Our Interpretive Center offers interactive interpretive exhibits for students to develop their education further. The sustainable facility generates its energy and water as a practical example of the future of environmentally conscious development. We hope to inspire visitors to live well and in harmony with the world around them.
The property is LEED-certified (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and engineered to provide highly-efficient and cost-saving green construction. LEED certification is globally recognized as a symbol of sustainability and designed to save energy, water, resources, and generate minimal waste for maximum environmentally-sustainable impact.
The Interpretive Center is pursuing the LIVING Building Challenge and produces zero emissions, TRUE Zero Waste, and serves as the new bar for green construction. Not only will students learn how to become more environmentally conscious, but they will learn the sustainable principles in a facility that serves as a prime example of green initiatives.
The sustainable facility promotes an in-depth look into the Gulf Shores region. Gulf State Park is a prime example of ecotourism as visitors explore the varied landscapes within the property, including dunes, lakes, marshes, forests, and beaches.
Curious about the plethora of unique animals and plants that inhabit Gulf State Park? Visit the Nature Center to learn about the creatures and wildlife that live in the Gulf Coast region. From rare birds to forest-dwelling mammals, the Nature Center showcases the diverse species of animals native to the region.
The goal of the Gulf State Park Nature Center is to educate visitors on the state’s dynamic natural resources and provide a place to connect with the natural world. A variety of programs are offered weekly that explore the various ecosystems of the park, including guided nature walks, beach walks, and pier walks.
Check out the latest weekly activities at the park for your adventurous crew of students.
To enjoy saltwater fishing or take in scenic views of the coast, visit the Fishing Pier at Gulf State Park. The 1,540 feet long pier offers 2,448 feet of fishing space, and it is the largest public pier on the Gulf of Mexico. Visitors can purchase fishing licenses and rent fishing gear at the indoor retail shop along with tackle and souvenirs.
For educational groups, the pier also incorporates interpretive signage featuring fascinating information on the native fish, birds, and wildlife that occupy the Gulf of Mexico. Take your class to gorgeous Gulf Shores for a lesson your students won’t forget.
Let’s dive deeper into some of the most popular attractions at Gulf State Park and the surrounding area to help plan your trip!
Visitors can explore three different freshwater lakes at the Gulf State Park. Bring your own or rent kayaks and paddleboards to explore the water and wildlife.
For a truly unique fishing experience, Lake Shelby features both freshwater and saltwater fish. Through natural occurrences and its close proximity to the gulf, the saltwater collides with the lake so that fishermen can catch a variety of fish, including largemouth bass, bream, crappie, redfish, and speckled trout. Visitors will need a freshwater fishing license which can be purchased online.
Voted “Best Recreational Trail” by USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards! The Backcountry Trail, or BCT, is an excellent way to explore Gulf State Park. Take a bike or walk the expansive trail to see the freshwater lakes, coastal swamps, and towering variety of trees. Visitors also report sightings of a variety of wildlife from wild boars, otters, bobcats, to alligators. Also, you may spot rare birds, such as bald eagles!
The BCT trail is one of the best ways to get a full ecotourism adventure while you are at the park. It traverses through six of the nine ecosystems, including coastal dunes, Pine Flatwoods, freshwater marshes, and hardwood swamps.
The Backcountry Trails offer eight trails to explore:
Fort Morgan is located just west of the park, and is one of the most popular Civil War exhibits. Fort Morgan was constructed in 1819 by the U.S. Army Corps. Known as the “Work on Mobile Point,” Fort Morgan served as the first line of defense during the civil war and provided protection from soldiers on the Mobile Bay.
Explore a variety of outdoor activities at Fort Morgan and visit the grounds for a historical, educational experience.
From its humble beginnings on February 1, 1940 as the keel was laid at the Norfolk Navy Yard in Portsmouth, Virginia, Battleship USS ALABAMA (BB-60) has had a remarkable career. She began her World War II adventures in the North Atlantic in 1943, then later that year, went to the South Pacific seas. She ended up in Mobile, Alabama as a National Historic Landmark and memorial to millions.
On January 9, 1965 when USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park opened to the public. Since then, more than seventeen million visitors later and a statewide economic impact approaching one billion dollars, the Park is easily the most recognizable symbol of the State of Alabama. Dedicated to all Alabama Citizens who have worn the uniform of all branches of the United States Armed Forces, the Park’s numerous artifacts, exhibits, and displays all point to the fact that the Park is America’s most unique military attraction.
Graham Creek Nature Preserve has over 600 acres of land and is dedicated to the preservation of native plants and wildlife. See endangered plants up close while exploring 10 miles of trail, 2 handicap-accessible boardwalks, a kayak launch, and 4 disc golf courses. Graham Creek also offers other leisure activities, such as an archery park made for all sizes, and a playground with an outdoor classroom perfect for kids.
Dauphin Island Sea Lab is located on the eastern tip of Dauphin Island, a barrier island in the northern Gulf of Mexico. DISL is surrounded by Mobile Bay, the Mississippi Sound, and the waters of the Gulf, making it a perfect location to conduct a wide range of marine science activity.
DISL is home to the Alabama Aquarium. Through beautiful visual exhibits and engaging interactive exhibits, the Alabama Aquarium will leave you with a broader understanding of the interactions that take place in Mobile Bay, the fourth-largest estuary system in the United States.
Located aboard historic Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida, and offering FREE ADMISSION, the National Naval Aviation Museum is one of the largest aviation museums in the world. With the mission to “select, collect, preserve and display historic artifacts related to the history of Naval Aviation,” you will enjoy an inspiring journey through history and much more.