North Carolina has some of the most distinctive lighthouses along its eastern shores. There are also a great number of mini lighthouse replica scattered throughout the state. A few of the better ones have disappeared over the years but those remaining make for interesting roadside attractions.
Largest Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Replica
213 Goldsboro St. SW, Wilson, NC
The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, located along the lower Outer Banks of North Carolina, measures an impressive. 206’ (62.8 m) in height. This lighthouse replica in Wilson, NC is 40’ (12 m) tall making it the tallest such replica on record. Located in the parking lot of Worrell’s Seafood (closed since 2015), at the corner of Goldsboro Street and Barnes Street, this lighthouse replica is one of several fun things to see in downtown Wilson. On top of the old Worrell’s building is a large whale, all that remains of an ensemble that once included a fisherman and a pelican. Just a block southwest along Goldsboro is the magnificent Whirligig Park. The lighthouse itself is showing some signs of wear along the faithfully recreated base, the protective cannon and anchor are rather rusty but the lamp in the tower is still functioning. One of the ironies of this lighthouse replica is how it leans slightly to the southeast. The original Cape Hatteras Lighthouse appears to do so as well yet, in reality, it is only an optical allusion.
Roanoke River Lighthouse Replica
215 W Water St, Plymouth, NC
At first glance this full-size lighthouse replica resembles the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse in Manteo on North Carolina’s Outer Banks. While the screwpile design is similar, the Roanoke River Lighthouse is actually a reproduction of the original ill-fated Roanoke River Lighthouse built in 1866. That lighthouse only lasted a few months and has since been replaced twice with the latest iteration located in Edenton. This beautifully restored lighthouse rests on land along the Roanoke River just a few blocks west of the Civil War Ironclad – CSS Albemarle replica. You can visit the lighthouse anytime you like but must call ahead at (252) 217-2204 to make an appointment if you wish to go inside. The structure itself was completed in 2003 and sits across the street from the Roanoke River Maritime Museum in Plymouth, NC.
Ocracoke Island Lighthouse Replica
Books to be Red - 34 School Rd, Ocracoke, NC
Ocracoke Island is a quaint little island, located just south of Hatteras, that signals the southern-most point of the lower Outer Banks. The island’s most notable icon is the Ocracoke Lighthouse with its bright white cylindrical shape and black octagonal lantern tower. On the property of the charming Books to be Red bookstore is a 7’ (2.1 m) lighthouse replica of the island’s iconic structure. While the wooden tower is showing some wear, the base remains sturdy and adds a nice touch of class to the surrounding small live oak forest.
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