Fort Raleigh National Historic Site

Beautiful place!🤩 We stoped by at Sunday afternoon being on a road trip and were too tired already to be able discovering the entire area and leaving all the historical information about but we loved the trees and the theatre and the beach… definitely will come once again and spend more time inside. Go there if you’re travelling around!

Dog (and other animal) visitors: checkout the welcome desk in the main building and ask about BARK Ranger. Our dog Leo earned the certification, this activity allowed Leo to be a part of the exploration fun too while completing requirements to earn the certification. We were also able catch the tour of the historic site. Our guide was super knowledgeable about the history of the fort and shared it in a way I considered to be a fun and animated. Wonderful place and staff! BARK Ranger has me ranking this spot as over-the-top dog friendly--just be sure to abide and uphold the BARK Ranger principals.

Absolutely beautiful place. Museum on site that is very informative as well as interactive. There is also historians on site that will hold group history sessions in front of the museum... several trails and a theatre where they hold the lost colony of Roanoke play. Me and my family definitely enjoyed it and can't wait to go back

I went to the Lost Roanoke Colony and the Visitor Center, both of which are free. I lucked out that a guided tour had just started when I arrived so I joined that, the guide was very knowledgeable and it was a good tour. There's a short trail you can walk around the old colony grounds takes about 15-20 min with some informational signs to read throughout. The visitor center has additional info about the site, the colonists, and the surrounding area/inhabitants also has some cool artifacts.

Take the tour and the story really connects with other famous parts of history. There are really three colonies with the last one being the “lost colony”. Our tour guide was a phenomenal story teller and I wish I could have found him afterwards to tell him that. Took three kids in a hot July day and they were all entertained. Earned the Junior Ranger badge too which was quite challenging for all of us.

We loved seeing the history of the lost colony! This site is beautiful but you will need walking shoes. The gift shop was very nice and you can get your national parks passport stamped there (or purchase one which is worth it). They have artifacts inside the visitors center so be sure to check it out!

Scenic park to walk around and learn about the local history. There are also picnic tables, restrooms, and a walking path to the water. It's always an enjoyable visit!

We were running late to visit today's as our stop was one of many. We showed up at 4:30 afraid the staff would be annoyed or negative. Fortunately, they were not at all. They helped us setup a timeline of items to complete before the interior closed and let us know the grounds remained open for us to enjoy after they closed. We earned so many new things. The grounds were beautiful, clean, and very well maintained.

Fort Raleigh National Historic Site was a great stop for our family. The visitor center has well-done exhibits about the Lost Colony and the Freedmen's Colony, and the kids especially loved the Junior Ranger program which made the history fun and interactive. The walking trails are peaceful and easy, and the historic earthworks are neat to see. The park rangers were excellent; friendly, knowledgeable, and great with kids. It's a mix of history and nature that's well worth visiting.

This was a must stop for me as I have been reading about the lost colony since I was a kid. Inside the museum there was a short video on the history of the fort and the original colony. There are also interactive exhibits that are informative. The grounds themselves are nice to walk around and imagine the colonizers here on the new world. You can also see the original earthen fort footprint. Its a good stop if you are interested in history.

Nice little national park site. Decent interpretive content at visitor center. Very well done ranger tour. Enthusiastic volunteers. Nice junior ranger program. Not the most significant historic event being commemorated, but worth a short stop if in area.

I stopped by here this summer while down in Manteo. What a lovely site full of history and beauty. It was very quiet and peaceful with a trail that led right to the beach. All the exhibits were open and the park was well staffed. The Visitor center was nice (and had AC), clean restrooms and everything was easy to navigate. Great place to stop if you need some solo time or if you have a family.

Fort Raleigh was a really great National Site. It is free and the best part? They had a great ranger program. Since COVID, not many National Parks and Sites have had their ranger programs, but this one did and it was the first one I got to attend. There are great interactive exhibits and a movie that covered the significance of the site. I liked during the ranger program, when the ranger said that the mistakes made at this colony allowed for the success of Jamestown, the first settlement. Mistakes are great learning experience, and Fort Raleigh was definitely one of them.

A bit confused on the check ins and labels--we wanted to see the spot of "The Lost Colony" of Roanoke so I checked in at both "The Lost Colony" and "Fort Raleigh" as there is signage at both. It appears most people who review "The Lost Colony" are reviewing the play that is enacted every summer on-site here in the outdoor ampitheatre on site. So I'll keep my review here, as I did not see the play. Nor, unfortunatley, did I get to take the walking tour of Fort Raleigh/the Lost Colony. We arrived after the last one had started. We looked at the website multiple times and could only find "stop by the front desk" when we looked for tour times. Not sure if this is always the case or a delay related to COVID. Anyway, if you want a guided tour--come early, as the last ends at 1 or 2 pm. Fort Raleigh-- you get the historic spot of the Lost Colony, a short video about said lost colony in the viewing room, a few small museums, several walking trails (most shaded and ancient looking in a good way), some ocean front sitting straight out of last century, markers celebrating "First Light of Freedom" and other cool historic occurrences, and much more. And the gift shop. Well worth a stop for history loving travelers in the area.

