Mobile Bay Attractions
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At the south-west entrance to Mobile Bay lies the Dauphin Island bird sanctuary with Fort Gaines, which played a part in the Civil War. From there visitors can take a ferry to the western point of Pleasure Island with Fort Morgan. In the south-eastern corner of the bay are the fine bathing beaches of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.
Fairhope, Alabama
Fairhope is located high on the bluffs of the Eastern Shore of Mobile Bay. The town was founded in 1894 by several families who adopted the Single Tax System, which means the tenants own the improvements and the Single Tax Colony pays the tax.Fairhope is ideal for outdoor activities such as biking, golfing, tennis and fishing off the Fairhope Pier. Fairhope is the place to be for seafood lovers to enjoy a phenomenon in which marine life head for shore and become part of a huge seafood feast.
Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
The Weeks Bay Reserve near Fairhope is a diverse habitat with a variety of fish, crustaceans and shellfish. This living laboratory educates visitors about estuaries, and the coastal areas where rivers meet the sea. Guided walks or self-guided tours can be enjoyed on the elevated boardwalks as well as over two miles of ground trails.The interpretive center allows visitors to learn about regional plants and local animals.
Marietta Johnson Museum
Marietta Johnson started her own experimental school in Fairhope, the School of Organic Education in 1907. She was a revolutionary educator and her ideals carry on today. The museum features books, literature, artifacts, photographs and videotapes that trace the history of the school.
Eastern Shore Art Center
The Eastern Shore Art Center in Fairhope is home to three galleries that display contemporary works including paintings, photographs, sculpture, pottery, baskets and canvas art.
Dauphin Island, Alabama
Dauphin Island was originally settled in the early 1700s due to its abundant timber, fresh water, and great harbor. However over the next century the island changed hands between France, Great Britain and Spain when it was realized that it was an ideal defense post.Today the island is an Audubon bird sanctuary with walking trails open to the public and it has become known as an important site for bird migration.The freshwater lake offers many recreational opportunities such as swimming, fishing and relaxing on the beaches.
Dauphin Island Sea Lab
The Dauphin Island Sea Lab promotes education of the general public through the public aquarium. The four key habitats of coastal Alabama are highlighted in the Estuarium: the Mobile Tensaw River Delta, Mobile Bay, the Barrier Islands and the Northern Gulf of Mexico. Interactive exhibits showcase the plants, animals, and other natural resources along with an interactive boat exhibit and a real time Weather Station.
Fort Gaines Historic Site
Fort Gaines is located on Dauphin Island, a location that changed control from France to Great Britain and then to Spain eventually stopping with the United States seizing control in 1813. Fort Gaines was completed in 1861 and played a major role in the Battle of Mobile Bay.The fort was used in WW I was an artillery garrison and in WW II as a US Coast Guard station.
