Published Sep 1, 2017

9 Picture Perfect Fall Day Trips To Take In Alabama

Discover nine must-visit fall destinations in Alabama, from pumpkin patches to scenic parks.

Published Sep 1, 2017

Written by

Jennifer Young

Trip Ideas|Day Trips

Published Jul 15, 2024

This Alabama Nature Sanctuary Makes For The Perfect Educational Day Trip

Published Jul 15, 2024

Written by

Lisa Battles

Discover, explore, and learn with a day trip to Alabama Nature Center a nature sanctuary in Millbrook, Alabama. This 350-acre outdoor education facility was designed specifically for hands-on learning for all ages. The ANC is an initiative of the Alabama Wildlife Federation, founded in 1935 by a group of sportsmen to promote conservation and wise use of our state's wildlife and natural resources. A visit to the ANC is good for getting us out in nature and also benefits the AWF and its mission.

With five miles of boardwalks and trails, this property allows you to wander among forests, through fields, along streams, across wetlands, and around ponds.

A person walks along a wooded trail, surrounded by lush green trees and dappled sunlight. — Alabama Nature Center & NaturePlex/Facebook

Throughout the year, the ANC hosts many events open to the public, such as guided nature walks, workshops, and family-friendly activities.

A winding wooden boardwalk through a lush green forest, surrounded by water and tall trees. — Alabama Nature Center & NaturePlex/Facebook

It's also a favorite place for field trips and home-school programs and a destination for kids' spring and summer camps. Kids enjoy days full of canoeing archery, fishing, meeting animal ambassadors, and other programming at the discovery hall.

A group of people in canoes paddling on a calm lake surrounded by trees. — Alabama Nature Center & NaturePlex/Facebook

Animal ambassadors are favorites at ANC. They are the resident creatures who serve as educational examples of the vast wildlife and ecosystems we have here in Alabama. They include many different representative creatures, like Domino the marbled salamander, and many other amphibians, reptiles, and birds.

A dark, glossy salamander resting on a log in a natural habitat with soil and stones. — Alabama Nature Center & NaturePlex/Facebook

By interacting with these animal ambassadors, you'll learn about the unique adaptations, behaviors, and ecological roles of each species, as well as the challenges they face due to factors such as urbanization, invasive species, and loss of essential habitats.

A turtle eating a colorful salad with lettuce, sweet potato, and small treats on a blue plate. — Alabama Nature Center & NaturePlex/Facebook

Fishing field trips and special fishing events are a big draw to the ANC, which has a group of volunteers dedicated solely to assisting kids with fishing fundamentals on these days. The fishing pond is open to the public on Saturdays only.

An adult man and a child stand by a lake, with the man holding a fish caught on a fishing line. — Alabama Nature Center & NaturePlex/Facebook

Beyond activities you can do in a day trip, keep in mind the ANC also hosts special events like the fall family campout in November, which is exactly as it sounds. It is a tent-only overnight campout for families to enjoy a back-to-nature experience with others while enjoying ANC programming and activities. It's a great deal with a low, per-person fee of about $5.

A campsite with several tents and people gathered, surrounded by green grass and trees. — Alabama Nature Center & NaturePlex/Facebook

While general admission to the ANC is free, memberships range from $35 for individuals on up and have their benefits. And speaking of benefits, the fees benefit the AWF's work toward its mission. Members enjoy perks such as discounts on programs and events, a subscription to the AWF's quarterly publication, and access to NaturePlex, a state-of-the-art facility with interactive exhibits and learning spaces. You can learn more about memberships on the Alabama Wildlife Federation website. Be sure to check the ANC's event calendar to see what's happening during your visit.

If you're planning a visit to the ANC, you might also want to check out Jackson Lake Island, another Millbrook natural attraction. This one comes with a Hollywood twist: It's the former site of Spectre, the idyllic town depicted by Tim Burton's 2003 film "Big Fish." Pack up your day-tripping gear in a Foldie, and hit the road.

Have you visited this nature sanctuary in Millbrook, Alabama? We'd love to hear about it if you have or go in the near future. Tell us all about your animal encounters and the fascinating facts you learn while there.

Trip Ideas|Day Trips

Published Mar 5, 2024

This Animal Attraction In Alabama Is Perfect For A Day Trip Any Time Of Year

Published Mar 5, 2024

Written by

Lisa Battles

While there a dozens of incredible attractions in Alabama, none are as perfect year-round as a Montgomery Zoo day trip. Our capital city is centrally located within an easy drive from any part of the state, and the zoo is open every day of the week from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Last but not least, the zoo is home to a cast of characters who'll make it an interesting visit no matter when you go. Just in case you don't believe us, I'd love to introduce you to just a few of them.

While the Montgomery Zoo dates back to a community park zoo in the 1920s, it moved to its present location in 1972 and has continued to expand there ever since. In 2005, the zoo opened its Africa realm, which today is home to three African elephants, Tina, Star, and Makena. Makena was the first African elephant born in the state, two years after the realm opened.

alt — The Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Learning Museum/Facebook

The zoo's male lions, Dash and Buddy, are approximately 14 years old and longtime favorites among zoo visitors. Dash is said to be a bit more social than Buddy.

alt — The Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Learning Museum/Facebook

The zoo welcomed a baby African Bongo, Amara, in December 2023. She and her parents, Sipa and Murdock, all live in the African Forest section of African realm.

alt — he Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Learning Museum/Facebook

Sierra, a snow leopard, came to live at the zoo in 2002, with guests able to visit her exhibit that July. She was three years old when she arrived from the Metro Richmond Zoo in Virginia.

alt — he Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Learning Museum/Facebook

Also arriving in 2022 was Odysseus, a then four-year-old Hoffman’s Two-toed Sloth, who had been living at Ark Encounter in Williamstown, Kentucky. People call him Ody for short.

alt — he Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Learning Museum/Facebook

One of the zoo's most special experiences is the Giraffe Encounter, where you can stand nose-to-nose with Ashley and JJ, the zoo's reticulated giraffes. Guests must purchase a $3 ticket and can walk over the moat into the exhibit to bring feed to these majestic creatures. The encounter is open for two hours each day, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and again from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

alt — he Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Learning Museum/Facebook

You'll also see peacocks strutting freely about the grounds, with the peafowl showing off bold, beautiful plumage.

alt — The Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Learning Museum/Facebook

Kids of all ages love climbing aboard a train ride that takes you around the perimeter of many of the zoo's exhibits. There is also a Zoofari Skylift Adventure Ride that bisects the property.

alt — The Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Learning Museum/Facebook

Admission to the zoo includes the Mann Wildlife Learning Museum, where the whole family can learn about the animals at the zoo and beyond. The zoo's gift shop is spacious and well-stocked, full of fun mementos of your day trip and also a great spot to shop for animal lovers any time.

alt — he Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Learning Museum/Facebook

The Montgomery Zoo was my first experience as a small child, and it's wonderful to see how much it has grown and expanded since. I've barely covered the creatures in the African area, and the zoo has a total of 10 animal realms! You can learn about all of the animal realms and inhabitants on the Montgomery Zoo website and keep up with special events and other updates on the Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Learning Museum Facebook page.

Have you visited the Montgomery Zoo lately? We'd love to hear about your favorite animals and fun experiences there. If you're planning to visit soon, check out the Montgomery & Selma Area Multi-Attraction Pass for savings across several destinations.

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This Alabama Nature Sanctuary Makes For The Perfect Educational Day Trip

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This Animal Attraction In Alabama Is Perfect For A Day Trip Any Time Of Year

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