Deck 3a
The Ecology of the Gulf: Explore the Past, Present, and Future of Our Ocean!
Dive into the story of the Gulf of Mexico like never before! From Stream of Time, showcasing artifacts spanning every era of Mobile’s rich maritime history, to the interactive Great Gulf Challenge—where YOU become a hero tasked with restoring balance to the Gulf 50 years from now. Take the pilot’s seat in a thrilling underwater submersible adventure, then climb up to the Crow’s Nest and feel the raw power of hurricane-force winds sweeping over the deck. This gallery is a breathtaking journey through time and nature, packed with hands-on experiences that connect you to the heart of the Gulf’s past, present, and future.
The Ship’s Bell: Hear the Call of the Sea!
Step up and see the legendary ship’s bell from the Coast Guard cutter Sweetgum, a steadfast guardian of the Gulf’s waters. Listen closely as the gallery’s soundtrack brings the bell to life, while an interactive panel reveals the secret language behind each ringing—alerts and signals that kept the crew safe and the ship on course. Feel the pulse of maritime tradition echo through time with every toll!
The Crow’s Nest: Brave the Fury of a Sea Storm!
Climb into the heart of the storm inside the ship’s crow’s nest, where hurricane-force winds roar at a thrilling 74 mph! Feel the wild power of the tempest as the ship tosses and turns beneath you—and capture your fearless moment with a photo taken right in the eye of the storm. Step outside to the kiosk to relive the adventure and grab your epic snapshot as a keepsake of your daring sea voyage!
E.O. Wilson
Step inside E.O. Wilson’s Field Lab. This exhibit highlights his ground-breaking research of fire ants. While in this replica of Dr. Wilson’s lab, guests can observe the behavior of ants and the surprising link this invasive species has to the Port of Mobile.
Ocean Today: Dive Into the Latest Waves of Ocean Discovery!
Step up to this interactive media kiosk and catch real-time video updates straight from NOAA—the experts on our oceans. Explore the cutting-edge research, urgent environmental events, and fascinating maritime stories shaping the future of our blue planet. Stay connected with the ever-changing ocean world and see what’s making waves today!
Deep Explorer: Embark on a High-Tech Underwater Adventure!
Step inside this cutting-edge submersible and plunge into the mysterious depths of the Gulf! Navigate breathtaking dive trails, from haunting shipwrecks to vibrant coral reefs, all brought to life on a massive, immersive screen. Encounter schools of colorful marine life native to each site as you explore environments modeled after the NOAA submersible that has boldly charted these waters. Ready to dive into adventure and uncover the secrets beneath the waves?
Marine Sanctuaries: Discover the Gulf’s Underwater Treasures!
Spin the globe and explore NOAA’s spectacular National Marine Sanctuaries, shining jewels of ocean protection. Dive into the Flower Garden Banks, the Gulf’s very own sanctuary, home to the largest coral reef in the continental U.S.—a dazzling underwater city teeming with life. Don’t miss the Florida Keys Sanctuary, partially nestled in the Gulf, boasting the world’s third-largest barrier reef. These protected havens are vital strongholds of marine wonder—come uncover their beauty and importance!
Stream of Time: Unearth the Stories of the Gulf’s Earliest Inhabitants!
Step back through centuries as you explore the rich diversity of the Gulf’s first residents—revealed through the fascinating archaeological treasures they left behind. An exposed riverbank invites you to uncover hidden artifacts from the past; open secret doors to reveal the stories etched in each object. Featuring remarkable finds from the University of South Alabama, journey through the region’s Prehistoric, French, Spanish, English, and American eras in this immersive voyage through time.
Cargo Handler: Master the Power of Pulleys!
Step into the shoes of a stevedore and experience the muscle—and magic—behind moving heavy cargo! Use block and tackle systems to hoist a hefty 36-pound load and discover how the clever arrangement of pulleys transforms a tough lift into an effortless feat. Test your strength and skill as you unlock the secrets of mechanical advantage in this hands-on challenge!
Biloxi Schooner
Called the “White Winged Queens,” these boats powered the Gulf Coast’s oyster and shrimp industry in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Built locally from cypress and pine, they were perfectly suited for shallow coastal waters. Though replaced by motorboats in the 1930s, two replica schooners still sail from Biloxi today.