Roanoke Island

Welcome to Roanoke Island.

Roanoke Island is an intruiging destination that offers a unique experience throughout the year. America’s English beginnings span more than 400 years from the time when Sir Walter Raleigh’s explorers first arrived in the New World and attempted to establish a settlement at Fort Raleigh on Roanoke Island. Relive their experience at Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, which features a museum with artifacts from the actual site, exhibits, a film, and interpretive talks by rangers.

On the same site, America’s oldest outdoor drama, The Lost Colony, is performed under the stars each summer at the Waterside Theatre. The play, in its 70th year of production, debuted in 1937 and combines drama, music, and dance to tell of the ill-fated 1587 English Colony. Located next door are the beautiful Elizabethan Gardens, where every season brings a fresh array of flowering plants, shrubs, and trees – from dogwoods in the spring, to chrysanthemums in the autumn, to camellias in the winter.

Visitors can explore the evolution of this island and The Outer Banks from the late 16th to early 20th century at Roanoke Island Festival Park. The park features an 8,500 square foot hall of permanent, interactive exhibits; a film depicting the English landing on Roanoke Island from the Native American point of view; an outdoor performance pavilion; an art gallery and museum shop. Another highlight is the Elizabeth II, a representative 16th century sailing vessel that brought England’s first New World colonists to the new world. Costumed interpreters present a living history program. Across the creek is the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse, The Outer Banks newest and smallest lighthouse. This screw pile lighthouse offers panoramic waterfront views and features exhibits highlighting Roanoke Island’s maritime heritage. Just adjacent to the lighthouse is the North Carolina Maritime Museum featuring the 1883 North Carolina shad boat, Ella View, early commercial fishing exhibits and exhibits on regional boat building.

A tour of the island would not be complete without a visit to the North Carolina Aquarium. This aquarium offers a window into the world of North Carolina’s waters and provides a chance to see fascinating creatures great and small. From hands-on activities to outdoor field trips, exciting learning abounds.

If you are traveling to Roanoke Island, there are many attractions. The North Carolina Tourist Guide can help you when planning your trip.




Roanoke Island