Smith Island Museum, Bald Head Island

So the place is nice to visit but make sure you have your walking shoes on. When you get to the ferry loading dock it’s nice but looking around there isn’t the first drink machine in site nor could we find one at all. The ferry ride is nice and it takes about 20-25 minute ride and it’s a nice ferry with 2 decks and an in closed place to sit. Note I don’t recommend sitting on the side closest to the captain’s chair because if the waves are big you will get wet from sea spray. Now when you get off the ferry at bald island….it looks good and there are a few places to visit but reserve a golf cart ahead of time so you can drive all over the island. We opted to walk and it was a great day for a stroll out there. Old baldy lighthouse is nice and easy to access and it’s kept in good condition. Please make sure you bring water because there wasn’t any to be found and the restaurants there were only outside seating at the time we were there which it was way to hot to sit outside for us. In short please put drink machines on bald island so people can have some in the summer. I would go back for sure but now I know that you need to reserve a golf cart and bring plenty of water for a day out there

If you're visiting bald head island, you definitely should stop by Old Baldy. The price is very reasonable and the lighthouse has some great history. While it might look intimidating, there aren't that many steps for a lighthouse this size, and there are multiple floors to stop and take a break. The access panel to the very top is somewhat small, and only two, maybe three people could fit at the very top comfortably Highly recommend

It was amazing experience being here at Bald head island. Everything is pretty pricey here, so be ready for it! The baldy lighthouse is filled with artifacts and grand information on how this history became. This baldy lighthouse is still one of the oldest lighthouse remaining. I definitely recommend kids going and sharing these stories to them. Go ahead and enter the lighthouse all the way to the top. Yes it’s safe just a little steep and no AC in there. But when you get closer to the top and all the way to the top, there is a old ventilation installed so you’ll get some air there. Take your time and read the shared pictures and descriptions when you see them. You’ll learn a lot! It’s a must see to-do list checked for me! I bet you’ll have a great time too if you like historic scenery like me.

This lighthouse holds a lot of history. So if you’re a history buff, you’re gonna like it. The climb up to the lighthouse wasn’t so bad since it only had 108 steps. I’ve been to other lighthouses that has more steps than that. Love the fact that you could climb all the way up to where the light was at compared to some others that tourist aren’t allowed to go into. A reminder to those traveling here, you have to take a ferry to get to the island first. Once you get on the island definitely rent a golf cart so that traveling is easier and so that you can see lots of places on the island. I do have to say that since this is an island, things are quite expensive.

As the oldest lighthouse in North Carolina, we felt that Old Baldy deserved a visit during our recent trip to Bald Head Island. Although we arrived by 9:45am, it was just starting to get very busy. As you climb the 108 stairs, each visitor does their best to make way for oncoming traffic. Once you reach the top of the light house, you essentially use a wooden ladder to make entrance to the top. The opening to the top of the lighthouse is quite small and there is very little moving air (think hot, humid, and dusty). Having said that, the view at the top of the lighthouse is absolutely spectacular. There is an excellent view of the marina and surrounding marsh lands. The museum associated with the lighthouse is quite small, but there is a lot of information if you choose to read it. Having two daughters, they were particularly incensed to learn that Rebecca Long, who cared for the lighthouse along with her husband for many years, was refused the position of lighthouse keeper after the unexpected death of her husband. Why was she refused the job? – Despite being more than qualified, experienced, and nominated to serve the post, President Thomas Jefferson wrote that “The appointment of a woman to office is an innovation for which the public is not prepare, nor am I.” Good grief! Thank you for all of your hard work, