Manteo, North Carolina is a historic town on the eastern shores of Roanoke Island. Roanoke Island is known as one of the first English settlements in America, which means that many of Manteo’s attractions and activities pertain to its historic heritage. History lovers and non-history buffs will have a fun-filled, relaxing, and educational experience in Manteo. Check out our top historic sites in Manteo.
1. Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse
Come take a look at this magnificent and historic lighthouse. Built in 1887 the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse sits across from the Maritime Museum, making it easy for vacationers to make a day of visiting both locations in one day. History lovers can learn more about this historic lighthouse at the North Carolina Maritime Museum, where they host a variety of educational opportunities.
Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse
Address: Maritime Museum 104 Fernando Street Manteo NC 27954
Website: Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse
2. Roanoke Island Maritime Museum
The Roanoke Island Maritime Museum is located in the George Washington Creef boathouse. George Washington Creef was a builder who designed and created the Shad boat, a boat which is the North Carolina state boat. Boat and water lovers will love the Maritime Museum as they can learn about regional maritime heritage. The museum also serves as a boat shop where volunteers and staff work on restoring boats. Visitors can learn all about the boat restoration process, and traditional Roanoke Island boat building. After learning about and experiencing Roanoke boat heritage, boat lovers can take small walk to the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse.
Roanoke Maritime Museum
Address: Maritime Museum 104 Fernando Street Manteo NC 27954
Website: Roanoke Maritime Museum
3. Pea Island Cookhouse
The Pea Island Cookhouse and Museum represents a part of Manteo’s African American history. This historic cookhouse was the only life saving station in the United States that was operated by African American watermen. Richard Etheridge, the keeper who was born into slavery, trained and directed local African American men to do courageous rescue missions. Since the crew operated during a time where racism was still rampant, they didn’t get a lot of recognition for their achievements until over a hundred years later. In 1996, the city of Manteo recognized the men that so bravely put their lives on the line. Visitors to Manteo can visit the historic Cookhouse and Museum to learn more about Etheridge and his watermen.
Pea Island Cookhouse
Address: Pea Island Cookhouse 622 Sir Walter Raleigh Street, Manteo, NC 27954
Website: Pea Island Cookhouse
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4. Herbert M. Collins Boathouse
Visitors who are intrigued by the history of the Pea Island Cookhouse and Richard Etheridge and his men can also visit the Herbert M. Collins Boathouse, which is the second installment of Manteo’s Cookhouse project. The boathouse is neighboring the Pea Island Cookhouse and features a surfboat that is similar to the one used by Etheridge and his crew.
Herbert M. Collins Boathouse
Address: Pea Island Cookhouse, 622 Sir Walter Raleigh Street, Manteo, NC 27954
Website: Herbet M. Collins Boathouse
5. Manteo Waterfront Marina
If you’re an avid boatman, then the Manteo Waterfront Marina is the right place for you to dock your boat. The marina is owned and operated by the city of Manteo and is within walking distance of the historic Manteo downtown area, where there’s plenty of shops, entertainment, and restaurants. The Manteo Waterfront Marina slips have Wi-Fi, electricity, cable, laundry, and bathrooms with hot and cold water. So come on out and dock your boat for a relaxing time on the marina
Manteo Waterfront Marina
Address: 207 Queen Elizabeth Ave Suite 14, Manteo, NC 27954
Website: Manteo Waterfront Marina
6. Richard Etheridge Statue
The life-sized bronze statue of Richard Etheridge is located at the Pea Island Cookhouse in Manteo, NC. Visitors can come see the statue to commemorate the first African American life saver in the United States. Born into slavery, Etheridge was the keeper from 1880 to 1900, and was also known as an outspoken civil rights leader.
Richard Etheridge Statue
Address: Pea Island Cookhouse, 622 Sir Walter Raleigh Street, Manteo, NC 27954
Website: Richard Etheridge Statue
7. Manteo Farmers' Market
The Manteo Farmers’ Market is held in downtown historic Manteo every Saturday from 8:00 am to noon, starting in May of each year. Vendors sell a variety of items, so stop by and take a leisurely stroll while enjoying homemade, home baked, and homegrown goods.
Manteo Farmers Market
Address: George Washington Creef Park, 27954 Manteo, North Carolina
Website: Manteo Farmers Market
8. Manteo Weather Tower
The Manteo Weather Tower is adjacent to the Roanoke Island Maritime Museum, one of only five weather towers still in use today. Back in the day, weather towers were used to warn sailors and people about weather patterns. The tower is dedicated to Alpheus W. Drinkwater who was the transcriptionist for the weather tower.
Manteo Weather Tower
Address: Maritime Museum, 104 Fernando Street, Manteo, NC 27954
Website: Manteo Weather Tower
9. Explore the history of The Lost Colony
The Lost Colony is next to the Elizabethan Gardens and ideally situated near the aquarium. The place on Roanoke island refers to English settlers in 1587. They later vanished and nobody knows where they went or what happened to them. There is a series of reenactments in the theater, but even out of season, it’s worth calling in for a few hours.
You can watch a short film on the history of the area, and look at the mounds that were recreated to protect the settlement. In the off-season take a look at the amphitheater which presents some photo opportunities. The colony build site and museum are informative and very interesting.
The Lost Colony
Address: 1409 National Park Dr, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, Manteo, Roanoke Island, NC 27954-9451
Website: The Lost Colony
10. Hands-on history at the Island Farm
This living museum is open in season between April through November. If you love history, you can experience what it must have been like before the Civil War. Here, you get to join informative people who dress up in the 1800s period clothing. Join them as you help to farm as they would have done in the 1850s on a Roanoke Island farm There are lots of activities to watch and participate in like blacksmithing and carpentry. Even cooking is covered, just the way it was in the past. Ox-wagon rides are offered and these are popular with the kids.
Island Farm
Address: 140 US Highway 64, Manteo, Roanoke Island, NC 27954-9140
Website: Island Farm
Visit Manteo
Whether you’re a history lover or you’re there for a relaxing vacation, Manteo, NC will be a fun and relaxing trip. So book your trip today and see for yourself what Manteo has to offer.