Restoration Tours
Join us aboard Battleship Texas for a unique opportunity to tour a historic vessel that served from 1914 to 1948. Each 1.5-hour guided tour will differ and is subject to change as ongoing work aboard progresses. Conducted in an active shipyard (see dress code and accessibility below), participants will get a rare behind-the-scenes opportunity to learn and discuss the restoration to return Battleship Texas to its 1945 appearance.
Tour Highlights
DECK RESTORATION
Walk the plank (or several) as you step on the new wood decking meticulously laid down on the ship’s bow. Learn about the use of long-leaf yellow pine and teak wood, how the deck changed over the years, and what it takes to correctly fit the new planks today.
CAPTAIN’S CABIN
Venture into the Captain’s Cabin to see a hand-painted map uncovered after being lost for many years. Learn what it took to stabilize and repair this map following its discovery, and become one of the first to view it following its restoration.
GUN RESTORATION
By 1945, Battleship Texas had six 5″/51 cal guns, which comprised the ship’s secondary battery. Battleship Texas staff and volunteers worked for two years to restore each gun and mount, totaling more than 7,750 man-hours. Get a firsthand look at these guns that fired upon the shores of Iwo Jima and Okinawa.
Accessibility
This tour takes place in an active shipyard and Battleship Texas is an active worksite. Because of this, there are certain accessibility considerations. Because of ongoing work onboard, participants will need to be able to walk safely on uneven surfaces, climb narrow and steep stairs (“ladders”), and stand for extended periods. There are no ramps for mobility scooters or wheelchairs. This tour is entirely outdoors, so participants should be mindful of severe heat or cold depending on the season.
Total Walking: 1/2 mile over 1 and 1/2 hours
Total Climbing: Equivalent of 3 flights of stairs, up and down
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Grating gangway between pier segments. Note steps onto the gangway and stairs up to next gangway to board the ship. -
Grating gangways between pier segments. -
Stairs from the pier to the gangway. Other climbs on the tour are narrower and steeper.
Tour Information
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.
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.
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.
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 later date or refunded if necessary.
Tickets cannot be refunded.
Participants must fill out liability waivers and photo releases before taking the tour.
The parking lot is located on the north side of Todd Road. Please look for signs directing you where to park.
Tours offered Sundays only
Tickets $75
Gulf Copper Shipyard
2920 Todd Rd
Galveston, TX 77550