On Friday, April 19, 2013 after three long years of renovation the Bodie Island Lighthouse will be open to the general public! The Bodie Island Lighthouse has been an important fixture on the shores of the Outer Banks, so much so that the lighthouse was rebuilt 2 times! The first Bodie Island Lighthouse was poorly constructed. Years later when the foundation began to tilt towards the Atlantic Ocean it was decided a new lighthouse needed to be constructed. However, the newly constructed Bodie Island Lighthouse was destroyed during the Civil War. Finally in 1872 the Bodie Island lighthouse that we all know and love was built.
Over the years the harsh maritime elements of the Outer Banks took its toll on the lighthouse. In 2010 the National Park Service received funding and grants to begin working on restoring the historic lighthouse. Three years and $5 million dollars later the lighthouse will be open to the public. Visitors will be able to can climb up the 10 flights of spiral staircases, all 214 steps to the top of the lighthouse for spectacular views of the Outer Banks.
It is only $8 for adults to climb, $4 for senior citizens (65 and older) and children 11 years and younger.Pre reserved tickets are available. 50% will be sold ahead of time and 50% are sold the day off. Reserved tickets cannot be purchased the same day. The climb is strenuous.
For more information about climbing Bodie Island Lighthouse, please visit the National Park Service website .
Learn more about the restoration to Bodie island Lighthouse, please visit our blog .