Gulf State Park Nature Center

Gulf State Park Nature Center in Gulf Shores, Alabama, is a great family-friendly activity. They have great ranger programs, on-site animals, and learning activities.

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Gulf State Park Nature Center

The Gulf State Park Nature Center is so much fun! They have animals native to the Alabama Gulf Coast region that you can see up close and learn about.

One really cool thing about the Nature Center in Gulf State Park is a lot of the displays are at kid's eye level. They can see a snake at eye level and learn about it without feeling like they are missing out on something.

During our last visit it was so much fun hearing kids squeal in excitement when they saw a snake or turtle. It is a great opportunity for kids to safely learn about wildlife.

Interpretive Displays

The interpretive displays include native snakes that you can see up close. This is a great way to learn about which snakes can be found on the Alabama Gulf Coast.

While I am not a snake person I do enjoy learning which ones to look out for in our backyard.

The displays are a fantastic way to learn about Alabama natural resources and the work that is done by the State Park and Alabama Department of Conservation.

You may even get to see baby alligators.

Aviary

One fun surprise is under the building there is an aviary with hawks, owls, and other birds.

These birds are ambassadors for the park and help educate visitors.

Check the Gulf State Park Nature Centers schedule for their Radical Raptors program. Druing the program you can get an up close look at the raptors and learn about their unique adaptations and behaviors.

Outdoor Amphitheater

There is a fantastic outdoor ampitheater with comfortable bench seatings for the Gulf State Park Nature Center programs.

Why you will love the Nature Center at Gulf State Park

• Top family friendly activity in Gulf Shore & Orange Beach
• Knowledgeable staff
• Lots of educational activities
• Great Rainy day things to do in Gulf Shores
• Fantastic educational programs

Don't miss all of the fun activities in Gulf State Park including:

• The Beach Pavilion
• Lake Shelby
• Gulf State Park Education Pier
• Gulf State Park Fishing
• Foodcraft, Perch, and Woodside Restaurants
• Free bicycles for rent
• Gulf Sate Park Visitor Center
• Guided Segway Tours in Gulf State Park
• Hiking Trails

Things to know when planning a visit to the Gulf State Park Nature Center

Address - 22120 Campground Rd, Gulf Shores, Al 36561

Located in the Gulf State Park Campground. There is a $5 per vehicle entrance fee to enter the campground if you are not staying at the Gulf State Park Lodge, Eagle Cottages, Lakeside Cabins, or cottages.

The Nature Center is different from the Learning Campus, which is located near the Gulf State Park headquarters office.

Phone - 251-252-7275

Hours - Monday - Saturday 9 am to 4 pm

Closed on Sundays. Closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.

Accessibility - There is a ramp leading up to the center. The parking lot has accessible parking close by.

Plus Size Seating - The outdoor bench seating is comfortable.

Dress Code/Suggestions - Casual

Pets - Pets are not allowed in the nature center

Parking  - There is a large parking area in front of the Nature Center.

Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Restaurants and Attractions nearby

Sunny Lady Dolphin Cruises - See our local Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins on this great cruise in Orange Beach.

Southern Grind Coffee House - Enjoy a delicious drink and shop their amazing coastal gifts.

Mo's Landing Park - Great local park on Lake Shelby with a picnic area.

Gage's Ice Cream - Fantastic local coffee shop serving delicous ice cream and Affrogattos