Alabama’s Gulf Coast is the perfect location for a relaxing getaway, and there’s no better place to visit than Dauphin Island. In addition to Dauphin Island producing gorgeous sunsets, this coastal town also provides many great things to see and do. One of Dauphin Island’s best places to visit is Shell Mound Park. To find out what makes this park such a great place to visit, take a look:

Alabama’s Shell Mound Park, which covers 11 acres, is located on Dauphin Island’s north shore. It’s one of the most fascinating archaeological sites in the entire South.

flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM On August 14, 1973, Shell Mound Park was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

It’s believed that Shell Mound Park dates all the way back to 1100 - 1550 A.D. Until the 1830s, Indians roasted oysters at these mounds and fished in Dauphin Island Bay.

flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM In 1990, archaeologists discovered the shell mounds were mostly occupied in late winter and spring.

Shell Mound Park is the perfect place for an afternoon hike. In addition to the trails being peaceful, the scenery is quite beautiful.

wikimedia commons/Altairisfar (Jeffrey Reed) Shell Mound Park is also one of the stops on the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail. Each spring and fall, birders from all over the U.S. visit this historic park to watch migratory birds.

While exploring Shell Mound Park, you’ll notice remnants of oyster shells as you get closer to the mounds. Interestingly, these oyster shells were left over from Indian meals that were prepared centuries ago.

tripadvisor/STX_M3 Because so many oysters were eaten for such a long period of time, these huge mounds formed.

You’ll also notice the stunning oak trees draped in Spanish moss, which are very common in the deep South.

tripadvisor/The_Diva777 Interestingly, one of the oak trees at Shell Mound Park is believed to be more than 800 years old. This means it was there when Indians were still using the site.

The next time you visit Alabama’s beautiful Gulf Coast, specifically Dauphin Island, be sure to check out Shell Mound Park. It’s an important part of history and will provide an unforgettable experience.

flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM Also, admission is FREE.

Have you ever strolled the grounds of Shell Mound Park? If so, what did you think?

flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM

On August 14, 1973, Shell Mound Park was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

In 1990, archaeologists discovered the shell mounds were mostly occupied in late winter and spring.

wikimedia commons/Altairisfar (Jeffrey Reed)

Shell Mound Park is also one of the stops on the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail. Each spring and fall, birders from all over the U.S. visit this historic park to watch migratory birds.

tripadvisor/STX_M3

Because so many oysters were eaten for such a long period of time, these huge mounds formed.

tripadvisor/The_Diva777

Interestingly, one of the oak trees at Shell Mound Park is believed to be more than 800 years old. This means it was there when Indians were still using the site.

Also, admission is FREE.

For more things to see and do in Dauphin Island, be sure to check out our previous article: This Idyllic Alabama Island Retreat Is Perfect For Your Next Getaway.

Address: Shell Mound Park 2 N Iberville St Dauphin Island, AL 36528

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