Gulf Islands

National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Along This Dynamic Seascape, Fort Barrancas and Advanced Redoubt Naval Live Oaks a chain of island strongholds guards against threats from the Gulf of Mexico. Whether facing attacking ships or hurricanes, the military fortifications and barrier islands of Gulf Islands National Seashore have protected these harbors and the mainland through many storms. Cockles Whelks Scallops Using boardwalks preserves vegetation that protects the dunes. Fort McRee Defending the Shore Fort Massachusetts The THIRD SYSTEM of seacoast defense aimed to fortify major US harbors after the War of 1812. Pensacola Bay was chosen as the site for a navy yard, depot, mainland and island forts, naval timber reserve, and more. Watching the Waters Among natural beauty and recreational opportunities, you will find numerous COASTAL FORTIFICATIONS. The park’s collection, like its Third System masonry forts, represents over 200 years of innovation in military design, materials, weapons, and strategy. Sound • © TODD CARR Fort Pickens The idea was a response to changing warfare technology and strategy— which was also why it was abandoned decades later. Of nearly 200 forts recommended nationwide, only 42 were built. Today the park preserves five sites. Sand dollar Gulf Islands National Seashore Florida / Mississippi SHELLS, SAND DOLLAR—NPS • Battery Worth Maritime Forest © STUART SCHAEFER Wetland • Fort Barrancas looks over the Spanish Water Battery. Enslaved labor built Fort Pickens. © JOEL CADOFF © JOEL CADOFF Fort Barrancas Fort Pickens PENSACOLA, FLORIDA Arches repeat inside Fort Barrancas. Fort Pickens, as viewed from the Gulf © PATRICIA BRUNO USGS SANTA ROSA ISLAND, FLORIDA With Advanced Redoubt and the Spanish Water Battery, Fort Barrancas protected Pensacola Bay and defended the landward approach to the Pensacola Navy Yard. The park’s largest fort, Fort Pickens has been partially restored and reveals how its construction has developed over time. fe Take a . JOHN © SAM Islands on the Move As you explore the barrier islands, can you spot how the landscape changes all around you? Sometimes you will see a gradual edge between two ECOSYSTEMS. Other times you can step directly from one ecosystem to the next. ST Fort Massachusetts Fort McRee Each boundary brings a great variety of plants and animals that are adapted to these ever-changing environments. Note how some species establish themselves across habitat boundaries while others truly live on the edge. tts. achuse rt Mass isit Fo rry to v SHIP ISLAND, MISSISSIPPI PERDIDO KEY, FLORIDA Federal forces almost destroyed Confederate-occupied Fort McRee in 1861–62; departing Confederates burned the rest. The fort’s remnants are no longer visible. On Ship Island, Confederates exchanged fire with the USS Massachusetts. After reclaiming the island, the US Army established Gulf Squadron Headquarters and completed the fort in 1866. Confederate soldiers at Fort McRee PENSAPEDIA / WIKI Sand Dunes • Gulf Islands Coastal Communities Gulf • Barrier Island : • Warm saltwater areas, shallow and deep, house species big and small. YAUPON HOLLY provides both food and shelter for migrating birds. LIVE OAKS were ideal for ship building due to the strength and natural curvature of the wood. © BOB SHRADER © ALLISON RICHARDS Sound : • Water and wind shape and move the islands, changing habitats. Estuary : • In waterways between the barrier islands and the mainland, salt water mixes with fresh water. : • Sediment, saltwater tides, and freshwater streams meet and provide a nursery habitat. Bayou : Some species live in slow-moving, lowland streams and freshwater marshes of river watersheds. Slash pine A range of ecosystems and HABITATS develop where salt water from the Gulf and fresh water from the mainland mix. Over 400 fish species, 300 bird species, and a dozen federally listed threatened and endangered species make the park their home. Water makes up over 82 percent of the park and is a key factor in where these species live. Sea oats American oystercatcher Yaupon holly Live oak Saw palmetto Black needlerush © BOB MENAK Seagrass Bottle-nosed dolphin Black skimmer © RICHARD MERRY © NICK SIDLE / HEARTSTONE Snowy plover © MICHAEL WOLF Loggerhead sea turtle hatchling © STEPHANIE PLUSCHT Perdido Key beach mouse USFWS Ghost crab © CAROL POULOS Osprey adult with juveniles © MARTIN PASSCHIER Great blue heron Diamondback terrapin © PAUL GRAUNKE © PAT LUBAS Alligator © ROSMARIE ALENIUS Two States, One Park Beaches, bayous, and boating are some of the many things you can experience in this twostate, 160-mile park. Fish, swim, hike, bike, picnic, camp, observe wildlife, discover history, and explore two island wilderness areas. The park’s staff, website, and official NPS App can help you plan your visit. Build sand castles on white quartz beaches. • © CLARK MAXWELL Florida Mississippi The Florida area of the park includes: U S Interstate 10 and U S Highway 90 run from Mississippi through Alabama near Mobile and to Florida near Pensacola. The Mississippi area of the