Visit the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park

If you’re traveling through Mobile, Alabama, and looking for a family-friendly stop packed with history, adventure, and hands-on exploration, the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park is a must-see. You’ll find more than one large battleship. There’s a submarine, historic military planes, and even some tanks and artillery. With a modest $5 parking fee and a full day’s worth of exhibits, this destination offers an unforgettable glimpse into America’s military past.

Our visit to the USS Alabama was part of a day trip my wife and I took while on a business trip in New Orleans. We arrived in Mobile at 8 a.m., spent a couple of hours touring the place, then headed back to The Big Easy. The 2.5 hours in the car each way was totally worth the time spent touring the USS Alabama.

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Here’s a rundown on what you can expect when you visit the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park in Mobile, Alabama.

Couple takes a selfie next to the USS Alabama while visiting the battleship in Mobile, Alabama

Explore the Outdoor Aircraft Collection

Before you even step inside, the park’s grassy field of aircraft sets the tone. Visitors can walk among historic planes like the A-4 Skyhawk, F-14 Tomcat, and B-52 Stratofortress. These aircraft span decades of aviation history and are displayed in open-air settings that allow for close-up views and great photo ops.

This outdoor area is where you’ll find some tanks and artillery scattered throughout the area as well. And don’t miss the Korea Veteran Memorial, which you’ll see on your right as you round the corner after paying the $5 parking fee at the booth.

Kingfisher airplane on display at the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park

Step Inside the Aircraft Pavilion

The Aircraft Pavilion is a climate-controlled hangar filled with vintage planes, helicopters, and military vehicles. Exhibits include a Blue Angels jet, a Vietnam-era Huey helicopter, and even a Soviet MiG. The plane that caught my eye was the Kingfisher. I had recently learned a little more about that plane while reading a book from one of my favorite authors. An Ocean of Courage and Fear, by Jerry Borrowman.

The Kingfisher is a plane stored near the back of a battleship. When needed, it’s launched from a catapult system. Once its task is complete, it lands in the water and a hoist lifts it back into its place on the battleship. I was looking forward to seeing the catapult system on the USS Alabama to better visualize what I had read about in the book.

Informational plaques and interactive displays help visitors understand the role each aircraft played in American military operations. There’s also a little exhibit about the Vietnam War and a Christmas tree of socks.

USS Drum submarine on display near Mobile, Alabama is open for tours.

Dive into History Aboard the USS Drum Submarine

After exploring the Aircraft Pavilion, continue through the doors to the USS Drum Submarine, the oldest American submarine on public display. Touring the Drum offers a tight, immersive experience into the life of submariners during World War II. From torpedo rooms to crew quarters, you’ll gain a new appreciation for the bravery and resilience of those who served beneath the waves.

As we walked through the narrow hallways, my level of respect for submariners grew exponentially. I’m not sure I could’ve lived in those closed quarters, and I would’ve lost my mind in a battle while submerged.

The tour is self-guided, so you can take your time to snap all the photos you want.

Man poses for a photo next to shells fired from the USS Alabama battleship while touring the WWII ship

Tour the Mighty USS Alabama Battleship

The centerpiece of the park is the USS Alabama (BB-60), a South Dakota-class battleship that earned nine Battle Stars during World War II for her service in the Pacific Theater. She was present in Tokyo Bay when Japan signed the Instrument of Surrender, marking the end of the war.

Visitors can embark on a self-guided tour of the ship, following a color-coded system—red, green, and yellow arrows—that guide you through different sections of the battleship. Each color represents a different route:

Red Tour: Explore the upper decks, including the bridge, Admiral’s cabin, and gun turrets.
Green Tour: Venture below deck to see the galley, mess hall, and crew quarters.
Yellow Tour: Discover the engine room, brig, and other mechanical areas.

Numbered signs along the way help orient visitors and provide historical context. The ship is massive, so wear comfortable shoes and plan to spend a couple of hours exploring. Despite the numbers and arrows, it’s still pretty easy to get lost as your drawn into different rooms and exhibits in the ship.

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Quick tip: When you’re going down ladders, go down them frontwards. It makes it easier to see where you’re stepping.

View of one of the turrets you can explore while visiting the USS Alabama Battleship near Mobile, Alabama

Connect with Docents and Hear Personal Stories

One of the most enriching parts of the visit is speaking with the docents. Many of them are veterans or deeply knowledgeable about naval history. They share personal stories of those who served aboard the Alabama and other vessels, adding a human touch to the steel and rivets around you.

I spent about 10 minutes speaking with a sailor who had served in the Navy during the Vietnam War. He shared some additional stories and history about the USS Alabama. He was able to answer some questions I had about the ship and its service in World War II. If you see a docent, spend a moment to speak with them, and don’t forget to thank them for their service.

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Whether you’re a history buff or a family looking for an educational adventure, the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park delivers. With outdoor exhibits, immersive tours, and powerful stories of service, it’s a destination that honors the past while inspiring future generations.

US tank on display at the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park in Mobile, Alabama

The Details

Address: 2703 Battleship Pkwy, Mobile, Alabama 36602

How long to spend: Plan on at least two hours for your visit. Don’t be surprised if you spend three to four hours exploring all the areas of the memorial park.

Cost: Online, adult tickets are $18 each, children (ages 6-11) are $6, and seniors (ages 55+) are $15. Discount tickets may be available: AAA Members $16, Active Duty Dependents (Ages 12+) $13, Active Duty Dependents (Ages 6-11) $5, and Active Duty Military and children up to 5 years old are free.

Hours: Open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Website: https://www.ussalabama.com/

Phone: (251) 433-2703

DISCLOSURE: I received two complimentary admission tickets for the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park for the purpose of review. All opinions are my own.