Discover Nature, History, and Recreation in Foley

Foley offers a range of themes to consider when planning a trip: nature at Graham Creek Nature Preserve, roses and events at Heritage Park, and insights into the city’s railroad and medical history. There are also recreational activities at OWA. Which of these interests you most can help shape your stay.

Nature and Activities at Graham Creek Nature Preserve

Graham Creek Nature Preserve covers 484 acres of pine savannas, wetlands, and tidal marshes. Numerous unpaved, natural-surface trails are intended for hikers, mountain bikers, and wildlife watchers. The landscape and trails make the preserve a distinct destination for visitors who want to experience nature.

At the eastern entrance, at the end of Stan Mahoney Lane, there is a free kayak launch with a fixed ramp and floating dock. Non-motorized watercraft can be launched there during daylight hours; check the terms of use before setting out. The preserve also hosts guided kayak tours throughout the year. Disc golf is available on three full courses, each with 18 baskets and concrete tee pads for beginners and amateurs. The water activities and courses each offer their own focus within the range of recreational options.

Heritage Park and the Wilbourne Antique Rose Trail

Heritage Park is a six-acre park in the heart of downtown Foley. The park and its scenic pavilion host numerous annual city events throughout the year. The Wilbourne Antique Rose Trail runs through downtown, one block east of Highway 59. It begins on Violet Avenue, north of the pavilion at Heritage Park, and runs from Orange Avenue to Myrtle Avenue. Hundreds of disease-resistant historic roses in a variety of sizes and colors can be seen along the trail. The park and rose trail offer different perspectives on this part of Foley: one is a venue for city events, while the other passes a diverse collection of historic roses.

Railroad and Medical History

The Foley Railroad Museum is housed in a Louisville and Nashville Railroad depot built in 1909. One of its notable exhibits is an O-gauge model railroad display measuring 60 × 20 feet. It includes a quarter mile of track and a mile of wiring. The layout features 84 freight cars, 50 passenger cars, and a replica of the L&N Hummingbird. The figures and scale give a concrete impression of the size and detail of this display.

The Holmes Medical Museum is housed in the first hospital in Baldwin County, which served the community from 1936 to 1958. Exhibits include original medical artifacts, including surgical instruments, operating-room equipment, and a human skeleton. The museum’s interior has remained virtually unchanged since its use as a hospital. Unlike the railroad museum, the focus here is not on trains and model railroading, but on medical items and the former hospital setting.

Art, a Market, and Recreation at OWA

Since 1966, the Foley Art Center has supported the Gulf Coast through cultural education programs at local schools, grants for art teachers, and art classes for children and adults. The Coastal Alabama Farmers and Fishermens Market offers the public locally produced fruits and vegetables, seafood, and agricultural products that cannot be certified. These two offerings have different focuses: the Art Center is dedicated to cultural education, while the market features local produce and other agricultural products.

At OWA, recreational options range from rides at Tropic Falls Theme Park to Tropic Falls Indoor Water Park, which has an adjustable roof. The rides include roller coasters as well as spinning teacups. Downtown OWA features pedestrian streets lined with dining, entertainment, and shopping options. Visitors can choose among rides, a water park, and amenities along the pedestrian streets.

Discover more destinations: Fairhope, Loxley, Spanish Fort, Orange Beach, Daphne, Perdido, Bay Minette, Gulf Shores.

For the broader travel overview: Baldwin.