Gulf State Park’s Nature Center

 Gulf State Park Nature Center is a living museum of plants and animals that are native to the Gulf Coast region.  It is our goal to inspire people to care for the environment by expanding their knowledge of the state’s natural resources through experiences that lead them to understand their connection to the natural world.

Hours
Monday – Saturday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. 
*Nature Center is closed during regularly scheduled off-site programs such as guided tours of the park.

 
The Nature Center

Gulf State Park Nature Center strives to meet the needs of our adopted “critters” and our community.  Each year, we welcome thousands of visitors through our doors – many of which are school children visiting the coast for the first time!

Barn Swallows on pier rails in Lake Shelby.

We offer many exciting and worthwhile programs.  Our weekly programs include guided nature walks, beach walks, pier walks, and a nature time.  Through these educational programs, we provide a multitude of learning opportunities for children and adults about Alabama’s Gulf Coast. 

              
              Water Lilies along Gulf Oak Ridge Trail                        An American Coot along the shore of Lake Shelby.

Additionally, GSP Nature Center works closely with the United States Fish & Wildlife Service to protect Alabama’s sea turtles through the volunteer program known as Share the Beach.  For more details about this program, click on the link below.

                     
                    Beautiful sea shells on Gulf Park beaches.                Baby Loggerhead sea turtle

A pair of Sandwich Terns on Gulf Park beaches...

Focus on Flora

The Scarlet hibiscus (Hibiscus coccineus), also known as the Scarlet rosemallow, Texas star hibiscus, or Wild red mallow is one of the largest and most beautiful of North American native flowers.  It often causes people to do a double take as it resembles marijuana (Cannabis spp.). The resemblance quickly ends when the plant bursts forth with its humongous flowers in late summer!  The scarlet hibiscus blooms are a spectacular red flower that opens from July through September.  Although these plants can be found from Florida to Mississippi, it was thought to be extinct in Alabama.  In 2005 (the summer after Hurricane Ivan) they were spotted in the Campground along the edge of the marsh and have continued to bloom every year since!