An earthworks covered in reddish-green grass about 4 feet high in a star pattern Photo: Kurt Moses/NPS

Fort Raleigh National Historic Site

National Historic Site · North Carolina

Amongst the shallow blue waters of the Outer Banks lies Fort Raleigh on Roanoke Island.

  • LocationManteo, NC
  • Entrance No fee listed
  • HoursOpen 24 hours, daily
  • Weather now71°F Overcast
  • Alerts No active alerts

Overview

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.

Topics
  • Abolition Movement
  • African American Heritage
  • Archeology
  • Battlefields
  • Civil War
  • Colonization and Settlement
  • Enslavement
  • Explorers and Expeditions
12 more topics
  • Forests and Woodlands
  • Forts
  • Maritime
  • Military
  • Monuments and Memorials
  • Native American Heritage
  • Piracy and Privateering
  • Science, Technology and Innovation
  • Social Movements
  • Tragic Events
  • Transportation
  • Wars and Conflicts
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 — Kurt Moses/NPS Photo

Things to Do

7 activities. Pick one to find other parks that offer it.

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 — Kurt Moses/NPS

Facilities & Services

Find visitor services available in the park. Check current hours and availability before you go.

Other Visitor Services

  • Lindsay Warren Visitor Center

    Lindsay Warren Visitor Center

    Facility

    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…

    Details
    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 Battle of Roanoke Island, and Reginald Fessenden. A 17-minute dramatic video on the interaction between the Algonquian and the English is displayed in the visitor center's theater.

Plan Your Visit

Hours

Open 24 hours, daily · Park Grounds

Hours details
  • Park GroundsOpen 24 hours, daily

    The grounds are open for visitation 24 hours a day.

Entrance fees

No entrance fees listed.

Address

1500 Fort Raleigh Road
Manteo, NC 27954

Weather & conditions

71°F
Overcast · feels like 65°
  • Today 73° 68°
    Sunny
    48% rain
  • Tomorrow 72° 69°
    Sunny
    9% rain
  • Wednesday 78° 69°
    Sunny
    9% rain

Updated 1 hr ago

What to expect by season

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.

Upcoming Events

3 coming up
  • The Lost Colony- Walking Tour

    Oct 12, 2026 · 01:00 PM–01:45 PM · through Oct 16 Meet in the plaza outside the Lindsay Warren Visitor Center. Free

  • The Freedmen's Colony - The Civil War on Roanoke

    Oct 13, 2026 · 01:00 PM–01:30 PM · through Oct 17 The program meets in front of the Fort Raleigh Visitor Center. Free

  • The Lost Colony- Walking Tour

    Oct 15, 2026 · 01:00 PM–01:45 PM Meet in the plaza outside the Lindsay Warren Visitor Center. Free

Photos

Getting There

1500 Fort Raleigh Road
Manteo, NC 27954

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

Mailing address: Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, Manteo, NC 27954

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