Fort Morgan began as a Spanish fortification during the 1500s. It was rebuilt in the early 1800s for protection against Native American tribes. Its fortifications and guns were upgraded in 1834, then again in the 1890s. Visitors usually begin with a tour of the museum for an overview of the fort's history before entering the fort itself. Inside, the "living history" program uses live character actors dressed in authentic period attire to tell the story of the fort during the major conflicts it was involved in throughout 500 years. Yearly re-enactments of the Civil War's Battle of Mobile Bay commemorate the historic two-week siege.
Most of the peninsula that includes Fort Morgan is part of Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, which covers roughly 7,000 acres. The refuge is mostly made up of scrub forests, lakes, wetlands and dunes. Nature enthusiasts are welcome to explore the 6 miles of nature trails that run through the area. Both Fort Morgan and the wildlife refuge are part of the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail, which makes them great spots for birders. The refuge office on Fort Morgan Road has maps as well as brochures on the different species that can be found in the area.
The Fort Morgan peninsula also offers a chance to enjoy the beach without all of the crowds and housing developments at nearby beaches. Visitors may access the beach via a 2-mile hike on the Pine Beach Trail, which begins 10 miles down Fort Morgan Road. Parking is available along Mobile Street for those who prefer a shorter walk. Because it is within the limits of the wildlife preserve, there are no facilities or stores, so beach-goers should take everything they need.
The Mobile Bay Ferry departs from the tip of the peninsula and crosses the 8 miles separating Dauphin Island from the mainland in about 45 minutes. It is a chance for Fort Morgan visitors to see the fort in much the same way that Admiral Farragut saw it all those years ago, but without the danger. Once on Dauphin Island, tour the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, which features an interactive museum of aquatic animal and plant life of Mobile Bay and the Gulf Coast area.
