If you have an interest in maritime history, there are plenty of sites to explore near Bay RV Park. Given Galveston’s rich history and reputation as one of the busiest ports in the country back in the 1880s, we recommend a visit to the Sailing Ship Elissa.
Visiting offers a glimpse into how Galveston’s early immigrants arrived to help develop this booming port town and is only a short half-hour drive from the park. The ship is only one of only three worldwide that still sails. In 1990, the boat was declared a National Historic Landmark.
Trace The History Of The Early Settlers To Galveston Island
Step back in time with this Ship-To-Shore adventure, allowing visitors to explore the footsteps of Galveston’s early settlers, many of whom took long and dangerous sea journeys to arrive when it was one of the busiest cities in the whole of the U.S.
Join over 40,000 visitors who explore this fantastic and historic ship each year to discover its sailing adventures from Greece to Galveston and learn about what its passengers endured on the long journey.
The History Of Sailing Ship Elissa
In 1978, the Galveston Historical Foundation purchased Elissa from a scrapyard in Greece, returning her to Galveston to start the painstaking restoration of the beautiful ship we see today. Now a historic vessel and floating museum, the ship also serves as the Official Tall Ship of Texas and symbolizes the Gulf Coast’s early beginnings as an active waterfront.
More About The Ship
Tickets to visit the ship are $10 for adults, $7 for youth, and kids under five years old are free, and the site is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm. It’s located at Pier 22, Suite 8, Galveston, and you can contact the Galveston Historical Foundation if you want to learn more via their website or by calling 409-763-1877.
If you need wheelchair accessibility, both the galleries and the restrooms are fully handicapped accessible. However, please note there are some steps to the main deck and to board Seagul II. If you need assistance, you can call ahead of visiting, and they’ll do their best to accommodate any special requests.
Given its beauty, size, and national importance, the site is also used for various private events such as weddings and gatherings of various organizations. It has a beautiful outdoor setting for receptions and ceremonies that offers a picturesque sight. If you’re interested in finding out more, get in touch with the team.
