Activities and Events > Attractions and Adventure > Weeks Bay Reserve
11300 U.S. Highway 98
Fairhope, Alabama 36532
(251) 928-9792
Learn about the plants, trees, flowers, birds, and wildlife among the thousands of acres of forests, wetlands, and marshes at the Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in Fairhope, Alabama. Free to the public, this protected estuary features an educational visitors center, boardwalk, and self-guided nature trail, encircling the Reserve. The visitors center is open Monday through Saturday, while the boardwalk can be accessed any day of the week.
Read about the history of Weeks Bay, as well as environmental concerns inside the visitors center. Guests can view educational exhibits, specimen collections of local flora and fauna, and live animals native to the Alabama coastal shorelines including snakes, fish, hermit crabs, and a baby alligator.
The boardwalk is wheelchair accessible and mostly shaded by the overhang of large trees. Make your way through the marshes to the observation platform for spectacular views of Weeks Bay. This covered deck is the ideal spot for bird watching, wildlife viewing, or resting.
Take the Weeks Bay Reserve Nature Trail for even more exploration and wildlife viewing opportunities. For hikers, this is considered an easy dirt trail that is roughly three quarters of a mile long, making it a great family friendly activity. Tree and plant markers set up along the way allow visitors to learn about the different species growing throughout the Reserve.
While there isn’t a covered picnic area at Weeks Bay Reserve, there are several picnic tables set up under the canopy of trees providing plenty of shade. Weather permitting, this is a fantastic spot for a picnic lunch. The picnic tables are available on a first come first serve basis.
Just west of the Weeks Bay Reserve is the Arthur C. “Skipper” Tonsmeire Weeks Bay Resource Center. This part of the Reserve sits at the opening of Fish River and features a pavilion, boardwalk, pier, and picnic tables. While the resource center rooms are not available for public use, visitors may take in the beautiful sights of Fish River from the pavilion, boardwalk, or pier.
Wave to the passing boats ready to launch on an adventure or view the wildlife and birds up close from the tower binoculars on the deck. Take in the trails or make a quick stop to the visitors center. Whatever you decide, a visit to the Weeks Bay Reserve makes our list of best outdoor things to do in Fairhope.
Fairhoper’s Travel Tip – The Weeks Bay Reserve does not sell food or drinks so be sure to pack plenty of water, especially on a warm summer day. The Reserve is a popular field trip spot for schools throughout Baldwin County so it is a good idea to call ahead if you are looking for a more quiet experience.
Also, don’t forget the bug spray. While different times of the year are worse than others, wet, marshy areas are known for attracting mosquitoes and that is a quick way for your nature walk to become quite unpleasant.
The Weeks Bay Visitor Center, boardwalk, and trails are located at 11300 U.S. Highway 98 in Fairhope, Alabama. Conveniently positioned in between Foley, Alabama and Fairhope, Alabama, this is a favorite travel spot for guests of both the bay and the beach. When traveling from Fairhope, Alabama, the entrance to the Weeks Bay Visitor Center will be on your right hand side. If you make it to the Fish River Bridge, you have gone too far.
There is a designated parking area at the Reserve that is available on a first come first serve basis.
Alternatively, the Weeks Bay Resource Center is located at the mouth of Fish River and parking can be found underneath the Fish River Bridge.
The Weeks Bay Reserve Visitor Center is a frequented spot for field trips and other learning groups. The Tonsmeire Weeks Bay Resource Center houses meetings and community workshops for the area, but the rooms are not available for unscheduled or visitor use.
In addition, the Weeks Bay Foundation hosts its annual fundraiser, the Bald Eagle Bash at the Tonsmeire Weeks Bay Resource Center on Fish River. Over 1,000 guests come out to enjoy food, music, and fun from local vendors across Baldwin County. Revenues from ticket sales provide educational and outreach programs as well as preservation to the land, water, and environment that the Foundation governs.
Tickets typically go on sale in February and the event generally takes place in late April or early May. All food and beverages are included in the price of the ticket. Advance tickets are slightly cheaper, but tickets can be purchased at the gate. Children under 10 are free so this is a great event for the whole family!
Pets are not permissible at the event with the exception of designated service animals. Seating is available, but guests are able to bring their own chairs and blankets if they would prefer.
Guests of the event will enjoy fresh Gulf shrimp prepared in a variety of ways by some of the best chefs in the area, as well as a delicious low country shrimp boil, and tasty desserts from local bakers. Previous restaurant participants include Cobalt, Dragonfly Foodbar, Ed’s Seafood Shed, Groovy Goat, Market by the Bay, Master Joe’s, Panini Pete’s, Southwood Kitchen, Squid Ink, Sunset Pointe, Warehouse Bakery and Donuts, Wok by d’Bay, and Tin Tins Rock n’ Roll Food Truck.
Beer and wine is available for guests over 21 years of age. In recent years, the Fairhope Brewing Company has created a special brew just for the event. The “Bald Eagle Blue” is a wheat beer created with an immense amount of blueberry puree. The perfect nod to a favorite summer activity, locals and visitors alike are known to fill up their buckets with sweet and plump blueberries found at the Weeks Bay Plantation.
A festival for every season. An attraction for every personality. A restaurant for every palate. There’s always a reason to visit Fairhope, Alabama. Check rates at local hotels, luxury resorts, charming bed and breakfasts, cozy cottages, and downtown vacation rentals to make your next vacation the best yet.