Did you know that more plants and more species of aquatic creatures live in Alabama than in any other state in the United States? When we planned to spend a month exploring the Alabama Coastal Connection National Scenic Byway last winter, little did we know we were headed to the most diverse ecosystem in the country. We learned plenty about Alabama’s ecosystem as we visited parks, museums, and nature preserves along the byway. But we also enjoyed many historical and cultural attractions on or near the 130-mile byway route.