if there is low tied. No seriously don't use it, it's frowned upon by the staff and there is no TP. read more

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Beautiful place. We took the ferry from fort morgan to fort gaines. Easy ride boarding and un boarding read more

Historic Fort Gaines - Ferry ride - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Dauphin Island, Alabama

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To be at the place where men fought for our country, and to be standing on the ground where they did it was a neat experience! The different sections are numbered & they give you a map to go through it. The Map was helpful as we didn't realize there was a lighthouse in the bay til we came to that number & looked out to find it. It is an older fort, but is very well kept. It's real nice & very informative! read more

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I believe I was here 20 years ago. This time, I went inside with my dad. We walked in numerical order and I read off what was at each location. The Confederacy was here. The latrine was kinda hilarious was the seats were all in a row with wooden holes. I thought about getting a sweatshirt but there are no trying on due to supposedly makeup getting on their shirts. No sale from me as I need to try on. read more

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We really enjoyed exploring Fort Gaines! We love history and seeing pieces of it throughout the country. This one was no different than some of the other forts we have explored and the view was amazing. We loved the little museum and the voices from the past exhibit. The cost is $10 per adult and the pamphlet given when you pay helps with touring and tidbits on the history. Dauphin Island does not have a whole lot to see in my opinion so this is worth the stop if you are visiting! read more

Historic Fort Gaines - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Dauphin Island, Alabama

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Great place to walk around and think about the history of this being one of the last stands of the Civil War. I came on a Saturday in April, though I am sure in the summer months it can get warm. Wear sturdy shoes, drink water. The 10 person outhouse set up to be flushed out with the tides is an amazing thought. This could use some care, especially with erosion of the lands. read more

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Alright I'll just come out and say it. I am not a history buff. Exploring around Fort Gaines was not for me. It was boring. It was a waste of time. Occasionally I do admire touring historic places but I found Fort Gaines quite dull. I guess, just, during my first time ever visit to Mobile I had high expectations for sights to see. At the state of Alabama's Rest Stop at the border with Mississippi...I went inside the Visitor's Center and grabbed a bunch of brochures at the front desk for "things to do while in Mobile". Although there weren't many interesting attractions (at least in my opinion) to do around Mobile...I crafted a worthwhile day itinerary where I could first drive here to Fort Gaines at scenic Dauphin Island. Then I would venture back north 17 miles and use the second half of the day at Bellingrath Gardens. Finally I'd head another 23 miles north and return to Mobile for the evening. So...that was the game plan. When I stopped on by back in September on an early Saturday morning about 9am, this Fort Gaines was absolutely deserted. Granted, this September of 2020 was during the Pandemic and in fact...the doors to Fort Gaines were closed. So...my only option for exploring was simply walking around on my own terms and grabbing some photos. That was it. The front entrance area to the fort was okay. There wasn't anything really to see. I did grab a picture of the "Historic Fort Gaines" sign which I appreciated. It was right next to two antique cannons used in the battle fought here I'm guessing to gain the US's independence from the British I'm assuming? Yep...I failed history back in school, lol. The only redeeming aspect to hanging out at Fort Gaines was actually strolling around the fort. The waters of Mobile Bay were pleasant along the coastline. Stepping upon the rocks was sort of a playful way for some good picture moments. Also during the morning time, the sun was at my back and allowed for photogenic opportunities of Fort Gaines. I at least appreciated picture taking along the beach shores. In all, I certainly took my time walking around since obviously there weren't any tours offered and I was the only person here. And this was on a beautiful weekend over a late summer, early autumn day. Oh well. I took about 45 minutes to roam around before finally moving on. In fact, I didn't even know what made Dauphin Island so special? I guess people come here for fishing off the piers and getting out on the waters to do snorkeling or scuba diving? Anyhow...I just felt quite unfulfilled. Not too long after I was already driving back north to enjoy the colorful surroundings at Bellingrath Gardens. I apologize to those folks out there who value our nation's history with my disappointing review. I wish I could "get there" but I never did. And for families I can't understand why anyone would take their young kids here? Maybe to climb on the vintage cannons and artillery? Overall, unfortunately Fort Gaines just fell flat for me. read more

Enjoyed a tripped time Fort Gaines while we were in Fort Morgan for the week. Took the ferry over and enjoyed the bay views. Fort Gaines was a self guided tour with numbered markers and a guide brochure that explains what everything was. It was amazing to me that 400 men served at this Fort during the civil war and guarded mobile bay. Super nice staff, beautiful area. If your a history buff it is a must do!! read more

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This was a lot of fun. I love sites like this where you can put your hands on history. We even saw a 8-12 ft alligator in the moat while we were there. My only complaint is that the stairwells are NOT safe for small kids or anyone without sure feet. Avoid those if you or anyone in your party is afraid of heights or is clumsy or younger than 8 or so. read more

