Traveling Around - Mobile, AL - Alabama Delta Resource Center

Tucked away on the east side of Mobile is a small park like facillity that contains the scenic blending of 5 rivers. Those rivers - the Mobile, Spanish, Tensaw, Apalachee, and Blakeley - wend their way down through Alabama joining forces near Mobile Bay and emptying into the Gulf of Mexico.

There is a wildlife presentation at the museum that exhibits those animals that either live in the area or have done so in the past. With minor exception, the wildlife portrayed are taxidermist created displays.

We approached on I-10 from the east and exited the expressway at exit 35. From the west, it is probably most direct to use I-10 exit 30. Using either exit, however, leaves a difficult search on US90/98 for the entrance to the Center and good directions are important.

The drive through the center is a paved road in great condition and the visitors' center is easily recognizable on the right. A gift shop is located at the Welcome Center as is an abundance of information about the Resource Center.

Leaving the Welcome Center and winding around the eastern road- the Osprey Trail - takes one to the Nature Center.. There are several walking trails that wind up at the same destination through the woods to the north of the Welcome Center and your car could be left in the large parking lot at the Welcome Center.

We spent most of our time at the Nature Center looking at the displays of animals from the area.

We met a group of students - perhaps 7 or 8 years old - who were very friendly and ready to impart knowledge they had gained. At the exhibit of a rattlesnake where there was not only a snake that had been preserved but a sound effect that mimiked the sound of an angry snake, I asked them if they were in the woods and heard the rattle of a rattlesnake whether they should stand very still so the snake wouldn't know they were there of if they should immediately run. It was if the question had scared them. Their eyes got big and round. There wasn't any hesitation. The response wasn't just run, it was a big-eyed "run fast."

Many of the exhibits were very realistic and more than just animals on a pedestal. At least one was in a tank and live. This particular display was of an alligator in its own environment. It was encased in a small tank some 2 x 6 feet in size.When the wife tried to get a close look at the tank, the small alligator attacked the tank side trying to get at her

There are picnic areas and a boat landing / rental area where guided tours, kayak rentals, and advice about where to sight see on the water are available. There is a theater where videos about Alabama and its resources are there to watch at no charge.

We spent a very pleasant hour at the Center, browsing among the exhibits and conversing with the school children before we continued on our trip west.

There is no admission charge. Information is available online at their website.