Cape Lookout National Seashore
Come and enjoy the stay
Why Should You Visit Cape Lookout?
Cape Lookout Lighthouse
Cape Lookout Ponies
In 1580, Sir Richard Grenville’s ship, the Tiger grounded near present day Portsmouth Island. Aboard the ship were many horses along with many other animals. In the 1980’s they removed the sheep, goats, and cattle from the island shore. Today the horses on the island are wild and protected by the National Park Services.
Cape Lookout visitor center
Cape Lookout has a visitor center located on Harkers Island. Inside the visitors center are many different exhibits such as island ecology, the Shackleford Banks Horses, an interactive map of the park, and informational materials. There is also a gift shop to explore and purchase Cape Lookout memorabilia. In front of the visitor center is an anchor from the ship Olive Thurlow. The ship sank in the Cape Lookout Bight near the lighthouse on December 5, 1902 at 4 am.