10/17/2026
Join Gulf Islands National Seashore and Ship Island Excursions for a special candlelight tour of the inside Fort Massachusetts on Ship Island, Friday, Oct. 30, 2026.
Visitors must purchase tickets in advance for the program to include transportation online at https://msshipisland.com/candle-light-tour-of-fort.../ or in person at the Gulfport departure location. Tickets are limited and this is a one-time event. 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 stories of the fort's 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 promptly at 5 p.m. Everyone will depart the island at the same time from the same locations. Instructions will also be provided on the ferry.
📝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, flash photography, l and phones flashlights are prohibited during the tour of the fort.
👟There will be stairs we encourage wearing flat, closed-toe shoes.
🍽Visitors are encouraged to bring light snacks, blankets, jackets, and lights for outside the fort. Food and drinks will also be available for purchase on the ferry.
Note: Program subject to cancellation or rescheduling due to weather.
