When you plan a great getaway to the Outer Banks and set your sights on Manteo, there’s a good chance you’ll be spending plenty of time on the shorelines and out on the waves. Adventure and fun are easy to find here, but so are amazing museums when you’re looking for additions to your itinerary that are equal parts educational and engaging. The following Outer Banks museums are well worth a visit the next time you’re excited to spend quality time with family and friends in the Manteo area.
Discover more things to do, places to go, and sights to see in the Outer Banks in our complimentary Manteo Vacation Guide!
In this Blog:
- See the History of the Sea at the Roanoke Island Maritime Museum
- Visit the Pea Island Cookhouse Museum
- Step Into the Past at the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum
- Explore the Roanoke Heritage Art Galleries & Military Museum
- Book Your Stay Today
See the History of the Sea at the Roanoke Island Maritime Museum
Sitting right along the Downtown Manteo waterfront, this museum is home to the historic George Washington Creef Boathouse. The site still operates as a boat shop and features many volunteers who take on projects such as boat restorations and exhibit design. This museum also features the Elizabeth II, a replica of the ship said to have first brought settlers to Roanoke Island. Several other historic vessels can be found here, with staff on site to educate you more on their significance and uses.
Visit the Pea Island Cookhouse Museum
Located at 622 Sir Walter Raleigh Street in Manteo, the Pea Island Cookhouse Museum preserves the area’s African American history through exhibits, artifacts, and interpretive displays. Visitors can learn about Richard Etheridge, the first African American keeper of the Pea Island Life-Saving Station, and the lifesaving crew he led. A bronze statue of Etheridge stands nearby, and tours are available upon request.
Step Into the Past at the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum
See a piece of Outer Banks history and explore the maritime history and shipwrecks that have taken place right here on the Atlantic Coast. Exhibits cover periods from pre-colonial times to the present, with highlights including a lens from the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and interactive displays showcasing shipwrecks along the coast. Admission to this museum is free, making it a great, easy addition to your itinerary.
Explore the Roanoke Heritage Art Galleries & Military Museum
When you’re looking for a smaller, yet equally impressive museum to explore during your Manteo stay, the Roanoke Heritage Art Galleries & Military Museum is it. Located at 543 Ananias Dare Street, this quaint museum is small but bursting with valuable military memorabilia and artistic creations. You’ll find the museum behind a home across the highway from downtown Manteo, and inside, you’ll find a collection of Civil War artifacts that have all been collected from Roanoke Island. Native American and Korean War memorabilia are also on display alongside artifacts from World Wars I and II and antique decoys. It’s a good idea to call before you drop by the museum to make sure they’re open; reach out to 252-473-2632.
Book Your Stay Today
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When you’re ready to enjoy a well-deserved getaway to the Outer Banks, booking your stay through Pirate’s Cove Realty is a sure way to elevate your adventure in style. Reach out to learn more about our options and to start planning your next exciting trip! Our team is happy to handle the details while travelers focus on the fun ahead. We can’t wait to welcome you to the scenic Outer Banks soon!
Browse through our list of rentals and book your property today! We look forward to welcoming you to our Outer Banks oasis. See our pet-friendly vacation rentals in Outer Banks here!
Updated by Terrance Davis
Terrance writes for Pirate’s Cove Realty, letting visitors to the Outer Banks know about all the area’s best attractions while finding them the best deals and offers.
