Visitor Centers

Harkers Island Visitor Center

 
Shell Point, Harkers Island at Sunset
Shell Point, Harkers Island at Sunset

NPS Photo

Milky Way in the sky over the Harkers Island boat basin
Milky Way above Harkers Island boat basin.

NPS Photo

 

Open Summer Hours (April 1 - December 1) Open daily from 9:00am to 5:00pm

Winter Hours: (December 1 - April 1) Open Monday - Saturday, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Closed Sundays, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.

Location Eastern end of Harkers Island. On Island Road which is off of US Hwy 70, between Cedar Island and Beaufort, NC. GPS help: use 1800 Island Road, Harkers Island, NC 28531 to bring you to our main parking lot

Programs and Amenities Exhibits on Portsmouth Village, island ecology, and Shackleford Banks horses; interactive map of the park; the park film; informational materials; free Junior Ranger booklets; special event programs; book store; park passport stamp and lighthouse society stamp; and parking.

Available Facilities Restrooms, first aid, ferry ticket booth, picnic area, and a kayak launch site.

Please Note The Harkers Island Visitor Center is also home to the Park Administrative Offices and serves as the Park Headquarters. Administrative Offices are open Monday - Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. (Closed all federal holidays.)

 

Light Station Visitor Center

 

Open Seasonal, daily from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm

Location On the boardwalk in the lighthouse area connected to the ferry dock. South Core Banks.

Programs and Amenities beach wheelchair (free rental); a bookstore; and a park passport stamp.

Available Facilities Restrooms, outdoor rinse off area, shade shelter, first aid, and wheelchair rental (free) both a standard wheelchair and a beach wheelchair.

 

Great Island Cabin Office

 

Open Seasonal, daily from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm

Location Second building on the right from the ferry dock. Great Island Cabin Camp on South Core Banks.

Programs and Amenities Information on recreation; park passport stamp; free Junior Ranger booklets; long-term parking permits; and Saltwater Fishing Tournament Weigh Station;

Available Facilities First aid; gas and ice sales.

 

Portsmouth Visitor Center

Theodore and Annie Salter House

 

Open Seasonal, Monday - Friday from 10:00am to 4:00pm

Location The first house on the right of the path from Haulover Dock. Portsmouth Village on North Core Banks.

Programs and Amenities Exhibits on lightering, shipping, the fishing industry, and maritime village culture; informational materials; park passport stamp.

Available Facilities Restrooms and first aid.

 

Long Point Cabin Office

 

Closed due to damage by Hurricane Dorian in September 2019. Facilities will remain closed until further notice.

 

Last updated: June 21, 2025

Park footer

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

131 Charles St
Harkers Island, NC 28531

Phone:

252 728-2250

Contact Us