The new Learning Campus allows travelers to explore the Gulf State Park to the highest level. Our goal has always been to expand the public’s knowledge of the beauty of Alabama’s natural habitat and to preserve, develop, and protect the vibrant Gulf Shore ecosystems. We are proud to say that the Learning Campus symbolizes and embodies our mission for sustainability and environmental education.
The Gulf State Park encompasses 6,150 acres of unique landscape on the Gulf of Mexico and features nine diverse ecosystems to explore, including freshwater lakes, dunes, pine savannas, marshes, woodlands, and beaches. It is one of Alabama’s most popular attractions and draws more than 2 million annual visitors.
In 2014, the Gulf State Park Enhancement Project was launched to provide ecologically-sensitive enhancements to Gulf State Park. Determined to preserve the property and promote sustainable operations, money was allocated to rebuild the Lodge at Gulf State Park. In addition, construction began on the new Learning Campus, Interpretive Center, and Woodside Restaurant.
The new Learning Campus serves as a benchmark for immersive environmental learning and the modern bunk-style accommodations make it the perfect facility to host group events within the Gulf State Park. With so much to explore, the Learning Campus provides sleeping, meeting, dining, and educational accommodations to support and serve as a basecamp for groups of environmentally-conscious travelers.
Learn more about the new state-of-the-art Learning Campus and what the newly enhanced Gulf State Park has to offer.
The new Learning Campus allows travelers to explore the Gulf State Park to the highest level. Our goal has always been to expand the public’s knowledge of the beauty of Alabama’s natural habitat and to preserve, develop, and protect the vibrant Gulf Shore ecosystems. We are proud to say that the Learning Campus symbolizes and embodies our mission for sustainability and environmental education.
The Gulf State Park encompasses 6,150 acres of unique landscape on the Gulf of Mexico and features nine diverse ecosystems to explore, including freshwater lakes, dunes, pine savannas, marshes, woodlands, and beaches. It is one of Alabama’s most popular attractions and draws more than 2 million annual visitors.
In 2014, the Gulf State Park Enhancement Project was launched to provide ecologically-sensitive enhancements to Gulf State Park. Determined to preserve the property and promote sustainable operations, money was allocated to rebuild the Lodge at Gulf State Park. In addition, construction began on the new Learning Campus, Interpretive Center, and Woodside Restaurant.
The new Learning Campus serves as a benchmark for immersive environmental learning and the modern bunk-style accommodations make it the perfect facility to host group events within the Gulf State Park. With so much to explore, the Learning Campus provides sleeping, meeting, dining, and educational accommodations to support and serve as a basecamp for groups of environmentally-conscious travelers.
Learn more about the new state-of-the-art Learning Campus and what the newly enhanced Gulf State Park has to offer.
The Gulf State Park encompasses 6,150 acres of the pristine landscape on the Gulf Shore and features nine diverse ecosystems to explore, including freshwater lakes, dunes, pine savannas, marshes, woodlands, and beaches.
In 2014, the Gulf State Park Enhancement Project began to provide ecologically-sensitive enhancements to Gulf State Park. Determined to preserve the property and promote sustainable operations, more than $85 million was allocated to rebuild the Gulf State Park Lodge and Conference. In addition, construction began on the new Interpretive Center, Research and Education Center, and the new Learning Campus.
The new Learning Campus serves as a benchmark for immersive environmentally learning, and the accommodations make it the perfect facility to host large group events within the Gulf State Park.
Learn more about the new state-of-the-art Learning Campus and what the newly renovated Gulf State Park has to offer.
The Learning Campus contains a collection of buildings built on the historical site of the original barracks for the Civilian Conservation Corps. The meeting rooms serve a variety of purposes. For instance, Conservation Hall is ideal for large gatherings and video screenings for educational purposes while the Loblolly Classroom provides the perfect accommodation for an innovative science lecture accompanied by hands on lab experiments.
The campus offers six unique meeting rooms of varying sizes, with the flexibility of welcoming up to 225 people. The buildings stand individually and are connected by a seamless boardwalk allowing for multiple groups to meet simultaneously.
