Run, don't crawl to South Alabama for one of the state's best wildlife attractions, Alligator Alley in Summerdale, Alabama, an animal adventure you won't forget. This wildlife sanctuary protects and cares for over 600 rescued alligators and is open daily so you can give them a little love, too.

Alligator Alley owner Wes Moore founded the sanctuary in 2004, creating a safe place for alligators who found themselves in unnatural areas and faced imminent danger. According to the sanctuary's informational materials, any alligator over four feet long and determined dangerous to people or their property must be removed. Thanks to Moore and his team, many have found a safe home over the last two decades.

The sanctuary is open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with feeding times at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 4 p.m. Final admission is 30 minutes before closing. When you arrive, you can explore the property on your own. You can get a bird's-eye view from a platform and stroll an elevated boardwalk overlooking gators just hanging out in a natural habitat along with other creatures like turtles, bullfrogs, ospreys, and owls.

While staff members interact up close with the gators during the live feedings, you can also participate by feeding them gator chow. The staff will guide you on the appropriate feeding method and happily answer any questions you may have about these impressive creatures.

This is the place for anyone who wants to learn ALL about alligators, from the earliest stages of their lives to maturity. (Did you know the typical life span for an alligator is 50 years?) One revered resident is Captain Crunch, who is just over 13 feet long, weighs more than 800 pounds and is the world record holder for bite strength at 2,982 pounds.

Naturally, new generations of gators have originated at the sanctuary, which also has dedicated viewing areas for the hatchlings. The staff will even help you hold one of the babies before you leave.

As you might guess, Alligator Alley is a huge hit with animal-obsessed kiddos and a popular spot for birthday parties. Even so, people of all ages and walks of life will gain knowledge and a better understanding of alligators and conservation efforts. See the Alligator Alley website for admission fees and party pricing, and follow Alligator Alley on Facebook for the latest sanctuary news.

Looking for more family fun in this neck of our piney South Alabama woods? Be sure to check out Wales West Light Railway & RV Resort in Silverhill, Alabama – just nine miles and a 15-minute drive west from Alligator Alley. The park has a popular swimming hole in the summer and offers year-round train rides, including popular holiday-themed rides around Easter, Halloween, and Christmas.

There is a lot more to explore in this little area of Baldwin County, making it perfect for a little getaway. If you make the trip, consider this spacious Airbnb in Summerdale for your home base. This rural retreat is a guest favorite, and with three bedrooms and two baths, it sleeps up to six people.

Let us know if you visit! We would love to hear all about it!