The Lodge at Gulf State Park

The Lodge at Gulf State Park is located on the 11-mile stretch of coastline along the Gulf of Mexico. The overnight stay and meeting facility will welcome everyone and will improve access to the park’s beaches, trails, freshwater ecosystems and other natural resources. After the previous lodge was destroyed during Hurricane Ivan in 2004, the new design will be rebuilt on the same site. The previous building and its amenities stretched over 30 acres of the coastal dunes. In contrast, the currently permitted site is 21 acres and the design will serve as a model of resilient, environmentally- friendly coastal development. And a substantial portion of the smaller site will consist of preserved and restored dunes. The new construction will go above and beyond FEMA standards by respecting a buffer between the primary dune and building. The area has been identified by coastal ecologists as a prime zone for the kind of secondary dune growth that supports both native and migratory species. The new facility includes a meeting space with hospitality suites, a restaurant, a lobby and lounge, and two hotel blocks surrounding a grill and bar, spa/wellness center, and pool area with outdoor seating, lounges, and rentable cabanas. A boardwalks will also be provided as part of the Lodge for guest and park visitors to access the beach front.