The boardwalk features built-in amphitheater seating, which multi-functions as gathering spaces or outdoor classroom spaces. Installed sensor lighting enhances the setting for evening functions.
The Bunkhouse
Conservation
Hall
Triple C
Meeting Room
Sweetbay Porch
Longleaf Porch
Loblolly
Classroom & Lab
Virtual Tour
For educational groups, faith-based retreats, or corporate gatherings, the new Bunkhouse on the Learning Campus provides comfortable sleeping quarters for guests. Groups can organize, relax, and plan their Gulf State Park activities in the Bunkhouse common building which features comfortable sitting areas and spacious meeting spaces.
Additionally, the Bunkhouse has two sleeping cabins capable of housing up to 64 people. Each sleeping cabin is comprised of 32 beds (16 bunk beds), in addition to four individual bathrooms, four individual showers, and complimentary laundry facilities.
There is also a residential kitchen and dining area, so groups may prepare snacks or meals within their living quarters. The Bunkhouse provides convenient amenities, so visiting groups can meet, sleep, and eat comfortably while still staying on the park grounds.
Conservation Hall is a marvel of modern construction. Expansive glass walls surround the hall for open visibility of the mature forest setting. The property is LEED-certified (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and engineered for energy efficiency and minimal environmental impact.
The stunning glass walls within Conservation Hall invite nature to join the meeting in this vast open space framed with beautiful natural wood slat-walls and polished wood and beams finishing the inclined ceiling. An installed overhead projector and 10’x10’ screen support your visual presentations for up to 200 people. There is also an open foyer, hydration station, and restrooms to accommodate large groups.
The new hall is perfect for educational lectures or group events as well as those that include PowerPoint or video presentations.
This meeting space is ideal for gatherings for up to 24 people. The windows allow for natural light, and a connected office/snack prep area provides for an efficient workspace. Restrooms are included to create an all-encompassing space for the meeting attendees.
A screened porch with vaulted ceilings, large accent lights, fans, and (8) commercial picnic tables made from recycled material creates a rustic feel for this indoor meeting space accommodating up to 48 adults. A single solid wall provides a backdrop for presentations.
This four-sided screened porch offers the most natural setting with large accent lights, fans, and five commercial picnic tables made from recycled material accommodating up to 30 adults.
An air-conditioned classroom seating up to 18 allows students to interact with the educator as well as hands-on, immersive learning in the adjoining laboratory. The lab includes technical equipment such as a chemical fume hood, an emergency shower, and eyewash stations, as well as stainless sink and science tables. Connected to the lab is a porch with outdoor sinks and in-floor drain. This unique space takes learning to a higher level.
Lodging
- The Bunkhouse
- The Roost
- The Rookery
Classrooms
- Conservation Hall
- Loblolly Classroom & Lab
- Longleaf Porch
- Sweetbay Porch
- Triple C Meeting Room
Dining
- Woodside Restaurant
The Learning Campus contains a collection of buildings built on the sight of the original barracks for the Civilian Conservation Corps.
The campus offers six unique meeting rooms of varying sizes, with the flexibility of welcoming up to 200 people. The buildings stand individually and are connected by a seamless boardwalk allowing for multiple groups to meet simultaneously.
The boardwalk features built-in amphitheater seating, which multi-functions as gathering spaces or outdoor classroom spaces. Installed sensor lighting enhances the setting for evening functions.
For educational groups, religious retreats, or corporate gatherings, the new Bunkhouse on the Learning Campus provides comfortable sleeping quarters for visitors.
The Bunkhouse has two sleeping cabins capable of housing up to 64 people. Each sleeping cabin is comprised of 32 beds (16 bunk beds), in addition to four individual bathrooms, four individual showers, and complimentary laundry facilities.
There is also a large kitchen and dining area, so groups can plan to eat lunch or dinner within their living quarters.
Conservation Hall is a marvel of modern construction. Large glass walls surround the hall for easy visibility of the outdoor landscape. The property is LEED-certified (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and engineered to provide highly-efficient and cost-saving green construction.
