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Discover the Mr. Charlie® Oil Rig Museum Tour in Louisiana

The Mr. Charlie® Oil Rig Museum Tour in Morgan City, Louisiana offers a rare opportunity to explore the world’s first fully submersible offshore oil drilling rig. This guided museum and industrial heritage tour takes visitors aboard a massive offshore platform that revolutionized oil exploration in the Gulf of Mexico. Ideal for families, students, engineers, and history enthusiasts, the experience showcases offshore technology, energy history, and life at sea.
Why it’s special:
Mr. Charlie® isn’t a replica—it’s a real offshore drilling rig you can walk through. Visitors step onto the decks, control rooms, and living quarters of a historic platform that changed offshore drilling worldwide.

History & Story of Mr. Charlie® Oil Rig

Mr. Charlie® was built in 1953 and became the world’s first submersible offshore drilling rig, capable of being towed to location and submerged for drilling operations. The rig played a pivotal role in advancing offshore oil exploration, especially in the Gulf of Mexico. After decades of service, Mr. Charlie® was preserved in Morgan City—known as the “Offshore Capital of the World”—and transformed into a museum dedicated to offshore energy history and innovation.

What You’ll See & Do on the Mr. Charlie® Oil Rig Museum Tour

Walk aboard a full-scale offshore oil rig
Explore drilling decks, machinery, and work platforms
Visit control rooms and operational spaces
See crew living quarters, galley, and safety areas
Learn how offshore drilling works and evolved over time
Discover the daily life of offshore workers

Hands-On Elements: Interactive exhibits and guided explanations.
Photo/Video Policy: Photography allowed throughout the rig.
Souvenirs & Extras: Gift shop with oil industry memorabilia, books, and souvenirs.

Pricing of the Mr. Charlie® Oil Rig Museum Tour

Museum admission required
Adult price: $10 per adult
Discounted rates available for children, seniors, and groups

Visiting information

Visits typically last 60–90 minutes and are offered as self-guided or guided tours, depending on schedule. The experience is suitable for older children, students, and adults. Accessibility is limited due to stairs, ladders, and narrow passages typical of offshore rigs; sturdy closed-toe shoes are recommended. Museum working hours are Tuesday–Saturday, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM.

Nearby

International Petroleum Museum & Exposition
Downtown Morgan City
Atchafalaya Riverfront

FAQs About Visiting the Mr. Charlie® Oil Rig Museum Tour

Is Mr. Charlie® a real oil rig?
Yes. Mr. Charlie® is the world’s first submersible offshore drilling rig and operated for decades before becoming a museum.

Can visitors go inside the rig?
Yes, visitors can walk through multiple levels, including work areas and crew spaces.

Is the tour suitable for young children?
Older children tend to enjoy the experience more due to stairs and industrial environments.

How physically demanding is the visit?
Expect stairs, uneven surfaces, and confined spaces typical of offshore platforms.

Do I need to reserve tickets in advance?
Advance reservations are recommended for groups, while individuals can usually walk in.