Question: Where can I find a site that will provide walking trails into the beautiful Audubon Bird Sanctuary, a private path to secluded gulf beaches, only a short walk to major attractions such as historic Fort Gaines and the Sea Lab Estuarium,  a 250-foot pier, ferry landing and boat launches with access to the Gulf of Mexico in five minutes ?

Answer: The Dauphin Island Campground!

Other amenities include: bathhouse, store, washer/ dryers, group pavilion with large bar-b-que grill, bike rental, playground, badminton, volley-ball, shuffleboard and horseshoes.

The Dauphin Island Sea Lab– Visit worlds underwater at the Estuarium, an aquarium at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab. This exciting educational facility features the unique local ecosystems of the Mobile Bay estuary: The Delta, Mobile Bay, the Barrier Islands and the Gulf of Mexico. The Estuarium explores the treasured beauty and scientific wonders of our native habitats with beautiful visual displays, aquariums and engaging interactive exhibits. The 10,000 square-foot Exhibit Hall is complemented with the Living Marsh Boardwalk. This outdoor exhibit

Dauphin Island Chamber of Commerce

Points of Interest

109 Bienville Blvd. Dauphin Island, Al.

251-861-2742

 just across from the Public Pier and Beach. . Food Beverage and Live Music

The Dauphin Island Campground

Historic Fort Gaines

From the mysterious swamps of the Delta to the sparkling

The Dauphin Island Audubon Bird Sanctuary

101 Bienville Blvd. Dauphin Island, Al.

251-861-3607

· More details...

The Dauphin Island Sea Lab

101 Bienville Blvd. Dauphin Island, Al.

251-861-7500  866-403-4409

· More details...

Dauphin Island is rich in history, dating back to around one thousand years B.C. , during which time the island is believed to have been discovered by Native American. Drawn from far by the endless supply of seafood found in the coastal waters, these early inhabitants left their mark on the north side of Dauphin Island by forming “mounds” of discarded clam and oyster shells, parts of which still exist and may be explored today. One large shell mound and several smaller ones in a serpentine formation exist on the north side of the island, located on Iberville Drive. Although somewhat of a mystery, the Indian Shell Mounds are similar to those of the Aztec and Mayan cultures, and are a lasting testament of the long-term Native American occupancy of Dauphin Island. According to legend, the first European to visit this area was Prince Madoc of Wales in 1171. The Island and Mobile Bay were mapped in 1519 by Alonzo Pineda. Over the next century or so, the Island was visited by different exploring nations, some of whom perhaps tried to settle here. When Pierre Le Moyne D’Iberville led French explorers to colonize here in

1699, they found numerous skeletons-perhaps the remains of a lost colony- and cried out in horror, “Ah! What a massacre!” They subsequently named the island “Massacre Island”. By 1707, he renamed his fort “Isle Dauphine” and the port to “Port Dauphin” The island remained a French possession until 1763, in spite of Spanish attacks, and became the capitol of the Louisiana territory. The British captured the island in 1766, only to be seized by the Spanish in 1780. American forces captured the island in 1813 in an effort to prevent the British from using it in the War of 1812. It was not until 1813 that Dauphin Island was truly American.

Rich In History

164 Acres of beautiful woodlands with miles of walking trails through pines, live oaks, magnolias, swamp and gulf beach. A 1,000-foot boardwalk (handicap accessible) leads from the parking lot to a wharf overlooking Galliard Lake with a breathtaking view. Egrets and herons hang out in the marshes and trees and an occasional alligator might be spotted sunning on the bank in the late afternoon. Dauphin Island is classified as a “Globally Important Bird Area” by the American Bird Conservancy, and is well known as one of the best places in the country to observe “neotropical migrants”-a term for those flying south each fall to the tropics, and north each spring to North America. Although it is well known that songbirds, hummingbirds and even butterflies also make these trips of thousands of miles.

Waters of the Gulf of Mexico, the Estuarium will take you on a journey of natural wonder and beauty. Exciting exhibits and interactive displays make science come alive at this spectacular facility, located

On Historic Mobile Bay.

has interpretive signage providing details about the natural history of the Alabama marshes, geography of the area and the evolution of barrier islands.

Bountiful Public Parks

Isle Dauphine Golf Club—-A beautiful 18-hole public course with fairways running along the shore, where tee time is anytime. 251-861-2433, 100 Orleans Drive.

Dauphin Island Fishing Pier—- Provided for the use of all by Dauphin Island Park and Beach Board. Jutting 850 feet into the gulf, with access to deep water fishing without setting foot on a boat!. A professional staff to give you some pointers in catching Redfish, King Mackerel, Flounder, Ling, Speckled and White Trout, Sheepshead, Crabs and Shark! Rods, bait, tackle, food and drinks are available. (Note: No alcohol is sold or allowed. ) 251-861-6972

Cadillac Square—-Beautiful old oak trees throughout this historic site of the home of first governor of Dauphin Island. East Bienville Boulevard.

Indian Shell Mound Park—-A prehistoric monument built by early native Indians. North Iberville Dr.

East End Park—-Three boat launches, 250-foot fishing pier and small dock. Across from Ft. Gaines.

Aloe Bay Landing Park—-Waterfront picnic tables. Desoto Avenue, next to the Pelican Pub.

Bayou Heron—-Picnic tables and small dock for fishing. West Cadillac Avenue and Penalver St.

Magnolia Park—-Pedestrian park between the ferry landing and the Estuarium. Picnic tables.

Isle Dauphine Golf Club

Located along the Gulf of Mexico on beautiful Dauphin Island, this scenic 18-hole public course features narrow fairways that meander among tall pines

Come Golf Along The Gulf!

100 Orleans Dr. P.O. Box. 39

 Dauphin Island, Al.  251-861-2433