Took 5 and 6 year olds, loved the nature walks and seeing marine creatures up close. Great views of Fish River, Weeks Bay, easy drive from the beach.
Many native plants, clearly labeled so you know what you are looking at (horticultural name too). Stopped at the Pitcher Plant Bog, but being winter, the plants were sleeping. Interesting displays at the nature center.
We were interested in the wildlife around the area of Gulf Shores. We got to the Weeks Estuary early one morning. The welcome center has many displays which children would love. There is a mile Boardwalk loop. The trees are labelled which I loved. The bay view is sensational. Across the road there is a walk around a bog with hundred of pitcher plants. It is free and well maintained. Near by there is Fairhope which is a lovely attraction on its own.
The park closes early, and the trails are not very well maintained--buggy, grass is tall, and it's screaming snake/gator country for anyone walking by themselves. We expected a boardwalk, pavement, or something other than what we saw.
We were told to go there to see about getting a fishing trip from the locals. It was clean but not inviting. The road ended there and it didn't want me want to stay.
I have had the opportunity over the last few years to work with the staff at WBR teaching environmental education to local school groups. It is a great and close field trip for young and old. I'm still learning about all the plants and animals that call Weeks Bay, an estuary surrounded by wetlands... home.
I love the pitcher plant bog trail, the Nature Center, and the boardwalk that leaves from the Nature Center. It's a great place to take visitors to the area to see natural, coastal habitat. I love it. It's good for all ages, anyone who wants to get out and see something besides beaches and battleships! All the walks are on sturdy, fairly flat boardwalks. We took my nephew, who is wheelchair-bound, out to the gazebo at the end of the nature center trail and he loved it. None of the trails are more than a mile, I don't think.
This is a great destination to see more of Baldwin County and to understand the eco system that supports the area.
Hit the nature center, launch a boat at the mouth of the bay, visit the protected bog, watch the sun set. Eastern Shore at its best.
If in the area, a must see. The ecology is explained in exhibits and narratives, along with some history. There is a raised walkway. Vegetation is labeled. It ends at the Bay which is a beautiful view.