Standing sentinel over Mobile Bay, Fort Morgan played a major role in American history, including the Aug. 5, 1861, Battle of Mobile Bay. The fort is now a historic spot with a tour, museum and reenactors, drawing Gulf Coast tourists to the Alabama locale. The peninsula between Fort Morgan and Gulf Shores offers several other activities while you're touring the old Naval guard post.
Touring the Fort
- The fort, dating to 1834, was active during not only the Civil War, but also the Spanish-American War and World Wars I and II. It was here that Admiral David Farragut told his sailors to "damn the torpedoes" and go "full speed ahead." The fort features an active living history program with reenactors interpreting the various military periods here, and holds an annual event that commemorates the Battle of Mobile Bay. Before wandering the grounds, orient yourself with a visit to the fort's museum, which includes weapons, letters, photographs, uniforms and other relics from the active era of the facility from 1814 to 1945.
Hikes at Bon Secour
- Just outside Fort Morgan, the 7,000-acre Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge protects hundreds of species, including migratory birds, the endangered Alabama beach mouse and sea turtles. It also protects the coastal dune ecosystem. You may also spot mammals such as coyote or red fox if you hike the refuge's trail system, made up of a number of easy to moderate hikes from 1 mile to more than 4 miles in length. There you can view the refuge's habitats, from the dunes to the wetlands. Some paths are wheelchair accessible, and pets are not allowed.
- Secluded Beaches
- While you're visiting Fort Morgan, enjoy the beach in relative peace -- quite a contrast to the sands of Gulf Shores just 20 miles away. You can access the seashore here via Fort Morgan Road near the Bon Secour refuge office or just by stepping outside the fort's grounds. Make sure to bring any needed supplies for your beach trip, as this undeveloped area has no nearby services or stores.
To the Sea
- Cap your trip with a ride on the Mobile Bay Ferry to nearby Dauphin Island. Head to the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, a marine laboratory helping protect the coastal habitats and educating the populace. College students from across Alabama come here in the summer to study, but you don't have to pursue a degree to visit the facilities. Here you can tour the Estuarium, which provides an aquarium stocked with local marine life, the Living Marsh Boardwalk and a 10,000-square-foot exhibit hall detailing the local estuary system -- the fourth largest in the United States.
