The Roanoke Marshes lighthouse is often one of the most overlooked of the Outer Banks lighthouses, simply because of its small stature, limited visibility and remote location tucked away at the quiet east end of the Manteo waterfront.
That said, visitors to historic Downtown Manteo will have no problem spotting the small lighthouse that jets out 40 yards into the Roanoke Sound. The prim white exterior with black shutters and red shingled roof, capped off by a 2' ft., 4" in. tall lens, gives this lighthouse a classic coastal look, and vacationers of all seasons are welcome to stroll the wooden boardwalk and explore the exterior, while enjoying a fantastic waterfront view to boot.
History of the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse
The Bodie Island Lighthouse, (pronounced "Body") is located just south of the town of Nags Head and Whalebone Junction, where Highway 158, Highway 64, and NC Highway 12 intersect. Visitors travelling towards Hatteras Island can't help but notice the black and white horizontal striped structure, peaking out over a line of dense cedar trees on the soundside.
Recent visitors may have a hard time recognizing the historic lighthouse, as the top and sides are cased in metal beams. An extensive restoration project is underway, sponsored by the National Park Service, to ensure that future generations will not only be able to visit the Bodie Island Lighthouse, but also someday climb the 214 steps to the top. In between repairs, the 156' ft. lighthouse still shines a beam 19 miles offshore, making full rotations at 27.5 seconds.
The current Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse, unlike its Outer Banks counterparts, it not an original. Instead, it is a replica of the original lighthouse that was constructed in 1877 at the southern entrance of the Croatan Sound in Wanchese, to help both passing sailors and local fishermen find their way to port. This lighthouse was actually the third to carry the name "Roanoke Marshes Light" as the first two, also constructed in the 1800s, were lost soon after they were constructed and put into service.
The first Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse went into service in 1831 but was abandoned by its light keeper after just 8 years because of extensive and neglected repairs.
The second Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse was first lit in 1858, and despite being taken out of service by the Confederate soldiers briefly during the Civil War, remained in operation for almost 15 years. Unfortunately, by 1872, a combination of sinking marshes, erosion, and shipworms had devastated the foundation structure beyond repair.
A third lighthouse was build and completed in 1877, and this one was a white, square structure which was supported by seven screw piles. After a few years of trial and error, and several ships accidently banging along the base of the lighthouse, 80 more piles were installed around the base of the lighthouse, and as a result, it remained in its Wanchese location for over 60 years.
By the 1950s, however, with the onset of more modern navigational tools, the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse was simply no longer needed and it was decommissioned in 1955 and sold to a private owner. Unfortunately, this original lighthouse was lost in the sound during an attempt to move it to inland private property, and for many decades thereafter, was all but forgotten.
It wasn't until 1999 when the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse came to the attention of Roanoke Island residents again, during the planning of Manteo's centennial celebration. The town of Manteo hoped to have a full-scale exact replica up and running by the following year, however government and funding delays, as well as the unexpected onslaught of Hurricane Isabel in 2003, postponed progress. The new "Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse" was finally completed and dedicated in September 25, 2004 along with the neighboring George Washington Creef Boathouse.
The fourth-order Fresnel lens in the lantern room was loaned to the town of Manteo by the US Coast Guard to celebrate the occasion, and dates back to the 1800s.
Today, many Manteo visitors and even residents tend to forget that the lighthouse in their back yard is less than a decade old. Thanks to master craftsmanship and original fixtures, the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse happily lives on, and in almost-original condition.
What to know before you visit the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse
The Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse is managed by the North Carolina Maritime Museum, which offers seasonal educational programs and activities for visitors of all ages. Open in the spring, summer and early fall, (generally from Tuesday to Saturday, 9:00a.m. - 5:00 p.m.), the interior of the lighthouse is home to local Manteo exhibits focusing on Roanoke Island's long and stormy maritime history.
Regardless of whether the interior of the lighthouse is open, visitors throughout the year are still welcome to walk down the long boardwalk over the Roanoke Sound to enjoy the perimeter decks, complete with benches for taking a load off and enjoying a fantastic soundfront view. If you go, don't forget to bring your camera. This lighthouse's location jetted out into the water on the outskirts of the busy waterfront provides some exceptional photo ops of downtown Manteo and the waterfront sunsets.
For the best access to the lighthouse, head to the eastern end of Downtown Manteo to the free public parking area abutting the bulk headed docks. From there, it's a hop, skip and a jump to the Outer Banks' newest, and most distinctive, coastal lighthouse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse?
The Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse is located on the eastern edge of Downtown Manteo on Roanoke Island, and juts out roughly 40 yards into the Roanoke Sound.
How do you get to the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse?
The easiest way to visit the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse is to park in Downtown Manteo and walk along the waterfront. The lighthouse will be easy to spot, and is located next to the Roanoke Island Maritime Museum.
Why is the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse important?
The Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse is distinctive on the Outer Banks, as it is the only river lighthouse in Dare County. River lighthouses are much shorter and squatter than their coastal counterparts, and they were used to guard the entrances to inland rivers and harbors.
How old is the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse?
The replica Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse that is currently standing was built in 2004. The original that it represents was built in 1877, and was decommissioned in 1955.
How tall is the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse?
The Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse is a modest 37’ feet tall.
Can you go inside the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse?
The Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse is open for visitors, and the interior features a series of exhibits that highlight the lighthouse and the area’s history, courtesy of the adjacent Roanoke Island Maritime Museum.
Can you climb the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse?
The Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse is not suited for climbing, as the structure stands just one-story tall, with a narrow, spiral staircase that leads to the top lens. Traditionally, this spiral staircase is closed to the public for safety.
Is the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse in Manteo original?
The Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse that is currently standing in Downtown Manteo is actually a replica of the original 1877 lighthouse, which was lost in the sound during an attempt to move it to private property.
Where is the original Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse?
The original Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse stood near present-day Wanchese, at the southern entrance of the Croatan Sound. It is now buried somewhere in the sound waters, as it was lost during an attempt to move it to a new location.
When was the original Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse built?
The original Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse was built in 1877, although there were several predecessors to the most recent model. These early structures include a lighthouse that was built in 1813 but was abandoned, and a lighthouse that was built in 1858 but which suffered foundation damage beyond repair.
When was the current Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse built?
The current Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse replica was built in 2003, and was completed by 2004. The lighthouse was dedicated by the Town of Manteo on September 25, 2004.
Why is the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse different from other Outer Banks lighthouses?
River lighthouses like the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse were used to guard inland rivers and channel entrances, while the coastal lighthouses along the Outer Banks’ barrier islands had to be seen from ships passing miles offshore. As a result, river lighthouses were much shorter and compact, as the light did not have to reach as far.
Does the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse have a light?
The Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse has an original 4th order Fresnel lens.
Does the light at the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse flash or rotate?
The Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse is lit at night, however, it is a fixed white light that is still used as a navigation aid for mariners heading to Shallowbag Bay.
When is the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse open?
The Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse is traditionally open at the same time as the neighboring Roanoke Island Maritime Museum. In the warm weather months, the museum is usually open from Tuesday to Saturday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Does the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse have a museum?
The Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse operates under the management of the Roanoke Island Maritime Museum, which is located next to the lighthouse, and which features a wealth of exhibits on local coastal history. The lighthouse also has a series of artifacts within the structure itself, which can be explored and admired by visitors.
Are there other river lighthouses in the Outer Banks besides Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse?
Visitors can explore an original river lighthouse in the nearby Inner Banks town of Edenton. Along the downtown Edenton waterfront, visitors will find the original Roanoke River Lighthouse, which was built in 1886 and moved to Downtown Edenton in 2012.
Where can you learn more about the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse?
Visitors can pop into the nearby Roanoke Island Maritime Museum for a wealth of information and history on the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse. Many Downtown Manteo shops also feature artwork, books, and other gifts and souvenirs that feature the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse.
October 9, 2025
This year, the Duck Jazz Festival proudly reaches its 16th anniversary, and with it, we unveil our artistic vision:“Duck Grooves: The Sound of Jazz,” is an electrifying celebration of jazz’s dynamic, ever-evolving nature, set against the stunning backdrop of the Currituck Sound. It’s a fusion of past, present, and future, where the timeless traditions of jazz intersect with the vibrancy of new, innovative sounds. Just as the sound of jazz flows and adapts, so too does the landscape of Duck where the rhythm of the music harmonizes with the natural beauty of the water and the surrounding environment.
Perhaps the reason that this area of maritime forest goes unnoticed, (an area which in fact comprises the majority of Frisco Village), is simply because the oceanfront beaches just yards away are too alluring to ignore, and garner the lion's share of vacationers' interest. This is understandable, as when most folks think of an Outer Banks vacation, they envision miles of unspoiled beaches, refreshing ocean waves, and plenty of room to spread out a beach blanket, and Frisco's beaches have all of these attributes in spades.
