Fort Raleigh National Historic Site

Fort Raleigh National Historic Site is located on Roanoke Island in Dare County, North Carolina. This historic site is known for its rich historical background, including its connection to the Roanoke Colony, also known as the "Lost Colony."

The Fort Raleigh National Historic Site covers an area of approximately 514 acres. It is situated on the same island where Sir Walter Raleigh's ill-fated Roanoke Colony was established in the late 16th century. The colony, which was the first English settlement in North America, mysteriously vanished in 1590, leaving behind only cryptic clues and questions that have captivated historians for centuries.

Visitors to the Fort Raleigh National Historic Site can explore the remains of the fort where the original colonists lived, as well as a reconstructed earthwork fort representing the 1585 settlement of the colony. Additionally, there is an Elizabethan-style garden that offers insight into the colonists' daily lives and horticultural practices.

In addition to its historical significance, the Fort Raleigh National Historic Site offers a variety of educational opportunities. The site features a visitor center where visitors can learn about the history of the Roanoke Colony through exhibits and films. Ranger-guided programs, including tours and demonstrations, are also available to provide a deeper understanding of the site's significance.

One of the main attractions near Fort Raleigh National Historic Site is the Elizabethan Gardens. These stunning gardens cover about 10 acres and were created to honor the first English colonists. Featuring beautiful plantings, statues, and a serene atmosphere, the gardens are a must-visit for nature and history enthusiasts alike.

Another nearby attraction is the Roanoke Island Festival Park, which provides a hands-on experience of the Roanoke Colony's history through exhibits, live performances, and recreations of the original settlement. The park also offers boat tours and an outdoor pavilion for concerts and events.

Overall, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site is a fascinating destination for history lovers and those intrigued by the enigma of the "Lost Colony." With its historical significance, educational opportunities, and nearby attractions, visiting this site provides a unique and immersive experience of the early English colonization in North America.

Fort Raleigh National Historic Site is located on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, nestled amidst the captivating landscapes that make this area a paradise for nature lovers. Situated along the eastern coastline of the state, this site is found on Roanoke Island, an island renowned for its pristine beaches, enchanting marshes, and dense woodlands. Surrounded by tranquil waters, the fort offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, with its pristine sandy shores stretching far into the horizon. With its strategic position on the Outer Banks, Fort Raleigh beckons visitors with its rich history and captivating scenery, making it an ideal destination for exploration and a peaceful retreat.

Address & Contact

1500 Fort Raleigh Road
Manteo, NC 27954
Driving Directions
Phone: 2524732111
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Fort Raleigh National Historic Site would be in April or October. These months offer pleasant outdoor weather with average maximum temperatures of 69°F and 72°F respectively. Additionally, the average minimum temperatures during these months are comfortable at 51°F and 58°F. Both months also have moderate precipitation levels, with average monthly rainfall of 3.1 inches in April and 3.5 inches in October. Moreover, visiting during these months allows one to avoid large crowds, as visitor counts are relatively lower compared to the peak summer months.

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Fort Raleigh National Historic Site are: Junior Ranger Program Park Film Museum Exhibits Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Arts and Culture Theater

Topics

Learn about these topics at Fort Raleigh National Historic Site: Archeology Native American Heritage Transportation Tragic Events Colonization and Settlement Explorers and Expeditions Military African American Heritage Science, Technology and Innovation Forests and Woodlands Forts Battlefields Monuments and Memorials Wars and Conflicts Civil War Social Movements Enslavement Maritime Piracy and Privateering Abolition Movement

Visitor Centers

Lindsay Warren Visitor Center

The visitor center of Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, housing immersive exhibits on the Algonquian, the English, the Roanoke Island Freedmen's Colony, the Civil War Battle of Roanoke Island, and Reginald Fessenden. A 17-minute dramatic video on the interaction between the Algonquian and the English is displayed in the visitor center's theater.

Passport Stamp locations

The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Lindsay Warren Visitor Center.

Campsites within or near Fort Raleigh National Historic Site

This park doesn't have any campsites within its boundaries (or we haven't found them yet)).

Hotels within or near Fort Raleigh National Historic Site

Cameron House Inn

With a stay at Cameron House Inn in Manteo, you'll be in the historical district, just a 5-minute walk from Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse and 6 minutes by foot from Festival Park. Planning an event in Manteo? This guesthouse has 1500 square feet (139 square meters) of space consisting of conference space and a meeting room. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 300 Budleigh Street, Manteo, North Carolina 27954
Web: Link

Elizabethan Inn

Located in Manteo, Elizabethan Inn is in the historical district, within a 5-minute drive of Island Farm and Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse. Featured amenities include a business center, express check-out, and a 24-hour front desk. Planning an event in Manteo? This hotel has facilities measuring 400 square feet (36 square meters), including a meeting room. RV/bus/truck parking is available onsite.
Address: 814 N Highway 64, Manteo, North Carolina 27954
Web: Link

Cambridge Cove At Bermuda Bay By Kees Vacations

A stay at Cambridge Cove At Bermuda Bay By Kees Vacations places you in the heart of Kill Devil Hills, within a 5-minute drive of Destination Fun and Professor Hacker's Lost Treasure Golf. Featured amenities include express check-in and express check-out. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1101 Cambridge Rd, Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina 27948
Web: Link

Hamilton Cay at Bermuda Bay by Kees Vacations

A stay at Hamilton Cay at Bermuda Bay by Kees Vacations places you in the heart of Kill Devil Hills, within a 5-minute drive of Destination Fun and Professor Hacker's Lost Treasure Golf. Featured amenities include express check-in, express check-out, and an elevator. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1101 Cambridge Rd, Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina 27948
Web: Link

White Doe Inn

When you stay at White Doe Inn in Manteo, you'll be in the historical district, within a 10-minute walk of Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse and Festival Park. Featured amenities include complimentary newspapers in the lobby, a library, and coffee/tea in a common area. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 319 Sir Walter Raleigh St., Manteo, North Carolina 27954
Web: Link

Devonshire Place at Bermuda Bay By Kees Vacations

With a stay at Devonshire Place at Bermuda Bay By Kees Vacations in Kill Devil Hills, you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Destination Fun and Professor Hacker's Lost Treasure Golf. Featured amenities include express check-in, express check-out, and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1101 Cambridge Rd, Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina 27948
Web: Link

Shallowbag Bay Club

When you stay at Shallowbag Bay Club in Manteo, you'll be near the beach, within a 5-minute drive of Outer Banks Visitors Bureau and Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse. Featured amenities include a business center, dry cleaning/laundry services, and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: S Bay Club Dr, Manteo, North Carolina 27954
Web: Link

Roanoke Island Inn

With a stay at Roanoke Island Inn in Manteo, you'll be a 2-minute walk from Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse and 8 minutes by foot from Festival Park. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 305 Fernando St, Manteo, North Carolina 27954
Web: Link

Scarborough Inn

Located in Manteo, Scarborough Inn is within a 5-minute drive of Outer Banks Visitors Bureau and Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse. The front desk is staffed during limited hours. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 524 US-64, Manteo, North Carolina 27954
Web: Link

Island Guesthouse and Motel

With a stay at Island Guesthouse and Motel in Manteo, you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse and Island Farm. The front desk is staffed during limited hours. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 706 N Hwy 64/264, Manteo, North Carolina 27954
Web: Link