If history and artifacts intrigue you, take a break from the sun for an hour or two and visit the Gulf Shores Museum on 19th Avenue, or just stop in on a rainy day. The museum makes its home in a house that was built before WWII and was donated by the Cole family. Admission is free and the museum's hours are Tuesday - Friday from 10am - 5pm, and Saturdays from 10am - 2pm. It's an easy drive from our Gulf Shores condos and Orange Beach rentals.
The Gulf Shores Museum is dedicated to portraying the area's history and way of life through the preservation of artifacts and showing videos. The Gulf Shores area was always a fishing community, and the people have survived several hurricanes. They continue to persevere and come back stronger each time with the help and persistence of the locals, as well as some dedicated snowbirds. Visitors to the museum can see videos about hurricanes and browse exhibits that feature gear and equipment for fishing in the lagoon and on the Gulf Coast.
Exhibits
Exhibits at the Gulf Shores Museum chronicle life in Gulf Shores over the years and how it has changed. Permanent exhibits include: Portrait of a Fishing Village, Drawing a Line in the Sand, and Hurricanes: What You Need to Know. The first two exhibits cover the lives of settlers on the lagoon and the evolution of the town while the latter educates visitors on the origination of hurricanes, the disasters they create, and how to rebuild afterwards. The hurricane exhibit includes an interactive display where the viewer can fly through the eye of a hurricane. There are also other rotating exhibits, so contact the museum for more information.
Butterfly Garden
The museum has a beautiful, butterfly-shaped garden in the back surrounded by tall trees and lush greenery. There is a 40-foot ship mast that was built in 1940 from a giant Louisiana pine on display in the garden that was donated by Nelson's Boat Yard. There is also a church steeple on display that was donated by the Oyster Bay Baptist Church when it was remodeled to watch over the garden.
Gulf Shores Museum
244 W. 19th Avenue
Gulf Shores, AL
251-968-1473
Visit the Gulf Shores Museum when you stay at one of our Gulf Shores rentals or Orange Beach condos. Contact us today to book your stay!