The Mobile River Delta
by PA2AKgirl
The Mobile and Tensaw Rivers (and the other rivers that run into them)making the Delta hold some sort of mystery (at least to me.) Part of this is because there is little easy public access in the area where they come together so it seems so wild. Another reason is because you may recall the Amtrak distaster in the early 90s when a barge hit a bridge and the train plunged into the bayou near Saraland (a town close to Mobile) At this point, I learned the Mobile River was perhaps the most alligator "infested" (their words) river in the nation. Imagine people waiting to be rescued from that!
Anyway, it's a very signficant and important area home to a large percentage of Alabama's wildlife. If you're driving through the state heading to Mobile, you'll pass through the area that makes up the watershed and Delta. I came across this article that explains the area a bit better than I can...but backs me up when I say this is something worth mentioning.
"The Mobile-Tensaw River Delta is the second largest river delta in the U.S., second only to the Mississippi River Delta. It is characterized by many distributary rivers, streams, bayous and creeks which form a maze of waterways. The Delta is formed by the confluence of the Alabama and Tombigbee Rivers which combine to form the Mobile River, which in turn divides into several major distributaries: the Tensaw, Appalachee and Blakeley Rivers. The Delta itself covers over 400 square miles or 300,000 acres of swamps, marshes, and river bottomlands that are among the most impressive in the world, so impressive that Congress recently named the Delta a National Natural Landmark.... the Mobile River Drainage Basin is one of the largest in the world... through ten different physiographic regions (including Alabama’s Cumberland Plateau, Valley and Ridge formation, Piedmont Uplands, and Coastal Plain.) " From the Alabama Wildlife Federation Website
Magical Wonderland
by keeweechic
The Halloween stuff was also out at the time we visited so no doubt other festivities throughout the year are also supported there.
Open 10:00 am - 6:00 pm, M-F; 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm Sat and Open Sundays from Oct to Dec. Free admission.
Battle ship Memorial Park
by SeaBreezeUSA
Battle ship Memorial Park
Battleship Memorial Park is located just east of Mobile on Battleship Parkway, off Interstate 10. Seeing this huge monster from the past, one can not appreciate it size and beauty until viewed up close and after you have finished the tour. I served my tour of duty on a US aircraft carrier, but after seeing this ship, I can appreciate what these men went through in defending my country even more. This is one exhibit that must not be passed up. I know the kids would love it, exploring all the cubby holes and climbing up and down the ship. It was truly a fascinating adventure for me.
See my travelogue for more information and pictures.
Mobile Botanical Gardens
by PA2AKgirl
By the Mobile Museum of Art, it's an excellent idea to continue onto the Botanical Gardens after you check out the museum (or just do it on its own) They are excellent (in my opinion) with over 100 acres that you can just walk around on your own and enjoy. What I like about this particular one is that they have rare species of locally known plants like magnolias, azaleas and camellias and roses as well as a japanese garden and herbs. VERY well laid out, relaxing and of course, pretty.
They are open the WHOLE year and best of all...they are FREE!! Why would you NOT go?
Another good museum
by PA2AKgirl
The Museum of Mobile is located downtown near Fort Conde (which is one of the museum sites) But the building the actual museum is located in is beautiful. Inside, they have a good variety of exhibits including the Civil War from Mobile's eyes, the journey of the African Americans coming to the deep south, the first Americans view of Mobile, and even Hurricane. ALSO, my favorite (as in all museums) is the discovery room with the interactive exhibits. FUN!!!