My wife and I stopped here on our way from vacation in the Outer Banks to visit friends in Raleigh. It was enjoyable and interesting and amazing that the "fort" is so well preserved. I love history so it was right up my alley. The visitor center was really nice too. I only wish that their video in the visitor center was updated and although I'm white, I wish parks like this would better highlight the Native Americans. This includes better highlighting the mistreatment of Native Americans, as well as the genocide that happened in early U.S. history.

Such a great, interactive visitor's center! We had to drag my 6-year-old out of the building because he wanted to keep learning. Also has a flat nature trail with lots of interesting signs and things to see.

For an interesting lesson in history, this small museum and historic site is a must see while in Manteo (and one of the few attractions in this quaint township). We were greeted by a welcoming ranger who directed us around the museum and grounds. One of the rooms had drawings by John White, beautiful doors on display, maps and interactive excerpts of re-enacted conversations of historical characters. It helped me to visualize the events regarding the development of the New World. The short video depicting the events of The Lost Colony was informative but dated. They may consider investing in an updated version. Learning the town was named after an Indian guide was keen. Since the Colony disappeared, there really wasn't much else to see, no artifacts or tools, etc. The grounds and gardens were nice, but didn't offer much historical value. There's a clearing where actors re-enact scenes from this colonial period that may be worth viewing. While this isn't the most amazing museum I've visited, it was educational and inviting. The small gift shop was stocked with books if you're one to explore more research on The Lost Colony. There are some interesting theories to this mystery.

I have visited a number of historical forts in the south (weird, I know) but this is the first one where there is no actual fort. just an empty plot of land where a fort was at one time. The National Park Service people are always GREAT, wherever I go. They know absolutely everything about the parks and monuments in their area. I like viewing the short movies that many of the venues offer. This one had a short film depicting the early European settlers using the Native Americans as much as possible before killing them. One the site are a few other memorials. Roanoke Island seems to be proud of the Freemens memorial where, basically, the government officials offered the freed slaves the opportunity to live on the land and actually build the fort before enlisting the men to help fight the war. In the end, they withdrew wages and rations and took back the land that they lived on. Yikes.

This is a nice, educational and quick stop for a history lesson. There isn't too much to see right now since Covid has several exhibits shut down as well as the outdoor drama featured. Inside are several artifacts and alot of information about the local Native American tribes and European Explorers and how those cultures came together, clashed, etc. Its a pretty good read but the kids quickly get impatient. The Rangers are uber friendly, as always, and very informative. I would love to go back when everything is open and see the outdoor drama.

Another winter visit and another time to evangelize the faithful that while certainly nice, in the off season this park's sense of direction and mission is about as lost as the original colony. What's good here: Some of the displays are certainly interesting regarding all the theories about what could have happened to the settlers or about some of the happenings during The Civil War. Also good would be the outside walking trails which at least in our visits are very much underutilized. They are by no means spectacular and they're not even all that long but the trails are certainly quiet and the one that leads out to the Albemarle Sound is probably the best overall. The price is also right of course at free which with the way the NPS is going or being forced to go from outside political forces who knows how long it'll stay that way. If that ever were to change to a fee based system good luck getting people to pay much of anything considering what is offered here. In season I suppose I could speak about the Elizabethan Gardens except that in December the area is filled with Christmas Lights or the Lost Colony musical which has long since closed for the season. What's not so good here: The seventeen minute movie qualifies for The "Meh Award". Typical low budget NPS schlock that while not as loathsome as the movie at the Johnstown Flood site in PA, it ranks up there in the cheese department. I would like to say that at least the gift shop area had some nice stuff in it except we never actually saw it which leads to the next area. So what's crapola here: If you come in the winter (maybe at other times of the year I don't know as I've only been here in December) between 12:00 and 12:30 you'll find no one here. During that time a rope with a sign gets put up letting you that the employee of Eastern National is on lunch which means that if you want to buy something or even see something in the gift shop you can't because it's closed. I was told during my last visit here two years ago that this park only has a full-time ranger presence in season and that during the winter the rangers assigned to Cape Hatteras National Seashore are primarily stationed at Hatteras or on Ocracoke with this place along with the Bodie Island getting left short handed. While I was skeptical of that I can testify that I have never seen a ranger here during the two visits and around five hours we've been on site or during our visits to Bodie Island or Ocracoke. That of course leads to a weird dichotomy where you would expect, like at a lot of parks, the rangers to be the information source or the interpreters with the Eastern National employee(s) selling things but not here because the outside vendor/partner is apparently doing it all. On a brief tangent. It makes me wonder how this park actually collects realistic visitation numbers. When you drive in you go over one of those small speed bump type ropes which could certainly be used to track the number of cars which come on to the grounds but if you come in at 12:03pm and only stay for the movie then leave or just pick up a map then leave while the front desk is unmanned for that half-hour, how many people actually saw the site? How many came into the visitors center during that time? Who knows because no employee or ranger was present. Food for thought. Look, don't get me wrong in that it certainly is worth a making a visit to Fort Raleigh once in your life but as a few others have already said, on a day to day basis there just isn't very much to see here and without a F/T ranger presence or programming going on I can't see why you would ever need to come back more than once. If you come: The grounds of Fort Raleigh National Historic Site are open from sunrise to sunset year-round. The visitor center is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm seven days a week and there is no charge. The Elizabethan Gardens are on site and they are open year round with the exception of winter holidays and the month of February. Regular admission is $9 for adults, $6 for kids and $2 for under five with even a $3 charge for dogs. If you come for the Christmas Lights tack on a few extra dollars per person. The Lost Colony show runs from May thru August.

