Gulf State Park Nature Center: A Coastal Alabama Treasure
Discover Alabama's Gulf Coast wildlife at Gulf State Park Nature Center: a living museum with free programs and interactive exhibits for all ages.
The Gulf State Park Nature Center is a living museum showcasing the native plants and animals of the Gulf Coast region. With free admission and engaging programs, it's an ideal destination for families and nature enthusiasts seeking hands-on learning experiences.
A brief summary to Gulf State Park Nature Center
- Orange Beach, Alabama, 36561, US
- +1251-948-7275
- Visit website
Local tips
- Check the Nature Center's schedule for free programs like guided nature walks and animal encounters [18].
- Combine your visit with a hike or bike ride on the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail [18].
- Bring comfortable shoes for exploring the walking trails [18].
- Don't miss the opportunity to see the animal ambassadors, including owls, turtles, and alligators [6, 18].
- Be aware that there is a $3 per vehicle entrance fee to enter the Campground to access the Nature Center, unless you are staying at the lodge, cabins, or campsites within Gulf State Park [4, 6, 18].
Getting There
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Driving
From Orange Beach, head west on AL-182 W/Perdido Beach Blvd. Turn right onto AL-161 N/Orange Beach Blvd. Turn right onto Campground Rd. The Nature Center is located within the Gulf State Park Campground. There is a $3 per vehicle entrance fee to enter the campground unless you're staying at the lodge, cabins, or campsites within Gulf State Park [4, 6, 18]. Parking is available near the Nature Center [11].
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Walking/Biking
From the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail, access the Gulf State Park Campground via the Catman Road Trailhead [18]. Follow the paved road into the campground. The Nature Center will be on your right, approximately 0.5 miles from the Backcountry Trail entrance [18]. Be mindful of vehicle traffic within the campground. Note that if you are entering the campground by vehicle, a $3 per vehicle entrance fee is required, unless you are staying at the lodge, cabins, or campsites within Gulf State Park [4, 6, 18].
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Public Transport
While direct public transportation to the Nature Center is limited, taxi services and ride-sharing options like Uber and Lyft are available in Orange Beach [3, 9, 10, 14]. From various points within Gulf State Park, including The Lodge and the Interpretive Center, the free Gulf State Park Tram may offer a convenient option to the Nature Center Tram Station located in the Campground [18]. Check the tram schedule for availability. Remember to factor in the $3 per vehicle entrance fee to enter the campground if you are not a guest at the lodge, cabins, or campsites within Gulf State Park [4, 6, 18]. Uber/Lyft estimate to The Wharf is $18 [10].
Discover more about Gulf State Park Nature Center
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