Part two in a multi-part series on historical, cultural, and natural points of interest in Baldwin County.

Visitors to Baldwin County often remark at the natural beauty of the miles of white sandy beaches and the laid back atmosphere of the region that can rejuvenate almost anyone who experiences it.

Uniquely, Baldwin County also offers a stimulating historical experience for those wishing to learn more about the local culture. Long considered as one of the richest cultural regions in Alabama — or the entire Southeast, for that matter — Baldwin County offers the history enthusiast a wonderful opportunity to explore.  In addition, for those wishing to leave the beach area for a day or longer, the attractions, both historical and natural, in central and northern Baldwin County abound with opportunity.

Blakeley State Park

Historic Blakeley State Park offers opportunities to tour a preserved Civil War battlefield, visit the site of one of the oldest towns in the state, and learn about the plants and animals that inhabit Mobile Bay and the Mobile/Tensaw River Delta.  Visitors can examine more than five miles of Confederate and Union breastworks within the Park that mark the site of the last major battle of the American Civil War. Just a few short hours after Robert E. Lee surrendered at Appomattox Courthouse, Va., some 26,000 Union and Confederate troops fought one last heated battle that tested the bravery of all and ended the lives of many on both sides.

In addition, one can relive the beginning of Baldwin County’s heritage at the Blakeley town site in the park. While there were hotels, stores and churches serving about 4,000 people in the 1820s, the site has since been reclaimed by nature and is home to majestic oaks that line what were once busy streets.

Beyond the historical attractions, Blakeley State Park offers the opportunity to camp and explore nature. Campers can enjoy both primitive camping and a fist-class RV site with modern conveniences. As a compliment, visitors can walk the nature trails and can enjoy the available river delta tours via the Delta Explorer. Historic Blakeley State Park is located at 34745 State Hwy. 225, north of Spanish Fort. For more information concerning park hours and costs please call 251-626-0798 or email BlakeleyPark@aol.com.

Five Rivers Delta

The Five Rivers Delta Resource Center, located on the Causeway in Spanish Fort, is an 81-acre facility that offers visitors wonderful opportunities to examine Baldwin County’s waterways and wildlife. 

The complex is open to the casual nature lover who appreciates the quiet time found along a pristine walking trail as well as the enthusiastic grade school student who is anxious to see and feel all that the delta has to offer.

On site, the 4,000-square-foot exhibit hall presents information on the plant and animal life, both past and present, that range throughout the delta. With an exceptional collection of photographs and taxidermy specimens, the myriad displays present an interactive approach that affords both young and old a glimpse into the ecosystem of the Mobile/Tensaw Delta.

The Tensaw Theater, a 90-seat wide-screen facility, allows features to be shown on a regular basis. The Five Rivers’ staff routinely offers documentaries that are of interest to the entire family and focus on the local wildlife.

The waterways of the delta and bay are accessible to visitors from the Five Rivers site as well. At the Bartram Landing, kayakers can launch for free, and guided tours are also available. Daily excursions on the “Pelican” bring to life the delta estuary.

The Five Rivers Center is open Monday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is located at 30945 Fiver Rivers Boulevard in Spanish Fort. For more detailed information call 251-625-0814.