The Bodie Island Lighthouse has just over 200 steps from the ground to the top, equal to climbing a 10-story building. The narrow stairs have a handrail only on one side and 9 landings. There is no air conditioning and no elevator in the lighthouse.

Tucked away between tall pine trees and freshwater marshland, the Bodie Island Light presents anything but a typical lighthouse setting. Though not as well-known as its neighbors, it remains an important part of local history and a favorite spot for visitors.

As Union troops began to seize the forts, the Confederates destroyed the Bodie Island Lighthouse to prevent Union troops from using it as a lookout. For the duration of the war, the coastline from Cape Henry, VA to Cape Hatteras, NC, 120 miles long, was without navigational aid.

Standing 156-feet tall, the current Bodie Island Lighthouse is actually the third lighthouse along this stretch of the Outer Banks to warn and guide ships. The Bodie Island Lighthouse has a distinctive daymark pattern of horizontal, alternating black and white stripes.

The Bodie Island Light Station is located at 8210 Bodie Island Lighthouse Road in Nags Head, North Carolina. and is open to climbing April-October. Tickets must be purchased the day-of your visit on www.recreation.gov

Tucked away between tall pine trees and freshwater marshland, the Bodie Island Light presents anything but a typical lighthouse setting. Though not as well-known as its neighbors, it remains an important part of local history and a favorite spot for visitors.

The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse has 269 steps, the Bodie Island Lighthouse has 200 steps, and the Ocracoke Lighthouse has 86 steps. The Ocracoke Lighthouse is not open for visitors to climb, and the ground floor is only open during summer months with limited hours.

The Bodie Island Lighthouse was first lit on October 1st, 1872. For additional information regarding the 150th special climbing season, follow the link under Tours below. Visiting the Light Station

There are 269 steps from the ground to the lens room of the lighthouse. The Fresnel lens installed in the 1870 lighthouse was powered by kerosene and could be seen approximately 16 miles from the shore.

Explore the new virtual tour of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse to get a feel for what climbing to the top feels like. Each tour stop along the way includes an interactive 360-degree photograph and historical information about the lighthouse.