Coastal North Carolina National Wildlife Refuges Gateway Visitor

Coastal North Carolina National Wildlife Refuges Gateway Visitor Center (a name that does not come tripping off the tongue). Put the verbose name aside because after you find this slightly hidden gem (North end of Roanoke Island, opposite side of Highway 64 from the Lost Colony) you’ll forget the name and enjoy some great interactive displays about the lands set aside as National Wildlife Refuges. From the nearby local Alligator River NWR to 9 other refuges, this place provides history, insights, and great whole family friendly interactive exhibits. Want to hear a Red Wolf howl? Want to feel the fur pelt of a Black Bear or River Otter? Feel free to do so. You can even go inside a Cessna airplane and watch a video fly-​over of the refuges as you pretend to steer the plane. The center opened June 29, 2012, so it’s relatively new.) Great for kids and adults alike. But best of all … it’s FREE! Really, really worth the visit.