A nice place to explore. Easy to walk and they do allow dogs inside the fort. We spent about a hour and felt like we got a good understanding of the history. Only two rates to get in. 13 and above $9 and 12 to 5 $5; no senior discounts. A nice area to explore while on the island or waiting for the ferry. It is walkable from the ferry station. read more

We went to Fort Gaines to attend the Pirates at Massacre Island event. It gave a really fun vibe at the fort. They had events throughout the day. We did the treasure hunt and even my 2 year old enjoyed it. The only thing I wish they did was shoot off the guns only during a event not just randomly as it stressed out my older daughter. It would have been nice to prepare her better. The pirates were very nice and great with the kids. It was our 1st time there. Would love to go back. read more

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And here we are just off the car ferry from Fort Morgan and crossing another Fort off our list. Very different to Fort Morgan so make sure you do both Forts and get your history fix. Fort Gaines is one of the key sites in the famous Battle of Mobile Bay where Admiral Farragut shouted his now-famous order, "Damn the torpedoes! Full speed ahead!" The fort has original cannons, a blacksmith shop, kitchens, a museum, gift shop, and tunnels.  The latrine is also worth a visit, sit upon it and imagine what it was like! read more

Glad this place has been kept up Interesting Good place to visit when on the Island as not much else is there read more

I was immediately put off of this place when I saw the number of wearables, like necklaces, and stickers sporting the Confederate flag in the gift shop. What that icon symbolizes, and when not shown as part of historical artifact, makes me feel unwelcome. Regardless, I tried to give the Fort a chance, but mostly it's a decaying place where something happened in time, so it's been made a historic site. It failed to capture my imagination and 15 minutes would be enough time spent here. I did come in a weekend when there weren't any guided tours, so maybe those help bring history to life at the Fort. There is a small museum inside and several old letters reprinted to give visitors insight into the lives lives and lost around the Fort. A saved paper showing Farragut's actual signature was pretty neat too. The views to the water are good, and I do want to note them, because I saw three or four dolphins jumping over boat wakes and generally showing off their shiny dorsal fins every few minutes, which is always a thrill to witness. read more

Like the name says it's historic and like other forts around the country it's a granite and stone structure built mainly into a hillside but this one is of special interest to my wife and I are both ex-Navy. Fort Gaines is the site of the last confederate stronghold regaring port cities. It's also, famously, the site of the exchange between union battle ships attempting to enter a heavily mined Mobile Bay where Admiral David Farragut of the USS Hartford was heard yelling to the other boat commanders "Damn the torpedoes! Full speed ahead!" Cool! As you enter you can pick up a brochure that gives you a lots of interesting facts for all of the stopping points around the fort. You'll find that it has pretty good signage throughout that provides a good description of the tour, that's self-guided, so you can stop and go as you chose allowing you to see everything and it gives you some excellent background on what you're looking at. This is also a great place to learn more about the Island itself and the history of our young nation Additionally, at various times there's special events when reinactors are present. We were there, in September, for the Massacre Island Pirate Event to experience a day in the life of a pirate from the 1700's when they pilfered and pillaged Fort Gaines, there were Flintlock Pistol duels, Pirate-Tug-Wars, Swashbuckling sword play, cannon firing and more. It was nicely done and the pirates were happy to pose for pictures with us and oh the blacksmith shop was awesome. We got to watch the blacksmiths take a bar of metal and transform it into something beautiful! They also had a lot of their creations on display and for sale. The blacksmith shop is a regular attraction of the Fort experience all year round. There is a small gift shop thst's well stocked with books and souvenirs with a knowledgeable and pleasant staff. It's a fun way to spend a couple hours on the island but bring hiking shoes or tennis shoes because it is a lot of walking with steps, cobblestones and some inclines and I would recommend trying to go when it's cooler, it's pretty toasty in the heat of the summer. https://m.facebook.com/Fort-Gaines-Historic-Site-94521369195/ read more

