Shells Sailors

Cape Lookout National Seashore – Home to the Cape Lookout Lighthouse and the Shackleford Wild Horses

Cape Lookout National Seashore is a 56 mile long stretch off of the Southern Outer Banks consisting of three undeveloped barrier islands- North Core Banks, South Core Banks, and Shackleford Banks. Cape Lookout has borne witness to the driven changes of many tides of history. In the early 1500s, Florentine explorer,

Giovanni da Verrazzano, allegedly reported native people living on the banks, and between 1540 and 1570 it is said that Spain sent several explorers to investigate the area. The Banks were populated originally by Coree Indians until the tragic Tuscarora War which left the Corees very close to extinction. By the 1750′s, Cape Lookout was being used as a center of operations for fishers and whalers from “up north”. It was a location in which colonial sailors could seek refuge during treacherous storms and hurricanes and it was also a hotspot for pirates such as Blackbeard to launch raids on merchant ships.

Portsmouth, located on North Core Banks, was established in 1753. By 1860, the village was inhabited by 505 people. Portsmouth is no longer an inhabited community, but many people enjoy looking at the historic buildings that remain standing. Another long-abandoned city was Diamond City, located on the eastern end of Shackleford Banks. In 1899, Diamond City was a successful and booming fishing village with a population of 500 people. Due to the threat and devastation of hurricanes residents had to pack up their belongings and flee. By 1903, there was virtually no trace left of human life and the area was left a ghost town.

The first lighthouse at Cape Lookout was completed for a total of just over $20,000 in 1812 after Congress authorized the plan in 1804. It was ninety-four feet high and was made from brick and displayed red and white horizontal stripes. Unfortunately, the original lighthouse was too short to properly light the way for sailors, so congress approved a plan for a new and taller lighthouse in 1857. By 1859, the new lighthouse was completed for $45,000. To this day, the lighthouse stands proudly guarding Cape Lookout, boasting its black and white diagonal checkerboard pattern, its light has flashing every fifteen seconds, providing a source of comfort and guidance to locals

Natural Attractions

The beauty of the Cape Lookout National Seashore, in addition to the breathtaking beauty itself, is that the barrier islands and the surrounding waters are preserved and unspoiled. Traveling from island to island is only possible by boat. Motorized vehicles are only permitted on the islands at certain times and with regulations, therefore most ferries to and from are pedestrian-only. This guarantees a world unsullied with roads and pavement, and instead provides the opportunity for nature lovers to revel in a truly natural environment. Visitors to the area are cautioned to bring with them anything they may personally need while experiencing these islands, for there is no way to acquire supplies when they arrive. For those who wish to experience self-propelled adventure, the scenic waters and lonely marshes are a perfect chance for experienced canoeists and kayakers to spend hours in natural wonder.

The wildlife on these barrier islands is unparalleled. There are few places in the world where one can photographically capture the playful joy of the Atlantic dolphin within moments of witnessing a new-born foal trying out his spindly legs, while hearing the gulls cry overhead, and feeling the ever-changing Atlantic breezes gently ruffle one’s hair. This is such a place.

Famous For….

Cape Lookout’s biggest attraction is its unique lighthouse. Cape Lookout lighthouse is one of the few lighthouses to operate during the day. It has a one-of-a-kind black and white checkerboard design. This pattern was used both to distinguish it from other lighthouses and to give direction to those on the water. The side points of the black diamonds point in a north-south direction, while the side points of the white diamonds point east-west. Cape Lookout lighthouse is open for visitors to climb her 201 steps during the summer. There are also three life-saving stations located on Cape Lookout National Seashore. These stations were constructed in the late 1800s and are located on Portsmouth, Cape Lookout, and Core Banks. Patrols were conducted on foot by surfmen. Later, they were able to ride horseback to alert stations of shipwrecks.

Another thing that Cape Lookout is famous for is the Rachel Carson Wildlife Reservation. This site is made up of four islands: Carrot Island, Town Marsh, Bird Shoal, and Horse Island. This site is an incredible opportunity to experience some rare and incredible wildlife and coastal habitat. Within the various habitats, such as the tidal flats, ocean beach, and salt water marshes, over 200 species of birds have been observed, along with bottle-nosed dolphins, wild horses, river otters and more.

