Cape Lookout Lighthouse Renovation Set to Begin

Release Date:  August 8, 2025

The restoration work will address the repair or replacement of the metal stairs, handrails, landings, glass panes, windows, doors, and other materials.  The lighthouse will be stripped to bare brick, and the signature black-and-white diamond pattern will be repainted with breathable paint to help stabilize the moisture content of the bricks.  Stone and Lime Historic Restoration, Inc., a nationally recognized firm specializing in historic masonry and lighthouse restoration, will lead the project work.

Public Access During Construction

For the safety of visitors and contractors, the Lighthouse and the immediate surrounding area will be closed to the public during the renovation period until sometime in the 2028 season.  Although there will be many times when the Contractor will allow visitors into the Lightkeeper's house just in front of the Lighthouse.

Visitors are encouraged to explore the rest of the park, like the scenic beach on the undeveloped, unpopulated barrier island of Shackleford Banks where you can find the famous wild horses as well as discovering great shelling, which will remain open to the public.

Fortunately, H2O Captain, with over 125 5-Star Google Reviews and its A+ BBB rating, offers eco-tours on its private boat excursions to Shackleford Banks.  Captain Mark of H2O Captain has a very high percentage of locating the wild horses and will assist you in identifying the beautiful shells that wash up onto its shores.

Image above: AI rendition of the Cape Lookout Lighthouse under renovation
Photo below:  "Girls just wanna have fun," on the H2O Captain boat, photo by Captain Mark