Baldwin County is located in southwestern Alabama and is the only county in the state that borders the Gulf of Mexico. Its population is about 231,767 and its county seat is Bay Minette. It has many interesting sites to visit. You can find alligators, gator farms, and a railroad museum.
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge
If you’re looking for a unique place to visit in Baldwin, Alabama, you may want to check out Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge. This 7,157-acre national wildlife refuge is located west of Gulf Shores on the Fort Morgan Peninsula.
This national wildlife refuge is one of the most popular places to visit in Baldwin. With its undeveloped acreage, this area is ideal for birdwatching and nature lovers. The refuge is home to 360 species of birds, including migratory birds. From here, you can also catch a glimpse of Mexico, Central America, and lower Florida.
You can explore the refuge’s five units with the help of a map. The trails are easy to follow and well-maintained. There’s also a wheelchair-accessible boardwalk, which you can follow parallel to the Little Lagoon. This man-made inlet is eight miles long and connects to the Gulf of Mexico.
Another popular attraction is the Pine Beach Trail, which is home to many types of habitats. The most exciting time to see birds is during migration. The trail is about two miles long and features many species. At the trailhead, you’ll find a kiosk with a trail map and bird lists.
The Pine Beach trailhead has an interpretive kiosk. From there, you can hike for two miles each way. You’ll pass Little Lagoon and Gator Lake as you walk through diverse habitat. Another favorite is Cliff’s Landing, located south of I-65. This is a great place to watch raptors, including kites and vultures. If you’re in the area in the early morning, the light is ideal for viewing these creatures.
There are many opportunities to learn about and help the wildlife that lives in these unique ecosystems. Many national wildlife refuges partner with local landowners, volunteers, and youth groups.
Alligator Alley
If you’re a fan of wildlife, you’ll want to check out Alligator Alley. You’ll get a close up view of alligators and other wildlife from the elevated boardwalk. There’s also a museum and gift shop. Alligator Alley is a great place to spend an afternoon or evening. It’s not just a place to see alligators; you can also see birds and other wildlife that call the swamp home.
The gators at Alligator Alley have been brought from dangerous places to be rescued and are living in their natural habitat. There are feeding times three times a day by trained experts and these feedings are a highlight of the park.
You can see over 450 alligators in one location. The Alley also features a raised viewing platform so that guests can see the gators in a natural setting. Other animals you can see include owls, turtles, bullfrogs, and ospreys. And, if you’re feeling brave, you can get up close to some of the baby alligators.
Alligator Alley also features the world’s largest gator, Captain Crunch. At thirteen feet long, this gator holds a world record for bite strength. The Alley also houses dozens of snakes, turtles, tortoises, and other reptiles. The attraction also allows visitors to feed the gators and touch baby gators.
If you’re planning a vacation in Baldwin Alabama, you might want to check out Alligator Alley. It’s a local alligator farm that’s popular during the summer months. Visitors will be amazed by the hundreds of alligators – 200 of them are adults, while the rest are offspring. The majority of the gators at Alligator Alley were rescued.
Foley Art Centre
If you are looking for some culture, one of the best places to visit in Baldwin is the Foley Art Centre. It features works by artists from all over the Southeast. You can also visit the Foley Heritage Museum. This 20,000-square-foot museum is home to a blacksmith shop, a historic house, and six large exhibit rooms. Visitors will enjoy viewing artifacts and historical items that show life in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. There is also a haunted forest and historical wedding dresses on display.
Foley Art Centre has been operating in Foley since 1966 and offers cultural programs for the community and schools. It is a nonprofit art gallery that also showcases local artists. The Foley Performing Arts Association first gathered here in the 19th century. Various types of art are displayed in Foley Art Canter, making it a great place to shop for handmade gifts.
Foley also has a medical museum that tells the story of the area’s medical pioneers. The museum features original medical artifacts and medical tools from the early twentieth century. The museum is an educational center that is free to enter. It is a great place to see some history, and if you are interested in learning more about medicine, this museum is the place for you.
Foley is also home to several free activities, including swimming in the Gulf, hiking, and painting. The city also offers several restaurants, stores, and historic sites. The scenery is beautiful, and the prices for hotels are affordable.
Alabama Railroad Museum
The Alabama Railroad Museum is one of the most popular places to visit in Baldwin, Alabama. It features a giant model railroad, real train cars, and other exhibits. The museum is free to enter. The museum also has a free large remote-controlled train.
The museum is located in a historic railroad depot. The Louisville and Nashville Railroad was an important part of Baldwin County’s development. The museum is open Wednesday through Saturday, with special tours available. Admission to the museum is free, and tours are available by appointment.
The Alabama Railroad Museum was founded in 1966. The museum is home to a large collection of American Locomotive lineage. It doesn’t charge admission, and there are about 100 volunteer workers who run the museum. The museum also offers a 10-mile excursion through Tennessee. Special events take place throughout the year.
Visitors can also experience the history of Baldwin County by visiting the Old Methodist Church Museum. This building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is the second oldest church building in Baldwin County. It is adjacent to the Daphne United Methodist Cemetery, which had the earliest recorded burial in 1847. The museum features a permanent display of period clothing and arts and crafts. There is also a silver-dollar bell, original pews, and an old chandelier converted to electric. Tours are available by reservation.
The Alabama Railroad Museum is a unique place to learn about railroad history. Founded in 1830, the Tuscumbia Railway started out as a horse-powered operation. The museum also features a variety of other historic equipment, including passenger cars, freight trucks, and locomotives. The museum is open to the public, and volunteers work long hours in all kinds of weather.
Gulf State Park Pier
The pier at Gulf State Park is one of the most popular places in Baldwin Alabama for fishing. With its wide, long pier, it is a popular spot for those looking to snag a catch. Aside from fishing, the pier is also a popular attraction for families.
This pier offers fishing lessons, Segway tours, and other activities. There is also a concession stand and restrooms. The pier is handicapped accessible, so people with limited mobility can also enjoy it. This place is an excellent choice for families, because it offers something for everyone.
Gulf State Park Pier is located on the shore of the Gulf of Mexico. It is a prime fishing location and is also home to Bywater Beachside Bar. During the summer, the pier hosts the Angler Academy, which allows visitors to learn the art of saltwater fishing. The state park staff also organizes a shark week, which includes educational displays, hands-on crafts, and shark dissections.
In addition to fishing, Gulf State Park Pier is a great place to see seabirds. During the winter months, there are many rafts of bay ducks offshore. You can also spot the Northern Gannet here. The pier is 1540 feet long and 41,800 square feet, and has a wheelchair-accessible concession area.
If you’re looking for a place to relax and enjoy outdoor activities, this is the place for you. Its mild climate makes it a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