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I've only been to two forts, one 1/3 scale replica of a fort, two sites where forts once stood, and a national historic battleground, so I'm no expert on the subject of forts. In my opinion, Fort Gaines was the most interesting, informative and well preserved of all of them. Fort Gaines is slightly smaller than it's neighbor across the way, Fort Morgan. If you know where to look on a clear day, you can actually see one from the other. It was between these two forts that Admiral Farragut uttered his famous words "Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!" Atop the walls of the fort, you can get an up close and personal look at the canons. Inside the walls of Fort Gaines, there are several structures and rooms such as ammo rooms, bunkers, a blacksmith shop, and museum-ish rooms featuring copies of letters from soldiers, photographs, maps, clothing, pieces of ships that had been recovered, and other historic information. There was also a kitchen with brick ovens that any modern day cook would envy. We also were able to sit on replicas of the community latrine, which was washed out every day during high tide. I'd sure hate to be standing between that room and the coastline. Ick! If you're into photography, there are tons of great photo opportunities at Fort Gaines. Admission is $8 for adults and it takes a little over an hour to walk through and see all there is to see. The gift shop is awesome too, and has very reasonably priced souvenirs. If you're a history buff, Fort Gaines is a can't miss on the Alabama Gulf Coast! I love it so much, I'll probably name my next male dog Gaines. read more

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Not sure if anything we read leading up to our visit prepared us for Ft Gaines. Dauphin Island was stunning! We could've easily stopped 5-10 times on our way to the fort, and it's not that far. Cute Roadside Attractions, fishing shacks, resort condos, excursions, and more. You'll spend more time at the fort than you'd think (Plan on 90 minutes, at least.), especially if you have kids. An easy walk to the beach, no guides for explanation, but the brochure and signs are really helpful! Tons of history and cool old buildings. Take your time, it's worth it. Fort Morgan is only a ferry ride away, if you'd like to make a day of Civil War history! read more

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This old Civil War Fort is very well preserved and if you want to see how it protected Mobile and the surrounding area you will here. It played a very strategic part in the war and is more well known for what happened around it than anything else. The Battle Of Mobile Bay and Admiral Farragut's famous words "Damn the Torpedoes". You will need about an hour to explore the entire fort especially the views from the cannon emplacements but, leave some extra time for the gift shop. Admission is $8 for adults but, if you stop at the Island Visitor Center first they will give you some discount coupons to use. read more

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I like touring old structure so this was just cool and rated as such. The voices of the past was the highlight of touring the fort. They were working on getting the blacksmith shop area back up and running. They brought us into the blacksmith shop and showed us the equipment and some of the finds from raking and cleaning the floors. read more

This is a nice adventure on the bay. Historic Fort with wonderful museum pieces and historic information. Highly interesting and learning experience. They also do Thunder in the Bay, A reenactment of the battle between Fort Gaines and Fort Morgan on Gulf Shores side. read more

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Fort Gaines is a neat place. I am a huge fan of masonry forts. I think this love of forts goes all the way back to my childhood. My brothers and I visited numerous forts with my dad and would constantly be trying to build our own. Those forts were made of blankets instead of masonry so they didn't really last nor would they have withstood a union bombardment, but they were pretty fun. Fort Gaines is a great example of a pretty well maintained masonry fort. It has had some updates from its original design, but you still get the feel and the character that comes with the original. My favorite parts of this fort was the view from the top and the museum. The view of Mobile bay was great and it had to be. How else would the soldiers defend the bay if they couldn't see it? Today there's no need to defend anything, but that view does give you a great vantage point of the water, waves and even some drilling rigs. It was slightly foggy on my most recent visit and the view of the rigs in the fog was quite awesome. The museum was neat because of the unique items it contained. The most fascinating pieces were all of the projectiles they had on display from both long guns and artillery. Seeing the grape shot up close definitely made me think how horrific it must have been to have that hurtling towards you. The other neat item was some of the original wood water pipes from nearby Dauphin Island. I never knew they used hollowed out logs to transport water, so in addition to looking cool, I also learned something. There were not a whole lot of opportunities to take great photos here, but it was still a great visit. It does cost $6, but that's a small price to pay for this much history. If you are in or around the Mobile area, I encourage you to check out this historic fort. read more

I thought that an off-season trip to Dauphin Island was going to be spent walking cool beaches, and maybe a park or two. We quickly discovered that there are LOTS of things to do on Dauphin Island, and offseason is the perfect time to go! On a very foggy morning, we visited. The fog reminded us how difficult it was to defend Mobile Bay. The fort is in remarkable condition, and it is well-annotated throughout. It is very easy to envision soldiers living and training within the walls of this fort. The self-guided tour (via brochure) was very easy to follow. Most amazing to us is that this fort is not part of any state or national park system and that they have managed to maintain through tour fees and donations. It is definitely a must-see when in the area! read more

Fort Gaines has lots of space for walking. We were able to take our time exploring all the interesting areas while learning a little about why Fort Gaines was necessary. The kids enjoyed themselves as well. Small gift shop available for souvenirs. read more

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Better than expected. We spent about 3 hours walking around and learning about the fort. Kids enjoyed watching the blacksmith work read more

