bald head island lighthouse

Lighthouses are an important part of our maritime history, and contributed to many nations development. Too many have fallen into ruin. Kudos to those who have preserved and ensured access to Old Baldy.

This is a great day trip from many of the NC beaches. Take the ferry from Southport, NC to Bald Head Island, rent golf carts and see the entire island. The lighthouse is a great place for families to gather and take in the sights and climb to the top of the lighthouse. We have family photos of generations climbing the big tree adjacent to the base of the lighthouse. Comments regarding the small, tight space as you reach the peak of the lighthouse are true -- don't venture to the top if you are claustrophobic - you won't be happy.

Had a lot of fun going to the top of the lighthouse. The museum and living quarters were very interesting. Well worth the walk to see Old Baldy!

A must visit to bald head island, the lighthouse is walking distance from the ferry, in the lighthouse itself is very narrow and only room for a couple of people at the top if you a claustrophobic not the place to be. some interesting fact about the lighthouse. The replacement lighthouse now known as "Old Baldy" was completed by 1817.Old Baldy was built further inland where it would not be threatened by shifting sands along the river for just under $16,000.The octagonal brick and plaster tower stands 90 feet high and was originally equipped with an array of 15 lamps and reflectors. The lantern room is offset from the center of the tower, and as technology improved, it later housed a Fresnel lens. At its base, the tower is 36 feet wide and at its top 14.25 feet wide, while the walls are 5 feet thick at the base and taper to 2.5 feet at the top. The rectangular stairway leading up the inside of the tower is made of Carolina yellow pine.

Was already closed when we got there (5pm) so get there early and make sure to check their hours. We were still able to walk around and take pictures from the outside.

I imagine you need to have a historical interest in things to enjoy seeing a lighthouse. Plus, a handful of cash. For the 3 of us it cost $8 for parking, $70 for round trip tickets on the ferry, $18 dollars for Old Baldy tickets. If you want to rent a golf cart instead of walking it will cost you $24 for 1st hour and $11 for each additional. The golf cart is worth it because you can use it to cruise the entire island and was one of the more enjoyable things to do on Bald Island. The ferry company is who is really taking everybody for a ride....monetarily.

Thank you for taking the time to write a nice review of Old Baldy. We love the many opportunities for kids to learn about our area's rich, maritime history. Come back and see us again!

We enjoyed our visit to the lighthouse and had fun shopping in the store. Everyone was friendly and helpful.

Thank you so much for your review of our lighthouse! It is truly a unique experience with the wooden stairs and ship's ladder into the off set lantern room. Your support goes to preservation of North Carolina's oldest lighthouse.

Everyone, of all ages should visit this wonderful monument and piece of history of North Carolina and Bald Head Island, NC

If you are found with light houses, then here another ancient one you need to visit. I was surprised that it still open but apparently it played a major role in the american history. I just loved it with everything surrounding it

Very nice trip to Bald Head Island, a beautiful place. We came over to the island to see Old Baldy Lighthouse. The lighthouse has been well maintained for its age, I was excited to get to climb to the top. The steps inside are like the ones in your house, but a little steeper. They don't look bad going up but when you come down you will defiantly feel it. Wow my legs hurt for days and I'm in good shape. One drawback is the opening to get to the top of the lighthouse it is not very big, I'm 6'2 225 and it was a little snug getting through the hole. Overall a great trip. The ferry is expensive for 5 of us 2 adults and 3 kids was over $90. So if you want a good day trip this could be for you.

My husband and I went to see The Bald Head Island Lighthouse on a spur of the moment trip. We had no problems getting a ride on the ferry (there is a fee). Once we got to the island we did not rent bikes or golf carts, we simply took the walk to the lighthouse itself (it wasn't a bad walk either). Which was our main reason for the trip. The lighthouse is beautiful and the grounds are maintained and look wonderful. The only disappointment on the trip was that the lighthouse was closed that day (we didn't get to climb it) and the museum was too. Maybe one day, we'll get back out there to get the climb to the top!

The lighthouse and museum on Bald Head Island are interesting and informative. The history of the island is impressive as is the machinations of the lighthouse itself. The tour is pricey, but you can understand that it is a bit off the beaten path and requires some extra $$ to keep it up in the condition that it is. The staff were very courteous, the facility clean and accommodating. The climb to the top is exhausting, so be prepared for that but the pay off in the view at the top is well worth the climb if you can make it. Even if you can't make the climb, I would still recommend the tour of the museum and you can walk inside at the base and get a feel of one of the famous North Carolina light houses. We took our private boat over, docked at the marina for a small fee and rented bikes before heading back to Southport for dinner. Great day.

The current light dates back to 1817 and is certainly a must see if you are a lighthouse lover. Bald Head also boasts a very rich history. If you come "In Season" you better get reservations.That being said it is going to cost you to get here and tour.Current passenger only ferry cost: $24.75 adult, $15.75 youth 3-12. Cost to enter the light is reasonable $6 adult (13 and up)$3 youth (ages 3-12)2 and under free Golf cart rental is extra.