Below is the Gulf Islands National Seashore program and outreach schedule for November.
The park day use hours of operation are now 5 AM to 6 PM in fee areas.
Programs are subject to change and/or cancellation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. The next Fee-Free Day is Nov. 11.
All programs are advertised on the website calendar upper right-hand corner or on the mobile app calendar per National Park guidance these are the primary locations where programs are supposed to be advertised. Programs are also advertised on the park’s Facebook page. Programs are subject to change due to manning or weather. Visitors can also verify the daily schedule in person at the visitor center or the fort’s entrances. All programs are provided free of charge, entrance station fees may apply.
Reminder the Fort Pickens Visitor Center, Fort Barrancas Visitor Center, and Fort Barrancas in Florida are closed.
For questions, please visit the entrance to the Historic Fort Pickens. William M. Colmer Visitor Center in Mississippi is staffed from 9 AM to 4 PM. Passport Stamps can be collected at visitor centers and the park store located inside Fort Pickens opens daily from 9 AM to 4:30 PM.
The Pensacola City Bay Ferry Service and Ship Island Excursions ferry services are discontinued until Spring of 2025.
Please note all media are required to coordinate arrangements before entering the park or riding the Pensacola City Bay Ferry and/or interviewing with staff and/or visitors. For more information about our media rules of engagement. No drones are allowed in the park. Press Kit - Gulf Islands National Seashore (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)
Special Programs
Nov 11 - Veterans Days Commemoration at William M. Colmer Visitor Center Ocean Springs, MS.
Nov 14 - Moonlight Paddle with Jackson County
Registration: Link
Location: Davis Bayou Public Boat Launch
Time: 4:30 PM
Description: Kayaks provide free of charge. Max participation is 18 people.
FLORIDA DISTRICT
Fort Pickens
Ranger’s Choice Program at Fort Pickens
Days: Saturdays and Sundays
Time: 11 AM
Duration: 30 minutes
Type: Talk
Description = Join us for a 30-minute talk to learn about the history and legacy of Fort Pickens! Meet at historic Fort Pickens. Topics vary depending on the guide leading the program. Please visit the Gulf Islands Park Store inside Fort Pickens for the day's topic. Note: Ranger's Choice talks are accessible to people with special needs. Programs are subject to change and/or cancellation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
Civil War Medicine at Fort Pickens
Days: Saturdays and Sundays
Time: 2 PM
Duration: 30 minutes
Type of Event: Talk
Description = Explore the stories of Civil War nurses and surgeons who provided medical care at Fort Pickens! Meet at historic Fort Pickens. Note: Talks are accessible to people with special needs. Programs are subject to change and/or cancellation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
MISSISSIPPI DISTRICT
Adventure Through the Bayou: Ranger Led Hike Registration: Walk up
Location: William M. Colmer Visitor Center
Time: Everyday at 1 PM
Duration: 45 minutes
Type of Event: Talk/Walk
Campfire with a Ranger: Stories of Nature and History Registration: Must be a registered camper
Location: Davis Bayou Campground Amphitheater
Time: Saturdays at 5 PM
Duration: 30 minutes
Type of Event: Talk
B.A.R.K. Ranger Program: War Dogs of Cat Island
Registration: Walk-up
Location: In front of the William M. Colmer Visitor Center
Time: Sundays from 11 AM – 1 PM
Duration: 2 hours
Type of Event: Talk/Table
