Roanoke Island Maritime Museum
Discover the seafaring heart of Roanoke Island at this working boat shop and museum, showcasing historic watercraft and maritime traditions.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more workshop action
Roanoke Island Maritime Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more workshop action
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the seafaring heart of Roanoke Island at this working boat shop and museum, showcasing historic watercraft and maritime traditions.
"A quick walk around the boardwalk and a stop in here is a great way to stretch your legs and learn a little history."
⏳ Allow 30-60 Minutes
It's a small but mighty museum. Perfect for a quick, enriching stop on your OBX itinerary.
🚢 See the Boats!
Don't miss the chance to see the beautiful boats and the working workshop. It's a unique experience!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Working Boat Shop
George Washington Creef Boathouse
Witness traditional boat-building skills in action at this unique, functioning workshop. See restoration projects and learn about maritime heritage.
Historic Watercraft Displays
Museum Exhibits
Explore a collection of beautifully preserved watercraft, including a 1883 shad boat and a clipper yawl boat, showcasing the area's seafaring past.
Local Maritime Heritage
Museum Exhibits
Gain insights into the maritime history and events surrounding Roanoke Island through engaging exhibits and a compelling film.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Island's Maritime Soul
Combine with Manteo Charm
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
⏳ Allow 30-60 Minutes
It's a small but mighty museum. Perfect for a quick, enriching stop on your OBX itinerary.
🚢 See the Boats!
Don't miss the chance to see the beautiful boats and the working workshop. It's a unique experience!
🚶♀️ Stroll the Boardwalk
Combine your museum visit with a walk along the charming Manteo waterfront.
🎬 Watch the Film
The film offers a great perspective on Manteo and Wanchese's maritime history.
Tips
from all over the internet
⏳ Allow 30-60 Minutes
It's a small but mighty museum. Perfect for a quick, enriching stop on your OBX itinerary.
🚢 See the Boats!
Don't miss the chance to see the beautiful boats and the working workshop. It's a unique experience!
🚶♀️ Stroll the Boardwalk
Combine your museum visit with a walk along the charming Manteo waterfront.
🎬 Watch the Film
The film offers a great perspective on Manteo and Wanchese's maritime history.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Roanoke Island Maritime Museum for its 'tiny but mighty' collection and the unique experience of its working boat shop. It's considered a worthwhile stop for learning about local maritime history and seeing beautiful boats. While small, the museum offers a charming and educational glimpse into the area's seafaring past.
"Tiny but mighty maritime museum on Roanoke Island / Manteo. Definitely worth the stop if you’re making your way to the Outer Banks. The workshop, boats and engines were beautiful. A quick walk around the boardwalk and a stop in here is a great way to stretch your legs and learn a little history of the area."
Layne Doyle
"A quaint little maritime museum about some of the maritime history and events surrounding Roanoke island. It is pretty small even compared to some other maritime museums I have visited, however, the information and displays here are still quite great. It appears to also function as a small workshop, which I would have loved to see in action."
Tritian Oxide
"Great place, and we enjoyed learning more about the area. The film was interesting to see from the perspective of Manteo and Wanchese."
Jim Bowker
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located in Manteo on Roanoke Island, North Carolina. It's easily accessible by car, with parking available nearby. Many visitors combine a trip here with exploring the charming town of Manteo. +1
Yes, Roanoke Island is a key part of the Outer Banks, situated between the mainland and the barrier islands. The museum is a great stop when visiting the OBX region.
Driving is the most common way to explore Roanoke Island. Consider visiting the Maritime Museum, the Aquarium, and the historic Elizabethan Gardens for a well-rounded experience.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission fees are typically very reasonable, often a small donation or a low fixed price. It's best to check their official website or call ahead for the most current pricing.
Hours can vary seasonally. It's recommended to check the museum's official website or social media pages for the most up-to-date operating hours before your visit.
For this smaller museum, advance booking is usually not required. However, during peak season, it's always a good idea to confirm if any special events might affect entry.
No, the Manteo boardwalk is a public area and is free to access. You can enjoy the waterfront views and explore the shops without any admission charge.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore exhibits on local maritime history, see a collection of historic watercraft, and witness a working boat shop where traditional boat building skills are demonstrated.
Yes, children often enjoy seeing the boats and the working workshop. It's a hands-on, visual experience that can be very engaging for younger visitors.
Most visitors find that 30 minutes to an hour is sufficient to explore the museum thoroughly. It's a great stop for a quick but informative historical immersion.
The museum functions as a working boat shop, so there's a good chance you can see restoration projects or traditional boat-making skills being demonstrated.
While not heavily interactive in a digital sense, the working boat shop and the displays of historic boats offer a tangible and engaging experience for visitors.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Manteo's waterfront area, just steps from the museum, offers several charming restaurants and cafes with waterfront views. +1
You'll find a variety of options, from fresh seafood to casual American fare. Many establishments offer a taste of Southern comfort food.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed, but it's always best to check for any specific restrictions inside the museum or in the workshop area.
The historic boats, the working boathouse, and the scenic Manteo waterfront boardwalk offer excellent photo opportunities. The blue hour around the waterfront can be particularly beautiful. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
⚓ History Buffs
The chance to see a working boat shop and learn about traditional construction methods provides a unique perspective often missed in more conventional museums. Don't forget to explore the surrounding Manteo area, which is rich with historical context. 🚶♀️ Day-Trippers from OBX
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Lost Colony Mystery
This historical context often sparks curiosity about the island's past, making the maritime heritage explored at the museum feel even more significant. It's a reminder of the challenges and discoveries faced by early inhabitants of this coastal region. The island itself is steeped in stories, from early exploration to its role in maritime trade and defense.
Manteo: A Charming Waterfront Town
Exploring Manteo is a perfect complement to a museum visit. You can wander through unique shops, enjoy waterfront dining, and soak in the relaxed coastal vibe. The town's small population belies its popularity as a tourist destination, drawing visitors year-round who appreciate its preserved charm and friendly spirit.
Traditional Boat Building at the Museum
Visitors have the opportunity to see firsthand how skilled craftspeople work on preserving and constructing watercraft. This hands-on approach provides a deeper understanding of the techniques and dedication involved in maritime trades. Seeing these boats come to life, or be meticulously restored, offers a unique educational experience that connects the past with the present.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit