Fort Macon State Park

Fort Macon State Park
IUCN category IV (habitat/species management area)
Fort Macon as viewed from one of the shoreward sides
Map showing the location of Fort Macon State Park
Map showing the location of Fort Macon State Park
Location of Fort Macon State Park in North Carolina
Map showing the location of Fort Macon State Park
Map showing the location of Fort Macon State Park
Fort Macon State Park (the United States)
LocationCarteret, North Carolina, United States
Coordinates34°41′44″N 76°41′20″W / 34.69556°N 76.68889°W / 34.69556; -76.68889
Area424 acres (172 ha)[1]
Established1936
Named forFort Macon
Governing bodyNorth Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation
WebsiteFort Macon State Park
Fort Macon
Nearest cityAtlantic Beach, North Carolina
Area9 acres (3.6 ha)
Built1826
NRHP reference No.70000445[2]
Added to NRHPFebruary 26, 1970

Fort Macon State Park is a North Carolina state park in Carteret County, North Carolina, in the United States. Located on Bogue Banks near Atlantic Beach, the park opened in 1936. Fort Macon State Park is the second most visited state park in North Carolina, with an annual visitation of 1.3 million, despite being one of the smallest state parks in North Carolina with 424 acres (1.72 km2).[1] Fort Macon was built as part of the Third System of US fortifications, and was preceded by Fort Hampton of the Second System.

The Battle of Fort Macon was fought there during March and April 1862.

In addition to the fully restored fort, the park offers visitors both soundside and surf fishing, nature trails, ranger guided tours, a protected swim area, a refreshment stand, and a bathhouse. The park is open year-round, but during the non-summer months the protected swimming area, refreshment stand, and bathhouse are not available.

Fort Macon State Park also surrounds United States Coast Guard Station Fort Macon. The main gate is located directly across from the park office and barracks.

  1. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference ParkSize was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. July 9, 2010.