The Old Baldy Foundation
VISIT US
The Old Baldy Lighthouse and Smith Island Museum of History provide guests a self-guided tour of North Carolina's oldest standing lighthouse. Inside the keeper's cottage are the admissions/tickets desk, gift shop, and museum.
Admission
Please purchase tickets to Old Baldy Lighthouse & Smith Island Museum of History inside the keeper's cottage.
Adults: $8
Youth (Ages 3- 12): $5
Under Age 3: Free
CLOSED JANUARY & FEBRUARY
SPRING HOURS:
TUESDAY- SATURDAY 10-4
(LIGHTHOUSE CLOSES AT 3:30 EVERY DAY)
CLOSED SUNDAY & MONDAY
SUMMER HOURS:
(Starting the first Tuesday after Memorial Day)
TUESDAY-SATURDAY 9-5
(LIGHTHOUSE CLOSES AT 4:30 EVERY DAY)
FALL HOURS:
(Starting on the first Tuesday after Labor Day)
TUESDAY- SATURDAY 10-4
(LIGHTHOUSE CLOSES AT 3:30 EVERY DAY)
CLOSED SUNDAY & MONDAY
ATTRACTIONS
SMITH ISLAND MUSEUM OF HISTORY
Located inside the keeper's cottage at Old Baldy Lighthouse, the Smith Island Museum of History orients guests about Bald Head Island's historical significance. Artifacts from the Old Baldy Foundation's collections rotate on exhibit inside the museum.
OLD BALDY LIGHTHOUSE
Climb 108 stairs and 5 landings to reach the top of Old Baldy Lighthouse and its breathtaking view of the Cape Fear River estuary. Climbs of Old Baldy are self-guided, unscheduled during business hours, and at your own pace. Located inside the lighthouse's foundation are other artifacts on exhibit.
LIGHTHOUSE GROUNDS
Admission onto the Old Baldy Lighthouse grounds requires a ticket. Enjoy this beautiful spot on Bald Head Island which features picnic tables, a nice lawn, the lighthouse's Oil House, interpretive signs, and a very old live oak tree!
Take a 2 hour in-depth guided tour of Bald Head Island. Reservations required, golf cart seating is limited. Includes admission to Old Baldy Lighthouse & 10% gift shop discount. Ferry not included.
PLAN YOUR TRIP-
TAKE THE FERRY!
Old Baldy is located on Bald Head Island which is only accessible by boat, so step aboard. The Bald Head Island passenger ferry in Southport, NC makes trips to and from the island daily. Current rates are $23 per adult and $12 per child (age 3-12). Children 2 and under are free.
For ferry schedules, maps, and helpful hints go baldheadislandferry.com
Once you arrive, look up and you’ll see “Old Baldy” Lighthouse - a 5 minute walk from the ferry landing. Rent a bike or golf cart in order to explore the island fully. Call (910) 457-7333 ext. #1 or visit Cary Cart Company online for more info on cart rentals. Take Lighthouse Wynd to the Lighthouse.