NPS
The staircase inside the Cape Hatteras lighthouse looking down.
The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, the tallest brick lighthouse in the world, is open for climbing from the third Friday in April to Columbus Day (in October). The Cape Hatteras Light Station site also includes a visitor center, bookstore, and the Museum of the Sea. To schedule a date and specific times for a school group program or lighthouse climb, call the Hatteras Island Visitor Center at (252) 995-4474. Fees are charged for climbing the lighthouse but not for programs.
Before you schedule a lighthouse climb, please know that:
1) Only 30 people are allowed to climb the lighthouse every ten minutes and climbing times are scheduled accordingly. If you have a large group, it might take an hour or more before everyone gets a chance to climb.
2) At least one chaperone must climb the lighthouse with the students for each climbing time scheduled.
After you have scheduled a lighthouse climb:
1) If you wish to have the climbing fees waived, you must request an Academic Fee Waiver from the Outer Banks Group Fee Manager at least four weeks in advance of your scheduled visit. If approved, you will receive an approval letter from the Fee Manager. The letter must be presented at the lighthouse ticket booth to receive your free tickets on the day of your climb. If you do not have an approval letter with you when you arrive at the site, you will be charged the applicable climbing fees.
2) Read and discuss all rules and regulations for climbing the lighthouse with the students before arrival.
Ocracoke Island Visitor Center
The Ocracoke Island Visitor Center has exhibits and a bookstore. The Ocracoke Lighthouse is the second oldest operating lighthouse in the nation. The lighthouse is not open for climbing. To schedule a school group program, call the Ocracoke Island Visitor Center at (252) 928-4531. There is no admission fee.
