The sun rises behind the Battleship Texas as the ship is towed into the Houston Ship Channel Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2022 in La Porte. The ship is making the journey to a dry dock in Galveston for a complete overhaul of the 108-year-old dreadnought, that served in both world wars.
Brett Coomer/Staff photographerAfter a 40-mile trip down the Houston Ship Channel last year, guided dry dock tours of one of Texas' historic battleships will soon be coming to an end.
April 30 will be the last day visitors can take an hour-long guided walking tour of Battleship Texas until later this summer. The Battleship Texas Foundation announced on social media that they will be posting additional tour dates in June and July soon. They also announced that Battleship Texas will remain in dry dock until August 2023.
Guests can sign up online for $150 per person. The tours are conducted Sundays only.
Although The Battleship Texas Foundation doesn't know yet where exactly her permanent home will be, the Foundation did release a statement on April 1 that the cities of Beaumont and Baytown have been ruled out.
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"Meanwhile the selection process will continue to determine the best location for the battleship. The final determination will occur in the coming month," said Bruce Bramlett, Executive Director of the Battleship Texas Foundation.
The Texas was predicted to never hit open water again until last year when two tugboats guided her along the Houston Ship Channel, the first time it moved in 32 years. At one point, the Texas was one of the most heavily-armed ships in the world, fought in two world wars and even played an integral role in the invasion of Normandy .
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For those who want a chance to participate in a guided tour, there are a few rules :
- There is a strict dress code. Full-length pants and closed-toed shoes with good traction must be worn. Pants must cover all the way to the shoes. Eye protection and hard hats will be provided.
- Participants must be at least 16 years old.
- Participants will be required to sign a liability waiver and photo release. Pictures are welcome but video is prohibited.
- Tours must be signed up for online. No tickets will be sold in advance.
The tours take about an hour to an hour and a half. They start every hour, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
