Ranger Programs

Discovery Cart Program

What happened to the first Cape Lookout lighthouse? How do the wild horses survive on a barrier island? What is a lightering port? Why do most sea turtles lay their nests at night? What was life like on the Outer Banks in wartime?

Discover the answers to these questions and many more during an interpretive talk or on a guided walking tour. Join a park ranger or volunteer for an insider's view of Cape Lookout National Seashore. All programs are free of charge.

Programs will run on schedule unless there is inclement weather. Additional programs may be offered. Check at one of the Visitor Centers or call 252-728-2250 for a complete schedule and more information.

For information on special event programs such as Astronomy Night, Horse Sense & Survival Guided Tours or the Evening at the Cape please visit the Special Events page.

Summer 2023 Schedule

Harkers Island Visitor Center | Cape Lookout Lighthouse Area
Beaufort Visitor Information Center & Shackleford Banks | Portsmouth Village

 

Harkers Island Visitor Center

Ribbon of Sand [film] (Daily, upon request, 26 minutes)
Through the imagery of this film, including spectacular aerial and underwater photography, you will travel through the Cape Lookout ecosystem from the sound side marshes and estuaries to the thin protective line of islands of the Outer Banks and the ocean depths beyond. For your convenience this film is open captioned. Assistive listening devices are available for enhanced listening and audio description.

 

Cape Lookout Lighthouse Area

Programs given from June through September on select dates
Dates, times and topics vary, check the schedule at the Visitor Center

Come join us for short programs given throughout the day on some of our most asked about park topics.

Ribbon of Sand [film] (Daily, push button self-start, 16 minutes)
Through the imagery of this film, including spectacular aerial and underwater photography, you will travel through the Cape Lookout ecosystem from the sound side marshes and estuaries to the thin protective line of islands of the Outer Banks and the ocean depths beyond. For your convenience this film is open captioned. Enhanced listening induction loop for t-cell compatible hearing aids also broadcasts the soundtrack within the theater.

 

Beaufort Visitor Information Center

Programs offered on select dates, from June through September
Note: ferry fees apply to programs taking place on Shackleford Banks



Sundays, (through Sunday, September 5)
Art of the New Deal
(Program meets in Beaufort Town Hall – Front Street Entrance; 2:00 p.m.; Sundays, beginning July 11 – September 5)

Calling all art enthusiasts! Discover the murals painted for the old Beaufort Post Office and still hanging in the front entrance which capture moments of our local maritime history. These nationally treasured murals were painted as part of the art of the New Deal era by artist Simka Simkhovitch. Locals who have grown up with the murals are encouraged to attend (and share their memories).

 

Portsmouth Village

Programs are offered June to September

Programs temporarily unavailable until further notice

Last updated: October 20, 2023

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

131 Charles St
Harkers Island, NC 28531

Phone:

252 728-2250

Contact Us