April 27, 2025

New Eco-Center in Gulf Shores Opens

By Dale Hines
Blue RAM Media

April 27, 2025

GULF SHORES, Ala.

A beautiful new outdoor facility in Gulf Shores had a ribbon cutting on Friday last week and is officially open to residents and tourists.

The new eco-center is located near Gulf State Park.

This educational space will highlight the Gulf Coast outdoors and be a place of learning for local students and visitors.
When the concept was first announced, it was envisioned as an open classroom, camping area, and a place where people could learn about the wetlands, waters, and lands surrounding the beach community.

The Director of the Gulf Coast Center for Eco-Tourism and Sustainability Travis Langen said that the eco-center is on the back-country trail in Gulf State Park. Folks will be allowed to bike on in, grab some cold water, use the restrooms, and maybe sign up for a class with their family. We will be doing programs for tourists, and for snowbirds as well Langen stated.

The center was paid for using funds from the Restore Act following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill back in 2010.

Langen also stated that this is just the first phase and that future expansion is already planned that could include expanded gardens, composting classrooms, nurseries, and greenhouses.