Alger Willis Fishing Camps and Ferry
Davis
Cabins may be rented on the Cape Lookout National Seashore. Cabins vary in size and accommodate four to 14 people. Hot water heaters and showers are provided. Renters must bring cooking utensils, bed linens, dishes, lanterns and generator. Ice, bait, groceries and supplies may be ordered daily. Great cabins for fishing and family camping getaways. Departures from Davis to cabin camp on South Core Banks. Great getaway for fishing, bird watching, simple-needs vacation drumwagon.com/awfc
Core Sound Waterfowl Museum & Heritage Center
Harkers Island
The Core Sound Waterfowl Museum & Heritage Center documents and preserves the cultural heritage of Core Sound through temporary exhibits, demonstrations and events. Its collection is the region's largest of waterfowl art and local decoys. Its gift shop has both antique and contemporary carvings. The Museum's exhibits and activities are located in its new building on Harkers Island, designed after traditional coastal North Carolina hunting clubs. Its community history archive is on line at www.downeasttour.com. The Core Sound Waterfowl Museum brings together the historical, cultural, artistic, environmental, and educational elements of eastern North Carolina to preserve the rich waterfowl heritage associated with the Core Sound area. The museum, when completed, will display the history, culture, crafts and lifestyles of the individual communities of the area. coresound.com
Cedar Island National Wildlife Refuge
Cedar Island
The Cedar Island National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1964 to help protect wintering habitat for migratory waterfowl. Fall and winter months bring thousands of waterfowl to the Refuge. Cedar Island National Wildlife Refuge nature.org recreation.gov
Cape Lookout National Seashore
Cape Lookout, Harkers Island
Cape Lookout National Seashore consists of three undeveloped barrier islands covering 55 miles. Activities include: fishing, swimming, birding, boating, windsurfing, kayaking and shelling. Cape Lookout Lighthouse is located on south Core Banks and is accessible by public ferry or private boat. Primitive camping allowed. Visitors should bring drinking water, sunscreen and bug spray. Pets are allowed on leash, but they are not allowed on public ferries or in concession lodgings. Cape Lookout National Seashore, which includes the Cape Lookout Historic District, conserves and preserves for the future the outstanding natural resources of a dynamic coastal barrier island system; protects and interprets the significant cultural resources of the past and contemporary maritime history; provides for public education and enrichment through proactive interpretation and scientific study; and provides for sustainable use of recreation resources and opportunities. Cape Lookout National Seashore"> nature.org recreation.gov
Rachel Carson Coastal Estaurine Reserve
Beaufort
Islands of the Rachel Carson Reserve parallel the Beaufort waterfront. These islands provide nesting for a great variety of shorebirds and an ecosystem that is home to clams, whelks, fish, fiddler crabs and other creatures that are critical to the food web. It is also home to feral horses that live wild. noaa.gov ncnerr.org nature.org
Coastal Ecology Sails/Tours
Beaufort
Guided by marine biologist, Capt. Ron White, tours are conducted aboard a 42' sailboat to nearby islands, dolphin nurseries and playgrounds. Shelling, bird watching, snorkling. goodfortunesails.com
Fort Macon State Park
Atlantic Beach
Fort Macon interprets and preserves the history of this structure. Displayed throughout the fort is the history of the site and its military role from the pre-Civil War era through World War II. Exhibits include the hot shot furnace in the fort yard, bread oven, kitchen and supply areas, and exhibits on the Fort Macon soldier's life. ## Built between 1826 and 1834 to guard the entrance to Beaufort Harbor, this five-sided fort constructed of brick and stone was intermittently garrisoned before being seized by Confederate troops in 1861 at the outbreak of the Civil War. Twenty-six casements are enclosed by outer walls 4.5 feet thick. In April, 1862 the fort was recaptured by Union forces. During the Reconstruction Era, it was used as a prison. Fort Macon was re garrisoned in 1898 for the Spanish-American War and from 1941-1945 during World War II. Today, Fort Macon is one of the finest surviving examples of 19th century military architecture and fortification. Areas of the fort have been restored to depict periods of soldier occupation. Civil War reenactments occur during summer months. You may tour the restored fort daily except Christmas day. Swimming, fishing, a nature trail and picnicking are available daily. Free ## Civil War: Built 1826-1834 to protect the deep-water port at Beaufort, this fort was taken by North Carolina militia in April 1861. Confederate occupation lasted a little more than a year. Fort Macon fell April 25, 1862 to a Union land-sea operation. The site remains in good shape and is maintained with its Civil War history in mind. Good exhibits located in the casemates. Frequent programs during the summer. Guided and self-guided tours available. Fort Macon State Park
