Cape Lookout Coast Guard Station

Cape Lookout Coast Guard Station comprises several wooden frame buildings arranged around a central watchtower positioned between the lighthouse and the cape. The structures are laid out in a traditional pattern typical of maritime facilities built during this era.

The station was built in 1916 as a lifeboat rescue facility to support ships and sailors in the dangerous waters around Cape Lookout. It continued operations until modern maritime technology changed rescue operations, leading to its closure in 1982.

The station buildings now serve as research facilities where university students from North Carolina study dolphins and sea turtles. Visitors can observe how the site functions as an active research center and field laboratory.

The station sits in an isolated location, so visitors should come prepared with water and supplies for the day. The area is exposed to unpredictable ocean weather and is only accessible by boat or special ferry service.

The facility today powers itself through a windmill and two solar panel arrays, allowing it to operate independently from the mainland. These self-sufficient energy systems demonstrate how an isolated coastal location manages its own resources.

Location: Carteret County

GPS coordinates: 34.60306,-76.53782

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:41