Pronounced “body,” this horizontally striped lighthouse is on the soundside at the southern end of Bodie Island in Cape Hatteras National Seashore. It re-opened from a major renovation project in April 2013, and visitors can climb to the top of the 156-foot-tall lighthouse from late April through Columbus Day in October. During the lighthouse climbing season, reservations to climb the lighthouse must be made at recreation.gov. Bodie Island Lighthouse was first completed in 1872 and has an interesting history. The structure you see today is actually the third lighthouse to be built in this area. The first lighthouse was built in 1847, rebuilt in 1859 and destroyed in 1861 during the Civil War. The Bodie Island Visitor Center housed in the old Double Keepers’ Quarters is open year-round and is where you can check out exhibits and browse through a bookstore. There is also a self-guided nature trail that meanders through the surrounding marshes and ends at a wildlife viewing platform. Bodie Island is a great place for photo opportunities, so be sure to bring your camera.
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