Attractions
Wright Brothers Memorial
Site of the world's first controlled powered flight by the Wright Brothers on December 17, 1903. The Visitor Center features full-scale reproductions of the Wright 1903 Powered Flyer and interpretive presentations. A centennial pavilion boasts an exhibit hall with permanent and special exhibits, including a replica of the 1902 Glider and a multipurpose auditorium.
The grounds include historical markers of each attempted powered flight, a replica campsite and a 60-foot granite monument on top of Big Kill Devil Hill (a 90-foot dune) honoring the Wright Brothers.
Open Daily: 9:00am - 5:00pm
$4 per person - valid for 7 days
Free - 16 and under
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
Off Highway 12
The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, standing at 208 feet, is the tallest in the United States. The lighthouse is painted in black and white spirals, with a red base. Its light can be seen for 20 miles, warning ships of the submerged sand bars where so many ships have foundered.
Open Daily: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
$6.00/Climb Adults - Day
$3.00/Climb Child (12 and under) - Day
$3.00/Climb 62 and older - Day
Currituck Beach Lighthouse
Corolla, NC
The Currituck Beach Lighthouse stands 158 feet above the dunes, with a first order fresnel lens flashing its first beacon on December 1, 1875. Located in Corolla, NC, its was built to fill the last remaining "dark spot" of the NC coast between Bodie Island to the south and Cape Henry, VA to the north. Many ships foundered in the 80-mile darkness between the two lighthouses, but this lighthouse, with its beam visible for 18 miles, solved the problem. To distinguish it from other regional lighthouses, it was left unpainted in natural red brick.
Open Daily: 9 a.m - 5 p.m
$6/Climb Adults
Bodie Island Lighthouse
8 miles south of US-158 and US
The Bodie Island Light, encircled by two black and three white bands, stands 150 feet high. Equipped with a first-order Fresnel lens, it flashes its 160,000 candlepower beacon 19 miles over the ocean.
The name Bodie was originally spelled Body and is still pronounced "body" (as in "a body of water"). There are several stories which attempt to explain the spelling and pronunciation. Some say it was because so many bodies washed ashore from shipwrecks. Some claim it was because an island is a body of land. Others believe it was the name of someone who helped build the light or was stationed there.
The lighthouse is not open for climbing.
Fort Raleigh National Historic Site
Sir Walter Raleigh's explorers and colonists attempted to found settlements here on the North end of Roanoke Island in 1585. Home to the Waterside Theatre, where you'll find The Lost Colony, a symphonic outdoor drama. You'll also find a visitor's center, interpretive programs, bookstore and nature trail. Free to vistors.
The Whalehead Club
Mr. and Mrs. E.C. Knight built their private residence, now known as the Whalehead Club, along the Atlantic flyway to enjoy their passion for waterfowl hunting. The restored museum is the finest representation of art nouveau architecture in the state. An exhibit in the downstairs gallery features the house's original furnishings.
Open daily for tours Easter through Thanksgiving, 10:00am - 5:00pm.
$6.00 - Adults
Children 8 and under are free.
North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island
Just off of Hwy. 64/264, Airport Rd
The North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island presents the aquatic environments of coastal Carolina through its theme "Water of The Outer Banks." The aquarium's variety of exhibits promises to educate and entertain visitors. Journey through coastal freshwaters to see river otters, turtles and American alligators.
Open daily year-round, 9:00am - 5:00pm.
Adults: $8
Seniors: $7
Children: Ages 6-17: $6
5 and under: FREE
The Elizabethan Gardens
Located within Fort Raleigh National Historic Site
Flower bordered walkways, antique garden statuary and majestic trees greet visitors at this 16th century pleasure garden created by The Garden Club of North Carolina as a living memorial to the lost colonists. Highlights include the thatched gazebo, Shakespearean herb garden and formal sunken gardens.
Adults: $8.00
Seniors (62 and over): $7.00
Students (6 - 18): $6.00
Children (5 and under): Free
Roanoke Island Festival Park
Across from the Manteo Waterfront
A 25-acre state site offering visitor activities celebrating history, education, arts and environment. Climb aboard the Elizabeth II, a 16th century representative sailing vessel. Meet soldiers in the Settlement Site and explore more than 400 years of history in the Roanoke Adventure Museum. View local art in the Art Gallery. Visit the museum store. Stroll our boardwalks through natural marshes.
Adult: $8
Student (6 - 17): $5
Child (5 and under): Free
Jockeys Ridge State Park
US 158 Bypass, Milepost 12 1/2
This 426-acre park has the largest natural living sand dune on the East Coast. Two self-guided trails and nature programs available year-round. Hang gliding, kite flying, hiking, visitor's center, small gift shop, museum, picnic facilities and rest rooms.
Open year-round. Free Admission
