We spent a week at the Meaher State Park in Mobile, Alabama. This small park was the perfect location for us to visit Mobile, Foley, and Gulf Shores State Park. This week, we re-visit downtown Mobile, GulfQuest, and the Mobile Carnival Museum.

GulfQuest

GulfQuest National Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico was a fascinating find. Unlike most museums near water that are more naval-based, this one is geared toward the maritime shipping industry.

This multi-level museum has many hands-on exhibits, so it’s a great learning museum for kids and adults alike. We spent a couple of hours there.

Hours of operation & admission

• WEDNESDAY – SATURDAY 10 am – 4pm
• MUSEUM ENTRY IS EVERY 30 MINUTES BEGINNING AT 10:00. 
• LAST ENTRY OF THE DAY IS AT 3:00
• ADMISSION RATES:
  • Adult 18-64 – $10.00
  • Youth ages 5-17 – $6.00,
  • Children under 5 – Free
  • Seniors 65 and up – $8.00
  • Military active w/ ID – $8.00
  • College Student w/ ID – $8.00

Helpful Hint: Parking is free at this museum, and you are able to leave your vehicle, walk a short distance to downtown Mobile and see the rest of this port city, including the Mobile Carnival Museum.

Mardi Gras Park

As you walk into Mobile from GulfQuest, you will see a replica of Fort Conde. Around the corner is Mardi Gras Park, where the original fort stood. This pile of brick and mortar is all that stands today of the fort that was built in 1723. As the monument states, this is also the only architectural remains of colonial Mobile.

Mobile Carnival Museum

The Mobile Carnival Museum in downtown Mobile tells the history of how this is the birthplace of Mardi Gras in the new world. Housed in a home that is registered as a historic building, this museum has 14 gallery rooms, a pictorial hallway, a theater, and a den.

Hours of Operation & Admission:

• Mon., Wed., Fri., Sat. – 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
• Tue., Thurs., Sun. – Closed
• Admission:
  • $8/Adults
  • $3/Children 12& under
  • $6/Military, Students w/ID, AAA, AARP

There is also complimentary parking at the on-site lot. For more information, check the website.

Conclusion

Mobile is one of those towns that isn’t on everyone’s bucket list, but it should be. There is so much to see and do in this port city. Aside from the museums we visited, there is also the U.S.S. Alabama Battleship Park, countless seafood restaurants (we ate at Felix’s and recommend it), and if you’d like to pick a spot along the harbor, you can see cruise ships, fishing boats, and cargo ships coming in and going out on a daily basis.

Next week: We take a drive, or two, to Foley to have rolls thrown at us at Lambert’s, and to Gulf Shores State Park for some bicycling.