Moving the Historic Ships: Understanding Eureka's Rehabilitation and the Hyde Street Pier ProjectAs the National Park Service embarks on a crucial project to preserve the historic ships at Hyde Street Pier, many visitors may wonder why these iconic vessels are being relocated and what the future holds for the pier. This initiative is essential for ensuring the long-term safety and preservation of the historic ships. Below, we answer some common questions about the move and the work being done to protect these maritime treasures. The current Hyde Street Pier is more than 60 years old and is no longer structurally sound enough to safely support the historic ship fleet or the thousands of visitors who visit the pier each year. As of August 2025, Balclutha, Eureka, Thayer, Hercules and Eppleton Hall have all been moved to Mare Island. Mare Island, located in Vallejo, CA, offers the necessary facilities and expert contractors to work on the ships. It provides a safer environment for these fragile vessels compared to the rough waters and strong winds of San Francisco's waterfront. In August 2023, the NPS secured a long-term lease for riverfront property and ship berthing bulkheads at Mare Island, where there is ample space and resources to house and maintain the historic ships. The replacement of Hyde Street Pier is a long-term project expected to take several years. At this time, no demolition or construction contracts have been awarded, and planning is still in progress. As a result, the timeline for the ships' return remains uncertain. The Eureka will undergo the most extensive rehabilitation, including hull work, deck repairs, and updates to its electrical and safety systems. The C.A. Thayer and Hercules will receive routine maintenance and restoration work. Balclutha and Eppleton Hall are expected to need only minor work. The Hyde Street Pier replacement and the restoration of the Eureka are funded through the Great American Outdoors Act’s Legacy Restoration Fund, with a total allocation of $102 million. The park will open one ship or more at Mare Island in Vallejo, CA on Saturdays and Sundays from 12 pm to 4 pm, pending staff availability. The ships are berthed at the Mare Island Coal Sheds. Descriptive TranscriptA timelapse video of the ship Balclutha's tow away from Hyde Street Pier. The video starts early in the morning before sunrise with people working on the ship throughout the day, and ends when the ship is towed away.
Visit our keyboard shortcuts docs for details
A timelapse video of the towing of Balclutha away from Hyde Street Pier, April 16, 2025. Descriptive TranscriptA timelapse video of the ship Eureka's tow away from Hyde Street Pier. The video takes place over several days, with workers and crew loading maretials onto the ship before towing Eureka away.
Visit our keyboard shortcuts docs for details
A timelapse video of the towing of Eureka away from Hyde Street Pier, August 25, 2025. Documents Open for Public ReviewOther Plans and ProjectsAn archive of completed projects as well as projects without documents open for comment may be found on the PEPC website. Planning documents: |
Last updated: July 12, 2026