Gather ‘round, all you artists, historians, pirates, animal lovers, environmentalists, thespians, anthropologists and those in between. Outer Banks museums capture various fields of interest to appeal to both visitors and locals. Some museums, like the Wright Brothers National Memorial, are great to visit on clear days when you can climb to the top of a point and overlook miles of the coast. Others are excellent solutions for rainy days when the ocean is rough and the sand muddy. Just pop by a museum or two to learn about the Graveyard of the Atlantic or the history of Native Americans on Hatteras Island. Whatever type of geography and topic you desire – oceanfront or marshland, art or climbing to the top of a lighthouse – Outer Banks museums will provide you with entertainment, activities and fun. Museums are also great to visit with families. Many offer activities just for kids, who can participate in interactive crafts and exhibits. Browse through the listings below to see which museums you might want to check out during your visit!
Outer Banks Things To Do by Area
Corolla | Duck & Southern Shores | Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills & Nags Head
Roanoke Island & Manteo | Hatteras Island | Ocracoke Island
Outer Banks Things To Do by Category
The Native American history of Hatteras Island and the Native American culture of our nation are preserved at this must-see museum in Frisco. The building,...read more
At the end of N.C. Highway 12 just past the ferry docks, Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum attracts attention with its composite of ship shapes, porthole...read more
The Hatteras Island Park Store is located on the grounds of Cape Hatteras Light Station. No visit to the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is complete without a stop...read more
Nags Head is home to the tallest natural sand dune on the East Coast. Jockey’s Ridge, currently a series of five dunes, is a natural wonder that’s...read more
A monument at the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum in Hatteras honors Hotel De Afrique, the first safe haven for African Americans during the Civil War. The...read more
Ocracoke is one of the few remaining working maritime communities. Round out your Ocracoke cultural education and learn about the life and history of the...read more
In the roundabout at the intersection of Sir Walter Raleigh and Bideford streets, a part of the community's African-American heritage is being preserved and...read more
This little museum and gallery is behind the home of the owner on Ananias Dare Street across the main highway from the downtown area. Herbert Bliven runs a...read more
Experience a new adventure in an old world at Roanoke Island Festival Park. This 25-acre historic site allows guests of all...read more
Originally a boathouse used to build world-record–holding speedboats, this building has seen a variety of boat-building uses in its day. The building’s...read more
Perched over the water along Manteo’s waterfront boardwalk, the picturesque Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse is perfectly suited to the town’s maritime setting....read more
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s LEED–certified visitor center is on the north end of Roanoke Island near the entrance to Fort Raleigh National...read more