History buffs must- just keep driving, you'll get there eventually. Literally the end of the line- the road opens up and the bay is surrounding you! Off to the right- the fort! Great little shop, I am addicted to patches & hubby is addicted to magnets- love places I can get both! The ladies running the shop were fantastic! Then the fort- while it is a chilly day, we had fun exploring the tunnels, stairs, cannons, cisterns and more! They have a little museum with relics and great info. The map the give you has information about each post throughout the fort. They do reenactments too!!! Extremely happy to discover this secluded treasure! This is a pre-civil war fort built in 1821! read more

Great place to visit if your in the area and enjoy old forts and history. Took the mobile bay ferry from fort Morgan. It was around $21(including tax 2 people) You can also just drive around the bay if you don't want to take the ferry. Grab interactive map of the way in so you know what your looking at. Smaller than fort Morgan but allow yourself at least 1 1/2-2 hours to see everything. There was a school group on tour and got to see a cannon fire! read more

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Fort Gaines was a great historic site to visit. My family learned a little history while enjoying the great view from the fort. All the brickwalls, bridges and stairs made it seem like a little adventure, exploring small details and imagining the fort during its active days. There definitely is an unexplainably deep and strong vibe when you're in the fort, feeling the history that has welded the things we see today. It is mostly outdoors, so it gets extremely hot. Please be careful of heat stroke! Wear hats and shades, take plenty of water. My family went into the air conditioned museum 2-3 times inbetween several historic points. They give you a brochure for you to follow along with the numbers that are spread out in the whole fort. Once you enter through the gift shop, pay the entrance fee ($8/$4) head towards the right to start from number 1. Ends with number 25. You could spend approx. 1 hour here and head to the Estuarium or take the Ferry boat or fish at the pier. read more

Historic Fort Gaines - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Dauphin Island, Alabama

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"Damn the torpedoes - full speed ahead!" David Farragut uttered this famous line at Fort Gaines during the Civil War. It was the sight of the Battle of Mobile Bay. The spot has spanned three hundred years of history. The tour is very inexpensive and very educational. If you should find yourself on Dauphin Island, I highly recommend checking it out! read more

Very cool, unexpected. Make sure you check in advance and go when they have the blacksmith, I stayed and talked with him for about 45 minutes and bought something that he made right in front of me (for $10!). It was great to get a local take on Dauphin Island, what it's like living there, and hear how a blacksmith operates. The fort itself is a neat tour, and is what you make of it. It's a self-guided tour, with some climate-controlled rooms along the way to cool off from the (sometimes) brutal southern sun and humidity. read more

The location is cool with lots of places to climb and walk. The signage needs updating. They don't do a good job of telling their story.

Me & my husband walked from the mobile bay ferry to fort gaines, not a bad walk.. you do have to pay a $6.00 per adult fee which they take cards, which helps.. but if you want to buy something that is not in the gift shop take cash we wished we did.. the area was nice. they shot a little cannon that sounded like a shotgun.. all the people that worked there/dressed up an old attire and were very nice and friendly.. the blacksmith was great we watched him made a little troll.. some one was making candles. they had an old time band playing & you could buy their CD. An old time Santa Claus that was playing with the band at times.. there was a shop that have hand made old time clothes, purses, puppets, etc.. walked around and down stairs taking a lot of photos.. the gift shop was nice.. we were there for about 2 hours, we had a wonderful time. read more

We went there on a week day. The lady was very helpful they were closing at 5 and it was 4:30. She did not permit my child or I to use the restroom since we were not going to stay and be a customer. That was unfortunate, but told me where we could find a facility. Though the fort closes on the inside, we were still able to access some of the out side canons. It sounds as though we need to go back for a fun history lesson. Be prepared for it to be dusty and dirty as one would think an old fort should be. Ha read more

Go when the blacksmiths are working. Fascinating history. Don't let the littles wander too far away during your self guided tour. Cute gift shop. read more

A must stop place on any family trip through the area. Help support history before they destroy it all to be politically correct.

Pretty neat historical scenic place. Self guided tour around the fort with brochure, $6 for adults. read more

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A great place to visit for a history buff and the average vacationer alike. An affordable afternoon you can spend with the family and learn about the past too. The gift shop is actually the best on the island. Check it out. read more

An extremely well-preserved coastal fortification. One of my favorite parts is the tidal latrine that was actually designed to "flush" daily. An interesting design. read more

Was very nice, went very early on a Saturday with my bf and pup...were only ones there for almost an hour. Location is breezy by the bay, great view and well kept. read more

Fort Gaines is rather well preserved, especially when compared to Fort Morgan across Mobile Bay. It is quite an experience to stand in an original bastion where troops fired on the Union Navy during the Battle of Mobile Bay. There are two downsides. The historical information on the self guided tour lacks depth and context. Also, there is not a clear walking path. This is a must see for lovers of history. read more