The allure of the Outer Banks goes far beyond its pristine beaches — it’s a place where history, nature, and culture come alive. Whether you’re looking for kid-friendly museums for the perfect rainy-day activity or iconic historical sites to check off your bucket list, the museums on the Outer Banks offer something for everyone. From Manteo to Hatteras, here are some of the best OBX museums for every type of traveler.

Museums For History Buffs 

 

wright brothers visitor center

The Outer Banks is home to some of the country’s most fascinating historical landmarks. Walk the grounds where aviation history was made at the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills, and don’t miss the replica of the Wright Flyer. Head to the Fort Raleigh National Historic Site in Manteo to learn the eerie tales of the Lost Colony, or explore beautifully restored wooden vessels at the Roanoke Island Maritime Museum.

 

graveyard of the atlantic blog

 

For a deep dive into maritime history, visit the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum in Hatteras to discover artifacts from thousands of shipwrecks. Down south in Rodanthe, learn about the brave forerunners of the U.S. Coast Guard who rescued shipwrecked sailors at the Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station Museum. Prefer a more hands-on experience? You won’t want to miss Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head, where you can explore a 3,000-gallon aquarium, identify microscopic marine life, and take beginner-friendly pier fishing lessons. 

 

chicamacomico surfboat

 

OBX Museums For Kids

 

frisco native american museum 4

If you’re traveling with kids, OBX museums make history and science exciting. As an added bonus, they’re great for turning bad-weather days into awesome adventures. For a look at local indigenous culture, the Frisco Native American Museum offers fascinating tribal artifacts, native art galleries, and scenic nature trails.

 

RIFP

Climb aboard the Elizabeth II and let your kids try on colonial costumes at Roanoke Island Festival Park. Also on Roanoke Island in Manteo, you can find interactive exhibits galore at the North Carolina Aquarium. The stingray touch tanks and Operation Sea Turtle Rescue exhibit are always a hit with kids, and the replica shipwreck filled with sharks is a must-see. 

 

Museums For History & Art Lovers 

blog carol timblin - elizabethan gardens

Combine your love of art with the area’s natural beauty at the Elizabethan Gardens, a Renaissance-style tribute to the Lost Colony. The lush landscapes, historic statues, and winding paths make it feel like you’ve stepped into another era. There’s a reason why it’s one of the most beloved historical sites in the Outer Banks! You just heard about the Wright Brothers, don't miss the Dare County Regional Airport Museum which features photos and documents of the pre-WW2 era, displays of authentic uniforms, photographs, documents, and artifacts of the Civil Air Patrol Coastal Patrol Base 16 (CPB16), and much more.
 
Just down the street at Outer Banks Distilling, you can taste locally-made rum while learning about the area’s centuries-old rum trade and see pieces of shipwrecks. Similarly, the Buffalo City Exhibit inside the Bluegrass Island Store lets you immerse yourself in the rise and fall of a moonshine capital.

 

Discover the Best Museums on the Outer Banks

Whether you’re standing where the Wright brothers took flight, exploring a sunken ship, or petting stingrays, these historical landmarks and interactive exhibits bring OBX history to life — rain or shine!