For a complete description, see our Kidstuff chapter. Ocracoke Island Visitor Center N.C. Hwy. The Ocracoke Island Visitor Center, at the southern end of N.C. 12, is a clearinghouse of information about the island. It's run by the National Park Service. If you're arriving on the island from the Hatteras ferry, stay on the main road, turn right at Silver Lake, and continue around the lake counterclockwise until you see the low brown building on your right.
Free parking is available at the visitor center.
Inside, there's an information desk, helpful staff, a small book shop, and exhibits about Ocracoke. You can arrange to use the Park Service's docks here, and pick up maps of the winding back roads that make great bicycle paths. Hours are extended in the summer. Rangers offer a variety of free summer programs through the center, including beach and sound hikes, pirate plays, bird-watching, night hikes, and history lectures. Check at the front desk for changing weekly schedules.