Located a short walk from the Gulf and Alabama's white-sand beaches is the Gulf State Park's Lake Shelby.
This natural treasure has hosted families, fishermen and fun seekers for generations. Boy Scouts have camped around the lake, farmers markets have sold locally grown produce, and groups of all sizes and ages have enjoyed innumerable picnics under the trees. Lake Shelby is a beloved piece of the Alabama Gulf Coast landscape.
Activities at Lake Shelby
Fishing at Lake Shelby
Lake Shelby is a unique fishing spot for anglers along Alabama's Beaches. Even though it's a freshwater lake, because of its proximity to the Gulf, saltwater intrudes on the lake and makes it home to both freshwater and saltwater fish, including largemouth bass, bream, crappie, redfish, and speckled trout. You'll even find blue crab in the lake. It's been rumored that bass weighing as much as five pounds have been caught here, too To fish in the lake, you'll need a freshwater fishing license, which can be purchased at Outdoor Alabama.
Kayaking, Biking, & Segway Tours
Lake Shelby offers a scenic way to spend the day when you opt to paddle around the lake. Guests can rent a stand-up paddle board or kayak onsite or bring their own and easily launch into the lake. Bike rentals are also available onsite at Lake Shelby. Once you've got a bike, you can use the trails at Lake Shelby to venture further into Gulf State Park.
If you're looking for a unique way to explore the park, embark on a two-wheel adventure with Coastal Segway Adventures. This unique, guided experience takes you through the various ecosystems of the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail.
Dog Pond
Bring your furry friends to the lakeside dog park, The Dog Pond, where your dogs can splash, run, and play with other friendly fidos. All dogs must be up-to-date on vaccinations and remain on a leash when they are entering and leaving the Dog Pond. Bring your dog's favorite ball or toy and let them fetch to their heart's content.
Lakeside Picnic
Make a day of it at the lake and bring along food to grill in the picnic area situated in a shaded area right next the water. Picnic tables and pavilion rentals are available daily from 8 am to sunset for up to 50 guests, making it easy to relax while making memories with family and friends. This area also has two playgrounds, one for smaller children and one for elementary aged kids.
Learn More About Lake Shelby
Fun Facts about Lake Shelby
When you combine Lake Shelby with Little Lake and Middle Lake, there are nearly 900 acres of water inviting guests to swim, fish, boat, or paddle. Lake Shelby is also believed to be the closest freshwater lakes near saltwater on the Gulf. Visitors at the lake can take a quick walk across the pedestrian bridge and arrive on the beach in a few minutes.
History of Lake Shelby
According to the Office of Archaeological Research at the University of Alabama Museums, some interesting finds have been noted about Lake Shelby's past. Director Matt Gage said the site around the lake represents a large shell midden (mound) where people congregated to share food and ideas and to trade items from all over the region during the Middle to Late Woodland time periods, as well as into the Mississippian period (AD 400-1100). Rangia shells (bivalve mollusks or clams) make up the majority of the food remains found in the shell midden; however, some terrestrial vertebrates common in estuarine environments were also found, including alligator, deer, birds and turtles. The residents who built the shell midden were part of a large and vibrant culture that spread across the Gulf Coast as well as inland across the Southeast.
Fast forward to the 1930s when the Intracoastal Waterway was completed, and we have modern-day trade, just not at Lake Shelby. Today, the lake serves as a place to join with friends and families, reel in the night's dinner, and make memories and traditions that'll last for generations!
