Fort Raleigh National Historic Site

By /
An earthworks covered in reddish-green grass about 4 feet high in a star pattern
The Fort Raleigh earthworks is one of the remnants of the English attempts at a colony on Roanoke Island
A black stone monument with the words "First Light of Freedom and an etched painting of many people
Commemorating the Roanoke Island Freedmen's Colony
An outdoor theater on the shoreline with green stadium seats, sand stage, and wooden facade
The Waterside Theater has been home to the Lost Colony Drama since 1937
A stretch of sandy beach with trees near the shoreline and a building in the distance on the shore
Fort Raleigh has several beach areas on the north end of Roanoke Island
A trail through a forested area with pine straw covering the trail
Fort Raleigh has two trails to explore, both offering forested sights and shoreline views
Photos: National Park Service

About Fort Raleigh National Historic Site

Amongst the shallow blue waters of the Outer Banks lies Fort Raleigh on Roanoke Island. Shaped by constant winds of change, Fort Raleigh has become a focal point of American history. From the first Algonquian-speaking people to the first English colonies, from formerly enslaved people starting anew to an inventor testing new radio technology, this island continues to be a place to forge new paths.

Quick Facts

State North Carolina
Designation National Historic Site
State Code NC
Weather Weather on the Outer Banks varies seasonally and daily. Please check the National Weather Service at http://www.weather.gov/mhx/ for up-to-date weather forecast information.

Location & Map

Fort Raleigh National Historic Site is located in North Carolina.

Operating Hours

The grounds are open for visitation 24 hours a day.

Wednesday All Day
Monday All Day
Thursday All Day
Sunday All Day
Tuesday All Day
Friday All Day
Saturday All Day

Activities

Arts and Culture Theater Junior Ranger Program Park Film Museum Exhibits Shopping Bookstore and Park Store

Getting There

Fort Raleigh National Historic Site is located on the northern end of Roanoke Island, north of the town of Manteo, NC.

View Official Directions

Contact & Address

Address 1500 Fort Raleigh Road, Manteo, NC, 27954
Phone 2524732111
Email caha_public_affairs@nps.gov

Topics & Themes

African American Heritage Archeology Colonization and Settlement Enslavement Explorers and Expeditions Forts Maritime Piracy and Privateering Military Battlefields Monuments and Memorials Native American Heritage Science, Technology and Innovation Social Movements Abolition Movement Transportation Tragic Events Wars and Conflicts Civil War Forests and Woodlands

Visitor Centers

Lindsay Warren Visitor Center

The visitor center of Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, housing immersive exhibits on the Algonquian, the English, the Roanoke Island Freedmen's Colony, the Civil War…

Hours: The hours of operation for the visitor center at Fort Raleigh National Historic Site.

🗺️ Guided Tours & Experiences

Discover Fort Raleigh National Historic Site with expert-led tours

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

🏨 Find Hotels Near Fort Raleigh National Historic Site

Compare accommodation options for your visit

Search Hotels Near Fort Raleigh National Historic Site on Booking.com

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

More Parks in North Carolina

Plan Your Trip From a Nearby City

Find national parks near these cities, including Fort Raleigh National Historic Site.

Scroll to Top