It might feel a little gruesome visiting a tourist attraction named “The Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum,” but we at Lighthouse View do want to assure you that the graveyard refers to the thousands of shipwrecks that litter the bottom of the sea just off the coast of North Carolina, not to sailors who did not survive (mostly). The shipwrecks here occurred due to a number of reasons, including bad weather, acts of war, and something that will probably thrill your kids, acts of piracy. Located just 12 miles from your serene sanctuaries, this museum will be a worthy addition to your vacation itinerary, and this tour of its premises will tweak your interest in the area.
Located at 59200 Museum Drive in Hatteras
The building that houses the exhibits of the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum offers its own maritime accents, including a front porch that looks as if it may have been built to resemble a ship’s hull and porthole windows. Located just steps away from the waters that serve as a graveyard to so many ships, it isn’t too hard too imagine the area in different days. Admission is free to this establishment, and weekend travelers will need to wait until Monday to step inside, as its hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 10AM to 4PM. The museum is also closed on state holidays.
Step into History
A shipwreck is always a tragedy, but over time, the skeletal remains begin to become a tour of history, and the exhibits in the museum are goods that have been pulled from those remains, telling the stories of the tragic occurrences. One of the largest exhibits, the Dionysus’ Propeller, weighs 14 tons and never fails to fascinate, but its story isn’t a tragic one. The Dionysus was a WWII ship that was purposely sunk so as to provide an artificial reef system, creating a new home for the creatures of the sea and offering a great diving or snorkeling adventure for humans.
Special Events
Throughout the summer months, the museum offers a series of events and activities that enhance your museum experience, including a Maritime Crafts for Kids event (Mondays at 11AM) and special talks that will educate visitors about the Coastal Patrol, the NC Renewable Ocean Energy Program, and archeological discoveries about the Lost Colony of Roanoke.
Enjoy the Serenity of the Sea
The stories at the museum aren’t all dark and tragic and when you are sitting on the balcony of your Lighthouse View sanctuary watching the sunset, you will forget all the negative. Reserve your favorite today!