Overview Welcome to Simply Paradise, an 8-bedroom oceanfront vacation home in Nags Head, where stunning views and desirable amenities await your arrival! Don't wait long to dive into the private pool, slip into the poolside hot tub, or kick back and unwind on the deck while soaking in the coastal breeze. All three levels have an east-facing deck with outdoor seating and a set of exterior stairs to connect them all without having to enter the house. The inside boasts eight beautifully appointed bedroom suites, each with a private bath. This spacious retreat features a rec room on the ground floor, complete with a pool table, arcade game, and a large seating area perfect for game nights, or you can gather in the theater room on the middle floor for movie nights. Enjoy the convenience of a ground floor kitchenette and a full cabana bath with direct access to your private pool area with an outdoor shower.The top floor has an open-concept great room with large windows and a seasonal fireplace. The kitchen is equipped with stainless steel appliances, and the dining areas offer ample seating options for family meals. With additional amenities like two laundry areas and a gas grill, every convenience is truly at your fingertips. Step out to your private walkway for easy access to the beach, making it simple to savor the sun and surf. A stay at Simply Paradise means you'll experience the perfect blend of relaxation and entertainment at this oceanfront retreat!Please note that this home is changing to Sunday check-in/out for 2026. Ground Floor Rec room with kitchenette Bedroom with two double beds and private bath Bedroom with two pyramid bunks and private bath Full cabana bath Laundry A rec room with a pool table, arcade game, and a large seating area with a mounted flat screen TV are located on the ground floor. The kitchenette is equipped with a sink, a full-sized refrigerator, and a microwave. Attached to the rec room is a full cabana bath with a walk-in shower offering direct access to the covered poolside deck. Bedding options on this level include two bedrooms, one with two double beds and the other with two pyramid bunks. Both bedrooms have a mounted flat screen TV with Roku and private baths with walk-in showers. Laundry facilities are available.Through sliding glass doors, you exit the rec room and down a few steps to enter the fully fenced private pool area that offers much more than just a pool. A private pool (that can be heated for an additional fee), a poolside hot tub, poolside loungers and chairs, a covered deck area with seating, an outdoor shower, a gas grill, a picnic table, and a private walkway to the beach are all yours to enjoy while on vacation at Simply Paradise! Read more about Ground Floor First Floor Theater Four kings with private baths Queen with private bath Laundry A theater is centrally located on the middle floor with a large, flat screen TV and six theater-style chairs. The remainder of this level is dedicated to bedding accommodations. There are four king bedrooms, two with direct access via sliding glass doors to the east-facing deck. All the king bathrooms have shower/tubs, one has a soaking tub and a walk-in shower. The fifth bedroom is furnished with a queen bed and has a private bath with a walk-in shower. All five bedrooms have a mounted flat screen TV with Roku. Laundry facilities are available. Read more about First Floor Second Floor Great room Kitchen with pantry Two dining areas King with private bath Half bath The top floor primarily comprises the great room, kitchen, and two dining areas. With large windows, elevated ceilings, and an open concept layout, your entire group will enjoy being together while not feeling too crammed in any one area. The great room is furnished with a large wrap-around sectional, armchairs, a mounted flat screen TV with Roku, and a seasonal fireplace. Two dining areas and bar-height seating at the kitchen counter make it possible for the entire group to partake in each family meal. The kitchen is equipped with stainless steel appliances, including a refrigerator/freezer, cooktop, double wall ovens, two dishwashers, a microwave, and a double sink. A pantry is available for food and drink storage. A half bath is conveniently located. A king bedroom on the west end of the house rounds out this level. In addition to a king bedroom suite, there is an armchair, mounted flat screen TV with Roku, his and her closets, and a private bathroom with a double sink vanity, a soaking tub, and a walk-in shower. Read more about Second Floor Pool: Heated by heat pump. Ambient air temperature of 60 degrees or higher is needed to heat the pool, meaning that if the temperature drops below 60 degrees the pump will not continue to heat. Max. pool temperature is 80 degrees. Elevator: The elevator travels to all three levels of the house, however there are six steps required to enter the ground level of the home from the front exterior and pool area.
- Nags Head
- 8 Bedrooms
- 9.5 Bathrooms
