Learning Campus at Gulf State Park

09/07/2026

Happy Labor Day from our team to yours! Today, we celebrate the people whose work powers every community.

09/05/2026

Our coastal classroom is always a favorite! Reach out to us to plan your next program there: [email protected]

There's an unusual building sitting beside the beach at Gulf State Park.

At first glance, you might walk right past it.

But the Interpretive Center at Gulf State Park is designed to demonstrate what coastal development can look like when sustainability is treated as part of the building itself.

The open-air center sits beside the Gulf State Park Beach Pavilion at 22250-A East Beach Boulevard.

Inside, visitors can learn about the park's nine different ecosystems through interactive exhibits.

But the building itself is part of the exhibit.

Alabama State Parks describes it as one of the state's most environmentally friendly buildings, designed around extremely demanding sustainability standards.

Among its most interesting features is the ability to produce its own electricity and collect and manage water as part of its sustainable design.

That's particularly appropriate here.

Because Gulf State Park sits in one of Alabama's most environmentally sensitive and heavily visited places.

Millions of people want access to the coast.

Wildlife needs it too.

The Interpretive Center asks a pretty important question:

How do we enjoy places like Gulf Shores without destroying the very things that made us want to visit?

You can learn about dunes, lakes, forests and wetlands here and then walk outside and actually see those ecosystems around you.

That's a classroom with a pretty spectacular backyard.

09/03/2026

Create art with a purpose!
Play a role in Alabama’s Oyster Shell Recycling Program with an Oyster Shell Decoupage! Transform a recycled oyster shell into a useful keepsake while learning about these sea creatures and how you can support their conservation.
This easy craft gives oyster shells a second life, keeping them out of the landfill and helping support our coastal environment. Plus, you’ll get to adopt your very own personalized shell!

Click here to learn more & register: https://www.hisawyer.com/learning-campus-at-gulf-state-park/schedules?schedule_id=camps

Ages 5 - 105 welcome!

09/01/2026

WOW!

Alabama's Oyster Shell Recycling program is very close to collecting 31 million shells and we thank all of our participating restaurants!! To discover which of your favorite places are on the list, please visit: https://www.joinacf.org/oyster-shell-recycling-program

09/01/2026

Last week, we co-hosted an amazing Wellness and Healing Retreat with Contenu, an organization dedicated to serving individuals, families, and healthcare professionals who deal with serious illness.
Our education team led Oyster Shell Decoupage, Ancient Pottery, and Organic Gardening. Our other meeting spaces were filled with Yoga, Drumming, and Expressive Arts.
It was our pleasure to join them in their mission of creating a space of comfort and support.
We can’t wait to participate alongside them again next year!

08/31/2026

Curious about the sea turtles that nest on Alabama’s coast?
Check out Sea Turtle Talks at The Lodge at Gulf State Park to learn about these incredible marine reptiles and the challenges they face. Discover answers to questions like:

🐢How many species of sea turtles can be found in the Gulf?
🐢How many hatchlings can emerge from a single nest?
🐢What can you do to help protect nesting sea turtles?

Bring all your questions and stay for the Q&A session.

08/26/2026

visit learningcampusgsp.com/calendar to plan your next program at the Interpretive Center!

08/11/2026

SO EXCITED!

We’re excited to partner with Learning Campus at Gulf State Park to offer monthly Homeschool Days designed especially for your youngest learners, ages 2–5!

Spots are limited for each session, so don’t miss out!

Upcoming Homeschool Days:
• Sept. 4: Fossils & Prehistoric Life - https://tinyurl.com/mrxysk3t
• Oct. 2: Strange Plants - https://tinyurl.com/yc82vccd
• Nov. 6: Interesting Insects - https://tinyurl.com/hb9rpv55

Have an older student? Be sure to check out the Learning Campus class options for students ages 5–18. https://tinyurl.com/4d74wm4t

Come learn, explore, and discover with us. We can’t wait to see you there!

08/10/2026

Beat the heat without losing your beach view! Enjoy an indoor exploration of the weird world of unique gulf creatures-
WHAT? Jellyfish of the Gulf
WHEN? Thursday, August 13, 1:00-2:00PM
WHERE? The Interpretive Center's coastal classroom (free parking passes will be provided for all attendees!)

For more info about public programs, visit learningcampusgsp.com/calendar

08/08/2026

It's the moment we've all been waiting for!

Registration for our 2026 Fall semester Homeschool Day sessions is now OPEN! This year we are featuring NEW classes for our youngest learners: students ages 2-5/Pre-K.

Register your students here...
Middle & High School level curriculum sessions for ages 9+: https://www.hisawyer.com/learning-campus-at-gulf-state-park/schedules?schedule_id=camps

Elementary level curriculum sessions for ages 5-11: https://www.hisawyer.com/learning-campus-at-gulf-state-park/schedules?schedule_id=camps

Pre-K sessions for ages 2-5: https://www.alapark.com/parks/gulf-state-park/park-events-and-programs