HARKERS ISLAND, NC - Ever wonder how wild horses survive on a barrier island? Or why sea turtles lay their eggs at night? Discover the answers to these questions and many more during one of Cape Lookout National Seashore's interpretive talks or guided walking tours.
A variety of programs will be presented throughout the month of August at various locations within Cape Lookout National Seashore. All programs are free of charge. Programs will run on schedule unless there is inclement weather.
According to Superintendent Pat Kenney, "These are great opportunities for a family to spend some time together and experience one of your National Parks." Cape Lookout National Seashore is one of 397 parks that make up the National Park system.
For more information on these programs and other program offerings, call the Harkers Island Visitor Center at 252-728-2250.
Cape Lookout Lighthouse Area
Lighting the Way (Daily, 15 minutes)
Come learn the history of the Cape Lookout Lighthouse and the life of the lighthouse keeper.
Programs begin on the porch of the Assistant Keepers' Quarters next to the Lighthouse at 10:30 am, 1:30 pm and 3:30pm.
Discovery Cart (Wednesday - Sunday, 30 minutes)
Come and discover what lies beneath the waters of Cape Lookout National Seashore at our Discovery Cart. Learn about horseshoe crabs, loggerhead sea turtles, sea urchins, sharks, whales, shells and the creatures that live within them, and much more! Programs begin at 10:00 am and 3:00 pm at the Light Station Pavilion located by the Light Station Visitor Center near the ferry dock.
Heroes of the Surf (Wednesday - Sunday, 15 minutes)
Nor'easters, hurricanes, shoals, and wars have claimed thousands of lives on the North Carolina coast. Join a Ranger to hear the stories of these events and some of the people who risked their lives to rescue strangers from the Graveyard of the Atlantic. Programs begin at 2:00 pm at the Light Station Pavilion located by the Light Station Visitor Center near the ferry dock.
History on Hooves (Wednesday - Sunday, 15 minutes)
Hear the story of some of the most famous residents of Shackleford Banks, the wild horses. Find out how they got here and how they survive the harsh conditions of a barrier island. You may even catch a glimpse of them through the spotting scope. Programs begin at 11:00 pm at the Light Station Pavilion located near the Light Station Visitor Center near the ferry dock.
Island Explorations (Thursday & Sunday, 15 minutes)
Come join a park ranger for new adventures at Cape Lookout National Seashore. From ocean to sound, from sea to sky, these programs will take you on a different encounter with nature each day. Programs begin at 2:00 pm at the Light Station Pavilion located near the Light Station Visitor Center near the ferry dock.
Tending the Light (Wednesday - Sunday, 15 minutes)
Lighthouse keepers were dedicated men and women who kept the light burning through fair weather and hurricanes. Come discover how they, and their families, managed to keep the light burning. Programs begin at 12:00 pm at the Light Station Pavilion located near the Light Station Visitor Center near the ferry dock.
Civil War Stories (Saturday, 15 minutes)
The inlets along the North Carolina coast provided much needed supply routes which gave the area a diverse Civil War story. Join the ranger to hear about the raid on the lighthouse, confederate spies, blockade runners, and other stories. Programs begin at 2:00 pm at the Light Station Pavilion located near the Light Station Visitor Center near the ferry dock.
Harkers Island
Maritime Forest Tour (Saturday, 1 hour)
Join a ranger for an hour-long walk and learn how native plants and animals survive with the constant threat of the forces of nature and enjoy a pleasant hike with great views and a chance to see island wildlife. Programs begin at 11:30 am and 2:30 pm at the Harkers Island Visitor Center.
Horse Sense and Survival (Tuesday August 14, 1 hour)
Join a ranger for this armchair look at the fascinating world of the Shackleford Banks wild horses. Learn where the horses find fresh water, what they eat and what they do to survive on the barrier island during storms. Program begins at 7:00 pm at the Harkers Island Visitor Center.
Ribbon of Sand (film) (Daily, 26 minutes)
This film offers spectacular imagery, including aerial and underwater photography, to describe the Cape Lookout ecosystem from the soundside marshes and estuaries to the thin protective line of barrier islands of the Outer Banks and the ocean depths beyond. Program shown upon request in the Harkers Island Visitor Center. For your convenience this film is open captioned and audio described. Assistive listening devices are also available.
Portsmouth Village
Portsmouth Village Guided Tour (Friday and Saturday, 1 hour)
Come and discover what life was like for those who once called Portsmouth and the Outer Banks home. Be sure to bring drinking water, bug repellent, and sunscreen. There are no amenities in the village. Programs begin at 10:30 am at the Haulover Point Dock in Portsmouth Village.