The new hall is perfect for educational lectures or group events. The theater is ideal for powerpoint lectures or video presentations as well.
This meeting space is great for smaller gatherings for up to 24 people. The windows allow for natural light, and a connected office/snack prep area provides for an efficient workspace.
A screened porch with vaulted ceilings, large accent lights, fans, and (8) commercial picnic tables made from recycled material creates a rustic feel for this indoor meeting space accommodating up to 48 adults.
This four-sided screened porch offers the most natural setting with large accent lights, fans, and five commercial picnic tables made from recycled material accommodating up to 30 adults.
An air-conditioned classroom seating up to 18 allows students to interact with the educator as well as hands-on, immersive learning in the adjoining laboratory. The lab includes technical equipment such as a chemical fume hood, an emergency shower, and eyewash stations, as well as stainless sink and science tables.
Lodging
- The Bunkhouse
- The Roost
- The Rookery
Classrooms
- Conservation Hall
- Loblolly Classroom & Lab
- Longleaf Porch
- Sweetbay Porch
- Triple C Meeting Room
Dining
- Woodside Restaurant
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.
Woodside Restaurant, located steps away from the Learning Campus, provides a friendly and casual dining experience. Your group can enjoy an air-conditioned dining room, screened porch, or dine beneath the pines at one of the picnic tables on the deck. If you want to stay on campus or hit the trails to explore the park or beach, picnic meals can be arranged to go.
The restaurant is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Dogs are allowed in our pet-friendly outdoor seating. Food, beer, and wine are available for visitors to enjoy. View the Woodside Restaurant menu to see the variety of delicious cuisine the facility has to offer.
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
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.
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.
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.
Woodside Restaurant, located steps away from the Learning Campus, provides a friendly and casual dining experience. Your group can enjoy an air-conditioned dining room, screened porch, or dine beneath the pines at one of the picnic tables on the deck.
The restaurant is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Dogs are allowed in our pet-friendly outdoor seating. View the Woodside Restaurant menu to see the variety of delicious cuisine the facility has to offer.
Let’s dive deeper into some of the most popular attractions at Gulf State Park and the surrounding area to help plan your trip!
Outdoor
Activities
Gulf State Park
Pier
Hugh S. Branyon
Backcountry Trail
Fort Morgan
Bon Secour National
Wildlife Refuge
Alabama Gulf
Coast Zoo
As mentioned earlier, visitors can explore three different freshwater lakes at the 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 or at the tackle shop at the Gulf State Park Pier.
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.
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.
Explore Alabama’s last remaining undisturbed coastal barrier habitats. Established in 1980 by Congress, the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge protects neotropical migratory songbirds and endangered species. The land is crucial for migratory birds to rest and to build mass for future migrations.
It also protects endangered species that inhabit beach dunes and scrub habitats, such as the Alabama beach mouse and Kemp's Ridley sea turtles.
Visit the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, in a brand new location just a few miles from the park. Voted the "#1 Zoo in Alabama" for two years in a row, visitors can check out more than 600 different animals, 199 sub-species, and 22 endangered species. See Bengal tigers, black leopards, and other animals, along with a variety of exhibits. Animal Encounter exhibits allow visitors to touch, hold, feed and engage with friendly animals.
As mentioned earlier, visitors can explore three different freshwater lakes at the park. Bring your own or rent kayaks and paddleboards to explore the water and wildlife.
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 rent fishing gear at the indoor retail shop along with tackle and souvenirs.
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.
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.
Fort Morgan is located west of the park, and it is one of the most popular Civil War exhibits.
Explore a variety of outdoor activities at Fort Morgan and visit the grounds for a historical, educational experience.
Explore Alabama’s last remaining undisturbed coastal barrier habitats. Established in 1980 by Congress, the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge protects neotropical migratory songbirds and endangered species. The land is crucial for migratory birds to rest and to build mass for future migrations.
Visit the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, in a brand new location just a few miles from the park. Voted the "#1 Zoo in Alabama" for two years in a row, visitors can check out more than 600 different animals, 199 sub-species, and 22 endangered species.
