The Outer Banks Shining Star: Discovering the Bodie Island Lighthouse
The Bodie Island Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse located on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, near the town of Nags Head. The lighthouse was first built in 1870 and was an important aid to navigation for ships traveling along the Atlantic coast.
The lighthouse is a conical brick structure that stands at 150 feet tall. It features a black and white spiral stripe pattern and it is one of the few lighthouses that still retain its original first-order Fresnel lens. Visitors can take a tour of the lighthouse and climb the 214 steps to the top for a breathtaking view of the surrounding area.
The lighthouse is part of the Bodie Island Lighthouse Station, which includes the lighthouse, a keeper’s quarters, an oil house, and a boat house. The buildings have been restored and now house a museum that displays artifacts from the lighthouse’s history, including the lens, tools, and equipment used by the keepers.
The Bodie Island Lighthouse is surrounded by a beautiful 15-acre maritime forest, which is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, raccoons, and sea birds. Visitors can take a walk on the nature trail that winds through the forest and along the sound, where you can spot ospreys, herons, and egrets.
The Bodie Island Lighthouse is open to the public year-round, with the exception of certain holidays. Admission to the lighthouse is free, but there is a fee to climb the tower. Visitors can also take part in ranger-led tours, which are offered during the summer months.
In conclusion, the Bodie Island Lighthouse is an important piece of American history and a must-see attraction for anyone visiting the Outer Banks of North Carolina. The lighthouse offers visitors the chance to learn about the history of the area, while also enjoying the natural beauty of the surrounding forest and wildlife. The lighthouse is a great place to visit for families, history buffs, and anyone who loves lighthouses.
Near by:
- Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
- Wright Brothers National Memorial
- Jockeys Ridge State Park
- Roanoke Island Festival Park