Hoop Pole Creek Nature Trail
Atlantic Beach
This 31-acre maritime forest serves as a refuge for fish, wildlife and plant communities in an enormous diversity of coastal habitats. The property is permanently protected by the NC Coastal Federation. It was purchased in 1996 with a grant from the NC Clean Water Management Trust Fund. A low-impact 1/2-mile trail is open to the public during daylight hours and is located off Highway 58 in Atlantic Beach next to the Atlantic Station Shopping Center. Free trail guides are offered at the trail entrance. ## Civil War: Union position here became the base of operations against Confederate-held Fort Macon, five miles away, March-April 1862. From here, Federal artillery was dragged with difficulty up the beach to within range of the fort. nccoast.org
Hammocks Beach State Park
Swansboro
Venture to Bear Island and be rewarded with vivid memories of one of the most unspoiled beaches on the Atlantic. Accessible only by passenger ferry or private boat. An 892-acre barren island with 3.5 miles of pristine beach. Backpack and primitive camping, swimming, wildlife viewing and shelling. Surf fishing is a favorite pastime year round but is best in the fall. Passenger ferry service is $5 for adults, $3 for senior citizens and children 6-12. Fee for camping is $9. Hammocks Beach State Park
North Carolina Maritime Museum
Beaufort
The North Carolina Maritime Museum documents, collects, preserves, and researches the maritime history, and its corollary natural history, of coastal North Carolina for the purpose of interpreting this history through educational services and exhibits for our contemporary society, and passing intact its material culture to future generations. The museum complex includes the main exhibit hall and the Harvey W. Smith Watercraft Center for the construction and restoration of wooden boats. The museum also maintains the Charles R. McNeill Library and archives with books, journals, photographs and manuscripts on or relating to maritime history. ## The North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort preserves and interprets all aspects of the rich maritime heritage of the state through educational exhibits, programs and field trips. Exhibits take visitors from the dugout canoes of native Americans through the variety of sail rigs and hull designs of explorers, traders and privateers. They recall the brave traditions of the US Lifesaving Service and the African American heritage in that service and the menhaden fishery, tools of wooden boat builders and navigators, and repair shops of the earliest outboard engines. Artifacts from the shipwreck that is proving to be Blackbeard the pirate's flagship, Queen Anne's Revenge add the excitement of one of the most significant archeological finds of this century. In the museum's Watercraft Center, visitors watch the construction and restoration of wooden boats. Educational programming includes the Cape Lookout Studies Program, Boatbuilding Skills Classes, Summer Science School for Children and the Junior Sailing Program as well as field trips to coastal habitats, kayaking, adult, family, and private sailing instruction, sliding seat rowing, fossil hunting trips, birding trips, marine life collecting cruises, wildflower and mushroom walks. Quarterly calendars of year around museum activities are available on request. NC Maritime Museum
North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores
Salter Path
Located in the Theodore Roosevelt Natural Area, the NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores includes nature trails open to birders and sightseers. The North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores was established to promote an awareness, understanding, appreciation, and conservation of the diverse natural and cultural resources associated with North Carolina's ocean, estuaries, rivers, streams, and other aquatic environments. In addition to this, the aquarium maintains a small research library and displays sculpture and crafts to enhance the learning process. ncaquariums.com
Theodore Roosevelt Natural Area
Atlantic Beach
One of the few remaining maritime forests on the NC coast, the Theodore Roosevelt Natural Area offers an interpreted trail adjacent to and leading from the parking area of the NC Aquarium, Pine Knoll Shores. Donated to the state by the family of the 26th President, this nature preserve attracts naturalists and photographers. Trail use is free. ncnatural.com
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