park is located south of the Mississippi Sound and includes: U S Highway 49 intersects with U S Highway 90 in Gulfport, where there is a seasonal passenger ferry to Ship Island. • Davis Bayou, Fort Barrancas Fort Barrancas is located south of Warrington near Pensacola Bay and Santa • Fort Barrancas, Rosa Sound. • Cat Island’s western Perdido Key Perdido Key Area is located off Florida Highway 182 and has a • Perdidoarea, Key Area of swimming pavilion, Rosamond Johnson wheelchair access, a Beach, ranger station, and backcountry camping. A restoration project has reconnected West and East Ship Islands. • Ship Island, and southern tips, West of Ship Island is Cat Island. East of Ship Island are: • Dog Keys Pass, • West Petit Bois Island, •and West Petit Bois Island, • Horn Island Pass, • Most of • Horn Horn Island, Island, Located on Ship Island, Fort Massachusetts has a swimming area, pavilion, wheelchair access, and a ranger station. Gulf Islands National Seashore is one of over 400 parks in the National Park System. Learn more at www.nps.gov. Surf the Gulf of Mexico. 90 O Ocean Springs Live Oaks Bicycle Route The Live Oaks Bicycle Route, a multi-use trail, runs rectangularly from Pavilion 2 on the west side of the park to outside of the park. Pavilion 1 Pavilion 2 Pavilion 4 n c ea S n p ri gs Ro ad Park Entrance The park entrance is located on Park Road off U S Highway 90 in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. nt S t r e e t nme ve r Go Stark Bayou connects with Halstead Bayou andStark runs north Bayou through and outside of the park. Park Road runs south, intersects with Government Street, and then runs west to Robert McGhee Road and then south to the William M. Colmer Visitor Center. C Ro ad Five pavilions Nature’s Way Loop are located on Trail is located of There is a the west Roside northwest of the b d a o R e e campgroundthe park. r t McG h e intersection Nature’s Wayof Park Group southwest of Road Loopand TrailRobert campground pavilion 3 off McGhee Road. Robert McGhee Pavilion 5 There is a group Road.Pavilion 3 Pa r k campground north r Tr Ha Spu l s t e Bayou is locatedof pavilion 5 in the Halstead Davis middle of the d B aBayou CCC Spur Trail is north ofaDavis y o u on the Bayou park. located south of west side of the park. There Trail Nature’s Way Loop GULF ISLANDS Davis Bayou is a boat launch. Trail Trail and runs from is located NATIONAL SEASHORE Park south Road toward of CCC Halstead Spur Bayou. Trail and 3500 Park Rd. Parking is runs south nearby. along Park Road Ocean Springs, MS 39564 toward Davis Bayou. CC From Mississippi to Florida Beaches, Gulfport, and a To to beaches ferry Ship Island are and Gulfport located west of U S (ferry90. to Highway Ship Island) William M. Colmer Visitor Center Arboretum Trail and Arboretum the fishing pier are Trailbetween the located D visitor center Fishing and Davis A Davis V Bayou is located Pier Bayou. south ofI Sthe park. BA YO 0 0 228-230-4100 MISSISSIPPI AREAS The visitor center has information, exhibits, maps, and films. The campground (open year-round) has electricity, water hookups, a dump station, group tent area, boat launch, and pavilions. Reserve sites at www. recreation.gov. Hiking and paddling trails are selfguiding. A saltwater fishing license is required for all areas. The Davis Bayou area has a fishing pier. Commercial fishing is prohibited in park waters. Ship Island (Fort Massachusetts) An unshaded, 0.3-mile boardwalk leads to a swim beach, pavilions, restrooms, showers, and snack bar. Facilities are open mid-March through October. Free tours and exhibits are available seasonally. Tours of the fort are not wheelchair-accessible. No camping allowed. Take a one-hour ferry (fee) from Gulfport from mid-March through October or dock your boat near the fort on the sound-side shore year-round during daylight hours only. Private boats are not permitted to use the pier. Cat, Petit Bois, West Petit Bois, and Horn islands are reachable only by private boat. No facilities or staff are available. Petit Bois and Horn islands are designated wilderness areas—lands untrammeled by humans, undeveloped, and retaining a primeval character with only an impermanent human presence. They are protected to preserve their natural conditions and offer opportunities for solitude or primitive, unconfined recreation. Backcountry camping is allowed on Horn, Petit Bois, and West Petit Bois islands. A permit is required for groups of 10 or more on Horn and Petit Bois islands only. Camping on Cat Island is allowed only on park land. Bring all your food and drinking water. Boaters follow NOAA charts 11372, 11373, and 11374.npf_black.pdf 1 8/26/22 12:33 PM U 0.5 Kilometer 0.5 Mile Santa Rosa Area Santa •Rosa Area is located Santa Rosa Area along Florida Highway and Opal399. Beach, • Fort FortPickens, Pickens Fort Pickens is located on the western end of Pensacola Beach. • Okaloosa Area, Okaloosa and Area is located on the eastern end of Navarre Beach and has a swimming area, picnic area, and boat launch. Opal Beach is located in the center of Santa Rosa Area and