Hard Hat Tours
Engineering Tour
How do you get a 27,000-ton vessel underway? Join us on the “Engineering Tour” to find out! This far reaching engineering tour gives a hands-on, close up look at every aspect of the ship’s power systems. You will get an in-depth look at the huge reciprocating engines, boilers, and auxiliary machinery, where you will see the complexity and skill that brought the ship to life.
Also included will be a look at the ship’s intricate fuel system, the dynamos that generated electrical power, evaporators that converted tens of thousands of gallons of seawater into fresh water every day, and even the steering engine and gear that turned the rudder.
Disclaimer: Touring Battleship Texas requires participants to climb up and down steep ladders, step into confined spaces, and walk on uneven surfaces.
Gunnery Tour
Curious how Battleship Texas fired a massive 14”/45 cal. Shell? Join us for the “Gunnery Tour” to see what it takes! This guided tour will take participants into the various spaces that housed the ship’s main armament, giving you a step-by-step explanation of how it was done and the technological advancements made throughout the ship’s thirty-four years of service. You will visit areas like the ship’s lower handling rooms, the main battery plot, and more!
Disclaimer: Touring Battleship Texas requires participants to climb up and down steep ladders, step into confined spaces, and walk on uneven surfaces.
Tours coming 2025
Prices coming Soon
Gulf Copper Shipyard
2920 Todd Rd
Galveston, TX 77550
Frequently Asked Questions
Tours are conducted in an active shipyard, making accommodations difficult. There are no ramps available for mobility scooters or wheelchairs. Participants must be able to walk on uneven surfaces, stand for several hours, climb up and down steep ladders, and step into confined spaces. We are happy to help those in need, but there are limitations due to the ship’s current environment.
Tours are conducted rain or shine. If a tour must be canceled due to foul weather, all participants will be rescheduled to a date that works best for them.
Tickets cannot be refunded, but you can reschedule if necessary.
Participants MUST wear full-length pants and shirts that cover the entire leg and torso. All footwear must be closed-toed shoes with good traction. We will provide Proper hard hats and eye protection before each tour. Anyone who does not meet these requirements will NOT be allowed to participate and will have to reschedule their tour.
Participants MUST be at least 16 years of age. An adult or guardian must accompany anyone under the age of 18. Absolutely NO ONE under the age requirement will be allowed into the shipyard.
Participants must fill out liability waivers and photo releases before taking the tour.
Pictures are allowed, but video is subject to some restrictions.
- Participants are not allowed to record the entire tour.
- Participants are not allowed to live stream the tour.
- Participants must get permission to record the docent.
Participants are asked to remain stationary while taking any pictures or video.
The parking lot is located on the north side of Todd Road. Please look for signs directing you where to park.