Blakeley State Park is kicking off summer in style with a day full of boat cruises, live music, and waterfront fun.
On the afternoon of May 9, the park is offering special one-hour cruises to see the SS United States, the legendary 1950 ocean liner now resting in Mobile Harbor.
This floating piece of history is getting ready for a new life as an artificial reef off the Florida coast, and for a short time, it’s right in Mobile’s backyard.
Perfect timing for anyone itching to get outdoors and dive into a little history before the heat cranks all the way up.
A Cruise With a Story to Tell
These cruises aren’t just boat rides.
They’re hosted by local historian John Sledge, a well-known storyteller and author, in partnership with the National Maritime Museum.
Guests will get the inside scoop on the ship’s designers, builders, famous passengers, and the people who have kept its story alive.
Think of it as a floating history lesson—with better views and a good breeze.
Sledge knows how to make history feel alive, and this cruise promises to be anything but dry.
It’s a one-of-a-kind chance to be up close with a ship once hailed as the fastest liner to ever cross the Atlantic and the largest passenger ship built entirely in America.
Three cruises are available that afternoon, all departing from the Mobile Convention Center dock.
Options mean you can fit a little adventure into your afternoon plans without missing a beat.
More Than a Quick Look
Seeing the SS United States from the water is different from seeing it in photos or reading about it online.
This ship tells a story of American ambition, design, and innovation—all sitting right there in the harbor.
It’s the kind of sight that reminds you Mobile’s connection to the water runs deep. From shipbuilding days to today’s working waterfront, there’s always something moving and changing.
Grabbing a ticket for one of these cruises is an easy way to plug into that energy. It’s not every day a piece of national history floats this close to home.
Music Under the Stars
After the cruises wrap up, the day is just getting started. Blakeley State Park invites everyone to head over for an evening of live music under the trees.
The band High Cotton will take the stage at the park’s outdoor venue as part of the “Music in the Park” series.
They’ll be playing a mix of classic hits from the past and present, so expect a little something for everyone.
Food will be available too, with Pat Sledge Catering serving up sandwiches and wraps for an easy dinner option.
The concert starts at 6:30 p.m., and visitors are encouraged to bring a lawn chair and settle in for a night of great music and good company.
A Day Worth Planning
May 9 shapes up to be the kind of day that’s tailor-made for memory-making. You get the sights, the stories, the sounds, and even a bite to eat—all without straying far from home.
Tickets and event details are available on Blakeley State Park’s website.
With options to explore by water and relax by the stage, it’s an easy way to feel like summer has officially arrived.
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