has a swimming area, pavilion, wheelchair access, and a ranger station. • Petit Bois • and Petit Island. Bois Island. Visit the park website at www.nps.gov/guis. Follow us on social media. Use the official NPS App to guide your visit. Davis Bayou Naval Live Oaks Area Naval Live Oaks Area is •located Naval Live off U S Highway 98Oaks nearArea. Pensacola Bay and north of Santa Rosa Sound. Join the park community. www.nationalparks.org IGPO:2023—423-201/83085 Last updated 2023 FLORIDA AREAS The Fort Pickens and Fort Barrancas visitor centers have exhibits, films, and park stores. Visit the park website for programs, hours, and guided tours. Photograph the park. Kayak the bayou. Emergencies call 911 Fish from the beach. Wade the waters. Explore the forts. • • • • • • © TOM DIETZ © ELIZABETH EUBANKS © KEVIN KING NPS ADCNR / BILLY POPE © DARA BARFIELD © KEVIN KING Pensacola Bay Seasonal ferry service (one hour, fee) between downtown Pensacola, Pensacola Beach, and Fort Pickens is available March through October. Entrance fees apply at Fort Pickens, Fort Barrancas, Okaloosa, Opal Beach, and Perdido Key, or show a valid National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass. • Hike, bike, or paddle self-guiding trails at Fort Pickens, Fort Barrancas, Perdido Key, and Naval Live Oaks. • Fish from Fort Pickens’ pier without a license; otherwise, state fishing licensing and regulations apply. • Camping reservations are recommended; make them at www.recreation.gov. To reserve pavilions, email guis_information@nps.gov. • Boaters follow NOAA charts 11378, 11383, and 11384. ENJOY A SAFE VISIT Never swim alone. Beware of rip currents, barnacle-covered rocks, sharks, jellyfish, and stingrays. • Watch for weather extremes, sudden storms, and changing surf conditions. Do not stand on piers, beaches, or fortifications during thunderstorms. • Use caution while exploring forts and batteries. Carry a flashlight for dark passageways. • Some areas and forts close for your safety or nesting wildlife. Avoid walking on dunes and vegetation; obey closure signs. • State boating and fishing regulations apply. Do not fish or boat in swim beach areas. • Glass is prohibited on beaches. • Wear protective clothing. Drink plenty of fluids. Use sunscreen. • Practice Leave No Trace principles. • Motor vehicles must stay on paved roads. • Metal detectors and spearfishing are prohibited. • Dogs are prohibited on all Mississippi islands and Florida beaches. • Do not feed or disturb wildlife. • Federal laws protect all natural and cultural features. • For all park regulations, including firearms, check the website. • We strive to make facilities, services, and programs accessible to all. For information call or check the park website. Enjoy the sunset. • GULF ISLANDS NATIONAL SEASHORE 1801 Gulf Breeze Pkwy. Gulf Breeze, FL 32563 850-934-2600 guis_information@nps.gov Ferries The ferries are seasonal and run: Reservation Road and Bayshore Road are located outside the northeast side of the park. There is no public access at the main gate via Florida Highway 295 on the eastern side near Duncan Road. Florida Highway 173 runs southeast to the west gate of the Pensacola Naval Air Station. Pensacola Naval Air StationAdvanced Redoubt is located near The park boundary includes Taylor Road, which runs southwest Fort Barrancas and the Visitor Center, Advanced Redoubt, through the park. Pensacola Lighthouse, and The National Naval Spanish Water Battery.Florida Highway 173 Aviation Museum is becomes Radford located outside of Fort Barrancas, Pensacola Boulevard. Lighthouse, and Spanish the park on Radford Boulevard. Water Battery are located along Radford Boulevard. • from the Downtown Pensacola Ferry Terminal to Fort Pickens, Perdido Key The site of Old Fort McRee and the ruins of Batteries 233, Slemmer, and Center are located on the east side of Perdido Key. Fort Pickens and • from Fort Pickens to Pensacola Beach. visitor center are located on the northwestern end of Santa Rosa Battery Worth Island near the has a picnic There is a To the east of loops ferry terminal area and campground and A through E are a and Battery amphitheater. group camping area picnic area, Fort pavilion, Worth. Pickens Road runs east and west across the park. Battery 234 and Batterynear loops A swimming area, Cooper are located on through E. campground Santa Rosa Island the southwestern end of registration, ranger the island. station, and parking. U S Highway 98/ Pensacola Bay Bridge runs southeast to Gulf Gulf BreezeBreeze. There is a pavilion in Bayside for youth Naval Liveonly. Oaks Area is group camping parking located There in GulfisBreeze Bayside Southside has a betweenbetween Butcherpen and Park pavilion and picnic Cove and Santa Rosa Headquarters. area. Sound. The Park Headquarters and ranger station are located on the south side of the park. A toll bridge runs southeast over the Santa Rosa Sound • fromtothe Downtown Florida Pensacola Ferry Terminal Highwayto399. Pensacola Beach, There is also a ferry terminal. Florida National Scenic Trail runs east and west across the island.