Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum

Biloxi, Mississippi · Museum · Accessibility score 0.8/5

Address: Biloxi, MS

Phone: (505) 724-3800

About

The Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum in Biloxi, Mississippi tells the rich story of the Gulf Coast's fishing and seafood heritage. From the early days of hand-tonging oysters to the rise of commercial shrimping, this museum brings to life the people, boats, and traditions that shaped one of America's most productive coastlines.

Visitors can explore exhibits on net-making, boat building, and the immigrant communities - particularly Vietnamese, Croatian, and French - who built Biloxi's seafood industry from the ground up. The museum houses artifacts, photographs, and oral histories that paint a vivid picture of life on the water.

One of the museum's crown jewels is the Schooner Pier Complex, completed in 2006. It's home to two replica Biloxi schooners, the Glenn L. Swetman and the Mike Sekul. These beautiful wooden sailing vessels are faithful reproductions of the boats that once dotted the Mississippi Sound. The complex includes three pavilions, a storage area, and a second-story observation deck with sweeping views of the harbor.

The museum also offers seasonal schooner sailing excursions, giving visitors the chance to experience the Gulf Coast the way fishermen did generations ago. It's a hands-on, wind-in-your-hair experience you won't find at many museums.

Located at 115 1st Street in the Point Cadet area of Biloxi, the museum sits right on the waterfront. It's a short drive from other Gulf Coast attractions, making it easy to pair with a day at the beach or a visit to nearby restaurants serving the fresh catch the museum celebrates. Admission is affordable, and the museum is a manageable size for a visit of one to two hours.

Whether you're a history buff, a seafood lover, or just looking for something authentic along the Mississippi coast, the Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum offers a genuine window into a way of life that continues to shape the region today.

Accessibility

The Schooner Pier Complex features handicapped accessible restroom facilities. The pier area and main museum building are at ground level along the waterfront.

Based on the museum's waterfront location and construction era, the main exhibit areas are expected to be accessible, though the second-story observation deck on the Schooner Pier Complex may present access challenges. The schooner sailing excursions involve boarding wooden vessels at the pier, which could be difficult for visitors with mobility limitations.

Parking is available on-site near the museum entrance. The waterfront location means pathways are generally flat, though outdoor areas near the pier may have uneven surfaces typical of working waterfronts.

Contact the museum directly at (228) 435-6320 for current details on wheelchair accessibility within specific exhibit galleries, assistive listening devices, sensory accommodations, and any recent facility updates. Ask about accommodations for schooner excursions if you're interested in sailing. Staff can provide guidance on the most accessible routes through indoor and outdoor areas of the museum and pier complex.

The museum is a relatively compact venue, which can be a plus for visitors who prefer shorter walking distances. Biloxi's Gulf Coast location means weather can be hot and humid in summer months, so visitors sensitive to heat should plan accordingly for time spent in outdoor areas of the Schooner Pier Complex.

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