DARE COUNTY, N.C. — The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse has been an iconic piece of Outer Banks history for over 150 years and has 500,000 visitors every year.

What You Need To Know

  • The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is undergoing a $20 million restoration

  • Corrosion and repairs will likely delay the summer 2026 reopening

  • Museum and grounds are still open to visitors

In September 2023 the National Park Service began a $20 million restoration project after a condition assessment found it was in need of repairs to masonry, metal components, windows and its lantern. But now those plans have hit a snag.

The National Park Service’s March update revealed “significant corrosion and cracking” on metal support brackets and other structural components found under the brick. It said the damage is likely due to exposure to salt air, high winds and intense sunlight. And the repairs could delay what was originally estimated to be an 18-month project.

But what does this mean for visitors of the park?  

Since the project began, the museum, grounds and accesses surrounding the area have remained open, but the iconic black and white tower is inaccessible while under construction.  

“It's kind of a bucket list thing to see them all. This is just one that's kind of unfortunately under scaffolding. But that's all right. Check!" Jamie D’Innocenzo said.  

She and her husband live in Wilmington and made the trip to complete their goal to see all nine North Carolina lighthouses.  

D’Innocenzo said before coming she did her research, and she knew the lighthouse would be covered.

“This is fully expected and unfortunate… I had seen online that it was under construction”, D’Innocenzo said. 

While some visitors may find the stripped-down look of the tower disappointing, D’Innocenzo said the work is worth it to preserve the history and integrity for the landmark.  

“I think they're important monuments, but I think just like museums… Better to do it right and thoroughly and for longevity. I mean, they were built for longevity. So it's good that they're repairing them for further longevity,” D’Innocenzo said.

The National Park Service is continuing to keep the public updated on the progress on its website and flikr page.

Contractors from Stone & Lime Historic Restoration Services, Inc. removed the exterior paint, added landscaping and recently installed a replica Fresnel lens to replace the beacon.  

The National Park Service said structural engineers and historic architects are evaluating new designs and costs to repair the degraded brackets and other metal components.  

It originally hoped to complete the project in the summer of 2026, but for now a new completion date is unknown.