Explore Our Outer Banks National Parks

Want to dive deeper into the history and biodiversity of our amazing Outer Banks national parks? As a visitor to Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, and Wright Brothers National Memorial, you can enrich your visit by attending our parks’ ranger programs!

Ranger programs are a great way to learn about what makes our parks special, whether it’s learning how people of the past lived, discovering geologic processes at work, or seeing things you wouldn’t have found on your own. These programs include talks, guided walks, and hands-on activities. Programs are offered throughout the summer and early fall at a variety of locations throughout our parks.

Take a guided walk with a ranger at Fort Raleigh to explore the mystery of the “Lost Colony” of Roanoke. Fly a kite and test the Kitty Hawk winds like Wilbur and Orville at Wright Brothers. Discover the creatures onshore and offshore that call Cape Hatteras home. Hear stories about the Banker ponies and pirates of Ocracoke Island.

Ranger programs are open to visitors of all ages. No matter your interests, ranger programs offer something for everyone. Please note: Ranger programs are subject to change due to weather and staffing.

During the winter “off-season,” ranger programs at our Outer Banks national parks are offered on a very limited basis. Please check each park’s calendar for the most up-to-date information! To stay up to date with programs and events our parks’ full online calendars below:

Cape Hatteras National Seashore:

Stay tuned for upcoming ranger programs!

Fort Raleigh National Historic Site: January 1 to May 1

The Forgotten Colony – The Civil War on Roanoke Island

Join a ranger for a presentation on this relatively unknown period of Roanoke Island’s history.  Learn about the Civil War battle fought on the island and the subsequent freedom-seeker refuge that became the Freedmen’s Colony. This program is offered every week on Sunday, Monday, and Saturday from 12 to 12:30 p.m. 

The “Lost Colony” Walking Tour

Join a ranger to delve into the history and mystery surrounding England’s first attempt to establish a colony in the new world.  This easy walk follows paved sidewalks and is .25 miles in length. This program is offered every week on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 11 to 11:30 a.m. 

Wright Brothers National Memorial: January 1 to April 22

Wind and Sand 

Join a ranger to step back in history during this short walk to the actual site of the Wrights’ first powered flights. Discover why the Wrights chose Kitty Hawk for their flight experiments and what life was like in the Outer Banks and  learn about the events that led to the first powered flight on that cold December day and the lasting impact their first flight continues to have on the world today. This program is offered every week daily from Sunday to Saturday from 11 to 11:30 a.m., 1 to 1:30 p.m., and 3 to 3:30 p.m. 

Our Outer Banks national parks publish In The Parks each year to keep you up-to-date with stories, event happenings, and the latest developments at Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, and Wright Brothers National Memorial. 

In the 2022 edition, you’ll read about the 150th anniversary of the Bodie Island Lighthouse, recent archaeological discoveries at Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, Big Kill Devil Hill’s “new look,” park safety tips, and much more. Click the image below to download your free copy of In The Parks. Happy reading!