Easy parking, clearly marked, shaded trails, with on-site rangers and restrooms. We had a great 20-milk walk through the park and loved it! My dog loved it! Worth a stop!

Fort Raleigh National Historic Site is a great place to visit and is a nice alternative to the beach. There are some really cool exhibits on the Lost Colony and I enjoyed the short film on the Lost Colony as well. It looks like there are some trails around the property and rangers give tours at certain days/times so call ahead for the schedule. Definitely can't beat this free activity!

Had an excellent visit with my wife today (04DEC22). Completely unplanned trip while we were visiting OBX. The interior displays were interactive and really easy to understand / follow. By the time we took the Lost Colony tour with the park ranger, we had a good undsteranding of the event. The park ranger, Jack, did a an excellent job - seems to enjoy his job. Overall, excellent grounds, displays, and people, thank you!

Enjoyed the park rangers walk tour and the civil war talk. Both rangers were very informative and friendly.

This site is small but a great educational stop. Our teenager loved it and had lots of questions for the park rangers who were extremely excited to answer all questions. The park rangers made the experience better than just letting the visitors walk around reading statements on the wall.

Well worth a quick stop to learn more about the lost colony, what has been found, theories, and the archeological finds that have been found in the area.

We stopped in on a rainy day and the Park Rangers were absolute gems. Couldn't have asked for a better visit with my wife and two young boys. They staff is exceptionally educated, informative, and engaging. Wonderful time watching their video and taking part in their highly personal group talk. Thanks to all of you; my family really appreciated everything!

Haha, so yeah it's a little underwhelming but totally worth a visit. Especially because it's free! This is the site of the first colony in the US and they do some reenactment Theater here in the summer. The stage is AMAZING! When my sister and I went, it was already past the season for when they do the shows, but I jumped down to the Theater and took some pictures of me on the stage. Oh yeah :); fun times! The site itself is nice to walk around as well, although I don't think the 'fort' is actually restored in the way you would think coming here. In either case, we couldn't find anything but a plaque...so I think that is the fort...maybe? It's a little confusing. The hiking is nice and we didn't venture out far because we were on a time crunch, but I definitely wouldn't hesitate to go and hike here.

Ummm ok this place was ok for about 17 minutes and after you watch the little 17 min movie, there really isn't much to do but take a nature walk. No need to return.

Great place for a short (or long if you prefer) visit to a historical site where the first English colony was established. The site includes artifacts on display, a very informative 17 minute video that provides history of the colony, and a rebuilt fort on the original location. Park Rangers were helpful with explanations of what we saw. A lot of history in a relatively small area.

The positives: Admission is free, and they show an interesting "docudrama style" video that illustrates what happened here years ago. The negatives: Not a place to bring the kids because it is a little dull.

Pre-colonial American history preserved on the outskirts of Outer Banks on Roanoke Island. The site is well worth the time to visit and learn more about our history. Maintained and run by the National Park Service, entrance is free and there is a visitor center that you should start your visit. Take the time to browse through the exhibit as you wait for the brief film about the area and lost colonists. The film gives a good overview of the history and the area. After the film, grab a map and start walking. The site is also pet friendly, ensure that your pet is on a short leash and pick up after them. From the visitor center, walk the site to the reconstructed earthen fort, the Waterside Theater where during the warmer months, a "Last Colony" play is show (the theater overlooks the water and is pretty nice), and check out the Thomas Hariot Trail to get an appreciation of the local fauna and even reach the water. Allocate about three to four hours to include driving from OBX. Make your visit to the OBX an educational and historic one by visiting Fort Raleigh. Next door, adjacent to the site is the Elizabethan Gardens, if during the season where flowers are blooming, would be well worth visiting.

