Dating back to 1817, this is actually the second of three lighthouses built on the island, and the only one remaining. Today it's a romantic icon of the island's nautical heritage. Jane Oakley, unofficial island historian, leads informative 90-minute tours on weekdays. This new museum and gift shop is housed in a replica of a light keeper's living quarters and is beside Old Baldy. Staffed by volunteers and devoted to the island's history, the small museum features Civil War-era finds on the island, from pottery shards to weaponry, along with photographs and writings that recount the island's heritage.
Admission is free.
They were built and first occupied in 1903 by lighthouse keeper Captain Charlie Swan, who lived here with his family until he retired in 1933. Bald Head Creek is part of 10,000 acres of salt marsh and tidal creeks deeded to the state to remain undeveloped. They can be explore by rented kayak or on foot along the Kent Mitchell Nature Trail. Shorter hours in fall. The ferry to Bald Head Island makes runs on the hour 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.