Fort Massachusetts Candlelight Tour on Ship Island

Name: Fort Massachusetts Candlelight Tour on Ship Island
Start: 2025-10-17T17:00:00-05:00
End: 2025-10-17T22:00:00-05:00
Location: Ship Island Excursions

Schedule

Fri Oct 17 2025 at 05:00 pm to 10:00 pm

UTC-05:00

Location

Ship Island Excursions | Gulfport, MS

Join Gulf Islands National Seashore and Ship Island Excursions for a special program, Darkest Before the Light: Fort Massachusetts Candlelight Tours on Friday, Oct. 17. Purchase tickets in advance.
Visitors must purchase tickets in advance for the program to include transportation online at www.msshipisland.com or in person at the Gulfport location. Tickets are limited and this is a one-time event.
During the special evening event, visitors will be guided by candlelight through the arches of historic Fort Massachusetts on Ship Island. The ferry will depart promptly at 5 p.m. and return at 10 p.m.
Witness the breathtaking natural darkness of Mississippi’s most visited barrier island while encountering scenes from the fort’s storied, and often dark past. Rangers will detail the struggle, perseverance, triumph, and loss of the soldiers, prisoners, and freedom seekers who occupied the island and fort throughout the American Civil War.
Living history demonstrators in historic attire will open a window into the past by recreating the scenes from the fort’s history.
Need to know:
Visitors will depart Gulfport for a one-hour ride to the island. Upon arrival, visitors will be split into groups with an assigned time to start a guided tour. Visitors will have a specific area to wait for their time. Restrooms are available onsite.
Flashlights and phones are prohibited during the tour of the fort. Everyone will depart the island at the same time from the same locations. Instructions will also be provided on the ferry.
Visitors are encouraged to bring light snacks, blankets, jackets, and lights. Food and drinks will also be available for purchase on the ferry.