Gulf State Park

History

The park's facilities, including cabins and a casino, were built in the 1930s by members of the Civilian Conservation Corps working under the auspices of the Federal government. The park opened in 1939 after ownership of the property was transferred to the state.

After weathering multiple hurricanes, the park was devastated by Hurricane Ivan in 2004. Major projects undertaken in the wake of the storm saw the construction of a 1540 ft Gulf of Mexico fishing pier that provides 2,448 feet of fishing space, a 5,000-square-foot swimming pool and splash pad, an interactive nature center, a beach pavilion, and renovation of the campground.

The park's concessionaire-operated zip-line course was closed in 2016. The park's 18-hole golf course was closed permanently in 2018. The fishing pier suffered major damage from Hurricane Sally in 2020; the pier was reopened in August 2024.

;Lodge In 2014, the state announced plans to spend $85 million to further renovate the park. The plans included a $56 million lodge and meeting space to replace the lodge destroyed by Hurricane Ivan. The plans were criticized on grounds that money for the project would come from Deepwater Horizon recovery funds which, critics say, should be used for continued cleanup and improvement of the coastal areas. In October 2014, a lawsuit was filed by the Gulf Restoration Network to block use of the funds for the construction of the lodge. State officials said critics misunderstand the plans. The new facility, called The Lodge at Gulf State Park, opened in 2018.

Awards

In 2020, Gulf State Park was one of eleven Alabama state parks awarded Tripadvisor’s Traveler’s Choice Award, which recognizes businesses and attractions that earn consistently high user reviews. The park has been inducted into the TripAdvisor Hall of Fame for winning its Certificate of Excellence five years in a row.

Activities and amenities

The park includes 2.5 mi of white sand beaches, a modern campground, and nature trails, both fresh and saltwater fishing and swimming, a lodge and cottages plus campsites for both RVs and tents.

References

References

1. {{cite gnis. 153402. Shelby Lakes
2. "Gulf State Park". Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
3. Ress, Thomas V.. (July 18, 2023). "Gulf State Park". Alabama Humanities Foundation.
4. (September 3, 2020). "Trip Advisor Awards 2020". Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
5. "A Long Local History". Eagle Cottages at Gulf State Park.
6. "Hiking and Biking Trails". Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
7. "Pier". Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
8. "RV and Primitive Campground". Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
9. (November 15, 2018). "Dec. 2 is last day for Gulf State Park golf course". AL.com.
10. "State decision drops Gulf State Park zipline operator into free-fall". AL.com.
11. Anderson, Mark D.. (February 6, 2015). "Gulf Shores determined to keep beaches clean through proposed litter ordinance, enforcement". AL.com.
12. Pillion, Dennis. (March 20, 2015). "'Misunderstood' Gulf State Park project on track for 2018 completion, executive director says". AL.com.
13. Pillion, Dennis. (October 24, 2014). "Gulf State Park convention center challenged in lawsuit; Group calls project 'shocking misuse of restoration funds". AL.com.
14. Moseley, Brandon. (November 12, 2018). "The Lodge at Gulf State Park opens on schedule". Alabama Political Reporter.