September 16, 2024
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Local civic, business and community leaders gathered to cut a ceremonial ribbon and celebrate the re-opening of iconic Gulf State Park Pier, on Friday, September 13, 2024.
The pier underwent an extensive renovation and reopened to the public last month. Friday’s event allowed community leaders to show their appreciation for the Gulf Coast landmark.
“If you want to get an understanding of why our state is called ‘Alabama the Beautiful,’ all you need to do is stand on the pier here at Gulf State Park,” said Chris Blankenship, Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resource (ADCNR). “There’s no better spot to enjoy God’s creation than by seeing a sunrise or sunset from the Gulf State Park Pier.”
The pier closed from November 2023 to August 2024 for the $13.6 million renovation project, which was led by contractor MD Thomas Construction, based in Orange Beach. In September 2020, Hurricane Sally destroyed a 200-foot section of the pier and caused other damage. The repairs to the pier were paid with funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Deepwater Horizon Natural Resources Damage Assessment (NRDA) funds and State Park revenues. Commissioner Blankenship serves as the Lead NRDA Trustee for Alabama.
ADCNR navigated a lengthy process to obtain federal permits for the renovation and repair work, and the renovated pier opened last month to rave reviews from locals and tourists.
“We couldn’t have completed this project, which made the pier better than ever, without support from my fellow NRDA trustees, local governments and state and federal legislators,” Commissioner Blankenship said. “The pier is an iconic spot on Alabama’s Gulf Coast, and it’s wonderful to have it open for business again.”
While the pier’s restaurant, gift shop and beach access are fully operational, the observation deck, located above the octagon on the pier’s south end, will reopen soon.
In addition, officials also note admission fees for sightseers, anglers and others are in effect, as follows:
Parking: $10, all day
Fishing (All Day)
Monthly Fishing Permit – $81.00
Six Month Fishing Permit – $161.00
Annual Fishing Permit – $321.00
In addition, all anglers must possess a valid fishing license.
Photos by Billy Pope, ADCNR
About Gulf State Park
Gulf State Park encompasses 6,150 acres of unique landscape on the Gulf of Mexico and features nine diverse ecosystems to explore, including freshwater lakes, dunes, pine savannas, marshes, woodlands and beaches. Drawing more than 2 million annual visitors, the park offers hiking, biking, fishing, exploring, geocaching and paddling, as well as miles of sugar-white public beaches. Overnight accommodations include RV camping, Lakeside Cabins, Eagle Cottages and The Lodge at Gulf State Park, a Hilton Hotel. Learn more at https://www.alapark.com/parks/gulf-state-park.
About Alabama’s State Parks System
The Alabama State Parks is a division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and maintains 21 state parks encompassing more than 50,000 acres of land and water in Alabama. The parks range from Gulf Coast beaches to Appalachian Mountains and provide opportunities and facilities from basic day-use activities to resort convention lodging, restaurants and golfing areas. These parks rely on visitor fees and the support of other partners like local communities to fund the majority of their operations. Learn more at www.alapark.com. Partners Pay the Way.
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The pier underwent an extensive renovation and reopened to the public last month. Friday’s event allowed community leaders to show their appreciation for the Gulf Coast landmark.
“If you want to get an understanding of why our state is called ‘Alabama the Beautiful,’ all you need to do is stand on the pier here at Gulf State Park,” said Chris Blankenship, Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resource (ADCNR). “There’s no better spot to enjoy God’s creation than by seeing a sunrise or sunset from the Gulf State Park Pier.”
The pier closed from November 2023 to August 2024 for the $13.6 million renovation project, which was led by contractor MD Thomas Construction, based in Orange Beach. In September 2020, Hurricane Sally destroyed a 200-foot section of the pier and caused other damage. The repairs to the pier were paid with funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Deepwater Horizon Natural Resources Damage Assessment (NRDA) funds and State Park revenues. Commissioner Blankenship serves as the Lead NRDA Trustee for Alabama.
ADCNR navigated a lengthy process to obtain federal permits for the renovation and repair work, and the renovated pier opened last month to rave reviews from locals and tourists.
“We couldn’t have completed this project, which made the pier better than ever, without support from my fellow NRDA trustees, local governments and state and federal legislators,” Commissioner Blankenship said. “The pier is an iconic spot on Alabama’s Gulf Coast, and it’s wonderful to have it open for business again.”
While the pier’s restaurant, gift shop and beach access are fully operational, the observation deck, located above the octagon on the pier’s south end, will reopen soon.
In addition, officials also note admission fees for sightseers, anglers and others are in effect, as follows:
Parking: $10, all day
Fishing (All Day)
- Adult – $9
- Veteran – $6
- Campground/Lodge Guest – $6
- Children under 12 years – Free
- Adult – $2 ($3 beginning Oct. 1, 2024)
- Veteran – Free Children under 12 years – Free
- Gulf State Park Campground/Lodge Guests – Free
Monthly Fishing Permit – $81.00
Six Month Fishing Permit – $161.00
Annual Fishing Permit – $321.00
In addition, all anglers must possess a valid fishing license.
Photos by Billy Pope, ADCNR
About Gulf State Park
Gulf State Park encompasses 6,150 acres of unique landscape on the Gulf of Mexico and features nine diverse ecosystems to explore, including freshwater lakes, dunes, pine savannas, marshes, woodlands and beaches. Drawing more than 2 million annual visitors, the park offers hiking, biking, fishing, exploring, geocaching and paddling, as well as miles of sugar-white public beaches. Overnight accommodations include RV camping, Lakeside Cabins, Eagle Cottages and The Lodge at Gulf State Park, a Hilton Hotel. Learn more at https://www.alapark.com/parks/gulf-state-park.
About Alabama’s State Parks System
The Alabama State Parks is a division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and maintains 21 state parks encompassing more than 50,000 acres of land and water in Alabama. The parks range from Gulf Coast beaches to Appalachian Mountains and provide opportunities and facilities from basic day-use activities to resort convention lodging, restaurants and golfing areas. These parks rely on visitor fees and the support of other partners like local communities to fund the majority of their operations. Learn more at www.alapark.com. Partners Pay the Way.
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