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Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve

Magnolia Springs, Alabama · Baldwin County

Weeks Bay Reserve encompasses more than 6,000 acres of tidal and forested wetlands within the greater Mobile Bay estuarine system along the northern Gulf of Mexico. Weeks Bay is a small estuary fringed with a variety of wetland habitats receiving freshwater from the Fish and Magnolia Rivers. Located along the eastern s…

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About Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve

Weeks Bay Reserve encompasses more than 6,000 acres of tidal and forested wetlands within the greater Mobile Bay estuarine system along the northern Gulf of Mexico. Weeks Bay is a small estuary fringed with a variety of wetland habitats receiving freshwater from the Fish and Magnolia Rivers. Located along the eastern shore of Mobile Bay between the major metropolitan areas of Mobile, AL and Pensacola, FL, the Reserve's land (1,645 acres) and water (4,880 acres) habitats support numerous rare and endangered species including the brown pelican, eastern indigo snake and the Alabama red-bellied turtle. Significant efforts have been made to restore a regionally significant habitat at the Reserve. Fire dependent, pitcher plant bogs contain a myriad of rare species and are easily accessible on the Reserve's self-guiding nature trails.

How to Get There

Weeks Bay Reserve is located near Mobile Bay's eastern shore about 40 miles southeast of Mobile, Ala. The Interpretive Center and main offices are located on U.S. 98, about 12 miles southeast of Fairhope.

Driving directions (Google Maps) →

Plan Your Visit to Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve

Heading to Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve? A few things to know before you go:

  • Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
  • Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
  • Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
  • Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
  • Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation for Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve?

No central reservation system listed for Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/2040) for the latest entry policy and availability.

How do I get to Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve?

Weeks Bay Reserve is located near Mobile Bay's eastern shore about 40 miles southeast of Mobile, Ala. The Interpretive Center and main offices are located on U.S. 98, about 12 miles southeast of Fairhope.

How do I contact Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve?

You can reach the park at phone: 251-928-9792.