Not much to see ... because the people vanished!  Had there been much to see the mystery would be, well, not a mystery at all. The site sets up the story well with an informative (but 80's cheesy) video about the Roanoke settlers.  And a cool little museum that describes the history of the place and the mystery in detail. The kids soaked up the story.  Outside there's a nice short walk to the site where they believe fort Raleigh stood. Really just a mound of dirt surrounded by a shorter circular mound of dirt. But being there you can feel something special, unique happened.  A creepy awkward vibe that's authentic.  A short walk further is the Lost Colony theater. I wish we would have been able to style for the show. Rain in the forecast though eliminated any thought of that.  A beautiful theater.   Skipped the garden - $36 for a family of 5 (mom, dad, 7,5,1 year olds) to walk the small garden for 30  minutes until it closed seemed like a rip off.

Nice wooded easy quick stroll . There is no actual fort . The website photos look like there maybe a fort to explore but it's a theater where they put on a show . I'm giving it a 3 star because I haven't seen the show but I would like too . The theater area looks amazing and honestly it is a nice stroll .

We went here because we are working on filling our National Parks Passport. The rangers were friendly and helpful, as always. However, the intro video was dated, racist, and didn't talk much about the "fort." The "fort" is just a circle of earth. The most interesting part was the display about the Underground Railroad. There really wasn't much to see there except some pretty gardens. We went on a beautiful May Day, so it was nice to walk around. The displays were interesting, but overall this park was on the boring side.

Some cool things to see and learn but it was over hyped and repetitive. The Elizabeth garden wasn't bad but I was expecting more on the inside since the front looked outstanding. We did go in early fall so many of the flowers were out of bloom season. It's something to do and will be more enjoyable if you don't expect much from the visit.

Skip it. There isn't an actual fort to visit/climb/explore. The biggest structure in the park is the theater for "The Lost Colony" and probably the only reason you have for coming here. The rangers are nice, the hiking trails serene - but its not worth a stop.

I went to the visitor center this weekend and it was nice. The center was clean, there were plenty of bathrooms and there was enough to read without it feeling like there's too much to read. The ranger and the gift shop lady were SUPER friendly. I really wanted to go on the trails, but the mosquitoes decided that they would swarm all of the visitors to the trails. It was miserable and we couldn't continue without feeling uncomfortable. I gave it three stars, because it was small, and I'm not sure what would make it receive 4 stars or "Yay! I'm a fan!" If you're in Manteo, I'd say go for it!

Went for Virginia Daire Festival mainly for 3 kids to get Junior Ranger Patch It's small and there isn't that much to see, but the rangers are incredibly enthusiastic and the programs are both informative and fun. My son participated in the archeological program and found something that was sent off to the archeologists! I wouldn't drive our of my way to see it, but if you are in the area, it's worth a stop. It's also a good excuse to get close to Fishermans Wharf in Wanchese.

Underwhelming if you want to see archeology or history. Nice building and parking lots, but I was surprised that they're not using ground-penetrating techniques to look for more buildings and artifacts. Was looking forward to this, but was disappointed.

This site was of an early fort set up by British colonists. There is a play put on here, called The Lost Colony (I have not seen it, but I've heard mixed things about it). The visitor center has some displays, and the staff was friendly.

Nice place for history lovers. Lost Colony stuff and some interesting history by a ranger on the Dare Stones. Good presentations and 17 min movie on the history; trails and reconstructed earthen fort. Great place for outdoor activities for an afternoon.

Very nice site. Small but good displys to teach. Try to get the ranger fromnew york. He is funny and entertaining and does a good job explaining the mystery of what happened. Very short stop but worth whileto see the first colony in our United States. ( I know I know, the native americans say wait we were here tbousands of years before these idiots showed up,,,) bit you know what i mean. First english child born here,, Virginia Dare!

The video did a great job in explaining everything and the walk around the site brought everything to life. We learned a lot!

Ft Raleigh is a small park with not a lot to actually see, but a lot to learn. There is a video in the visitor center but I found the Park Ranger talk they did in front of the fort was more informative and entertaining. The little nature walk is worth a peak if you are interested in learning about the native plants.

Nice little place to stop while touring the island. Very informative, lots of history about the first settlement and the island's integral role in the Civil War. The movie is dated and a bit cheesy. We immediately noticed that the main character, John White, was played by a very young and unknown actor who eventually would play the ship architect in Titanic. My daughter and I couldn't help slipping in Titanic lines when he was onscreen ("I've built you a strong ship Miss Rose"). If you like history, give it a go. Tragic story, America's first cold case. Spoiler alert: all of the settlers disappeared. By the time you leave you will have your own theory about what happened to them.