Rolling sea oats, tranquil beaches and a good beach read may be on your list for your next visit to The Northern Outer Banks, but did you know that it is also home to a lot of rich History and historical sites to stop in and experience during your stay. Here are a few of our favorite local historical stops for your next visit:
Currituck Beach Lighthouse – Arguably one of the most iconic historical markers of The Northern Outer Banks, the Currituck Beach Lighthouse,
located in Corolla on the grounds of Historic Corolla Park, is the brick lighthouse that still is in operation today. This fully functioning lighthouse is available to climb and experience from Spring through late fall and boasts 360 views of the Currituck Sound and the beach. There is a fee to climb to the top, but the grounds are free and open to the public to explore.
Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education – With over 4000 square feet of gallery space showcasing the regions famed water fowling heritage,
vintage decoy collection, the history of Currituck County and the Outer Banks, and the wildlife that live in this environment, there is no reason to not find something new to know about this very unique region. Access to the exhibit is free and is located on the grounds of Historic Corolla Park. The center also features a theater and wildlife program opportunities for outdoor skills including fishing, crabbing, archery, and more.
Currituck Maritime Museum – The Northern Outer Banks is known to be surrounded by water, and these
waterways were once the highways for transportation through this region. The Currituck Maritime Museum provides the stories of the wildfowl hunters, fishermen, guides, and craftsmen that built and used the boats that are featured in this exhibit. These historic boats were the vehicles for the people of Currituck, and were used to live, work, and play. Stop in for a free visit while walking the picturesque grounds of Historic Corolla Park and to experience the history firsthand.
Whalehead in Historic Corolla – The soft yellow mansion situated along the banks of the Currituck Sound boasts some of the most beautiful views, amazing 1920’s art-nouveau style details and provides a history of what it was like 
to live as a wealthy couple in these remote parts of the Outer Banks. Edward Collings Knight, Jr. and his wife Marie Louise built the lavish hunting retreat to enjoy the outdoors and host friends to enjoy all that The Northern Outer Banks has to offer. The mansion has been restored to its original lustor and remains a very popular location for visitors to tour; the backdrop of many family and wedding photos and a great exploration of history.
Historic Jarvisburg Colored School – Listed on the National Register of Historic Places as one of the oldest African American schools in North Carolina, this one room schoolhouse tells the history of what it was like to go to school as an African American in this rural coastal community. The museum is part of the African American Experience of Northeastern North Carolina. It can be seen on Hwy 158 on the way to the beach. Stop in and learn more about this local history that impacted the education of many lives in the area.
Currituck County Courthouse & Jail – Located in Currituck, the Currituck County Courthouse and the Historic Currituck Jail sit along the picturesque Currituck Sound with full views of Knotts Island and the ferry. These two historic pieces of architecture provide a glimpse of what old Currituck would have looked like in the 19th century. Built in 1820, the Currituck Jail is one of the oldest surviving jails in North Carolina.
How many Historic locations can you cover during your next visit? Tag us in your pictures on Instagram using #TheNorthernOBX or #CorollaNC in your posts.