Things to do – Family Entertainment

There are many fun and exciting things to do on Cape Lookout that are sure to keep the entire family entertained. A visit to Cape Lookout is a wonderful opportunity to walk along the seashore and collect some unique seashells to remember your experience. Many people also enjoy hiking around the island and exploring the indigenous wildlife. This is an excellent opportunity to do some bird watching as well. Cape Lookout is home to wide range of species which vary based on the season. The Cape Lookout Park’s website provides a guide for both shelling and birding to assist visitors in identifying the various species. Shackleford Banks and neighboring Carrot Island are also home to some incredible wild horse species, so be sure to bring a pair of binoculars to ensure a great view if you happen to come across a herd.

Every summer, there are various programs that are provided by the Rangers on Cape Lookout. These programs range from demonstrating the life of a lighthouse keeper all the way to identifying treasures and shells collected on the island. They even offer a program that explores a different part of the island each day. Be sure to check the schedule on their website prior to your visit in order to insure dates, times, and availability. For $8 per adult and $4 per child, beginning May 26, 2011 the lighthouse will be open to being climbed by the public. This is a wonderful opportunity to witness an important part of North Carolina history and not to be missed!

There is so much fun to be had at Cape Lookout! If you are looking for a boating experience, look no further. With 112 miles of uninhabited shoreline, The Cape provides the perfect environment for those who love to kayak or canoe. For those who love to fish, the waters surrounding the island are usually generous and bountiful. Many visitors love swimming in the glorious blue waters but be sure that the conditions are appropriate and safe before diving in.

Popular Places to Eat

Well, if you are looking to dine while visiting Cape Lookout, the world is your oyster. Aside from the snacks available during the day time at the visitor’s center, visitors are on their own for food. The glorious waters of the Cape provide many with fresh fish and seafood, but if you are looking to acquire these for your dinner plate, it will require your own two hands and a fishing rod! A word to wise: before fishing or collecting any seafood be sure to make sure it is in accordance with the varying seasons and local laws and regulations. There are locally-owned and operated restaurants on nearby populated islands such as Harker’s Island which offer local favorites as well as traditional seafood.

Popular Places to Stay

There are only two options for those looking to have an overnight trip at Cape Lookout. “The Cape” is a very popular place for camping in Eastern North Carolina. All along the seashore, there are many ideal spots to set up camp and spend the night listening to the gentle rushing of the waves and gazing up at the crystal clear stars in the sky. There is something magical and surreal about being at the Cape at night. There are no buildings or lights to be seen and there are no honking horns to be heard from traffic. There is only serene calm and the beauty of undisturbed nature to surround you. Nighttime at the Cape can transport you back into a distant, simpler time in history.

Another fun and unique place to stay is at Great Island Camp, formerly known as Alger Willis Fish Camp. This location is a favorite for the locals and a great opportunity for families to enjoy their visit at Cape Lookout National Seashore. Located roughly sixteen miles from Cape Lookout Lighthouse and nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and Core Sound, Great Island Camp features twenty-six cabins that range from four sleepers to eight sleepers. Each cabin is equipped with a bathroom and shower, bunk beds, and a kitchen which provides campers with a stove and a sink. While there is running hot water, there are no refrigerators and there is no electricity. There are places to connect a generator should people desire to bring one. Great Island Camp is easily accessed by ferry service that leaves from Davis Shore. There is a parking lot on sight for any vehicles. Great Island Camp is a beautiful way to enjoy Cape Lookout. It blesses campers with an exceptional view of the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean and of the calming waters of Core Sound. The cabins book up pretty quickly, so if you are interested in staying be sure reserve one as soon as you can. Rates vary.

Popular Places to Shop

Much of Cape Lookout remains total wilderness. However, there is a visitor’s welcome area near the lighthouse where visitors can purchase snacks, beverages, sunscreen, and memorabilia such as postcards.
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