Battleship Texas

Battleship Texas

La Porte

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3523 Battleground Road (Highway 134)
La Porte, 77571
281-479-2431

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Battleship Texas Description

Turn the corner into this state park, and the grey behemoth appears like a giant ghost: an enormous battleship bearing the weight of 36 years of war service. The Texas served on D-Day, among other events, and it's hard to ignore the history when you're stepping across weathered decks and down metal steps worn to the treads by thousands of pairs of combat boots. The significance isn't lost on the kids -- "They really fired those guns?" exclaimed one. At the same time, the exploration from lookout to engine room is just plain cool.

Kid Tips

Babies: Postpone your trip to the Texas for a few years. It's hot, it's steep, and navigating the stairs with a baby is difficult.

School-Age Kids: With all the climbing it takes to get around, one dad called it the equivalent of a big jungle gym. Kids this age will love the adventure.

Pre-Teens & Teens: Don't be shy about investigating. If it's not roped off, it's fair game for exploring, even up, up, up (way up) to the top decks.

Planning Notes

Hot, hot, hot. Houston is notoriously hot, and below deck on the Texas is even hotter. Visit early in the day (particularly in summer) and bring water.

Wear sturdy shoes. The stairways are steep and surfaces aren't necessarily level. Leave flip flops at the hotel and opt for sturdy sneakers instead.

Sister site. Cap off the historical adventure with a visit to the San Jacinto Moment, dedicated to the Lone Star State's battle for independence, which includes a view from 570 feet atop the monument (separate admission).

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