Built on the site of a centuries-old garrison, Fort Maurepas Park is the perfect spot to visit with the family for lunch and some play time. Relax in the shade while your kids enjoy the creative playground equipment. Walk along the beach on the opposite side of the street.
The park takes its name from the garrison that was built near here in 1699. Fort Maurepas was actually named French Louisiana’s capital in 1719. The original fortification burned down in the first half of the 1800s, so its exact location isn’t known. A replica was constructed after 1981 but that was destroyed in 2005 by Hurricane Katrina. Look for a few low stone walls that are remnants of the replica. Today’s park bearing the fort’s name is a lovely place to visit for its history and much more.
A French-Canadian naval explorer and hero Pierre Le Moyne d’Iberville established the settlement on this site before continuing on to France. Other naval officers who stayed here referred to the area as Fort Bilocci, which eventually evolved to the name of the nearby city of Biloxi. Notice the bronze statue of d’Iberville wearing a doublet and tri-corn hat and looking out to the sea from the park.
Just behind d’Iberville is a creative playground intended to resemble his ship, complete with double masts and sails. Encourage your children to be naval commanders, pirates or just kids having fun. They’ll enjoy the splash pool on a hot day too.
Use the park’s other amenities, including restrooms, grassy lawns and picnic tables in the shade under tall, wide trees. Sit in the shaded two-story pavilion and gaze out at the Chester M. McPhearson Jr. Fishing Pier stretching from Front Beach into the Gulf of Mexico.
Find Fort Maurepas Park in Ocean Springs about 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) east of the Biloxi Bay Bridge. While here, watch for seabirds in the wetlands behind the park or cross the street to the white sands of Front Beach. Parking is available at the park. Access is free and the site is always open.
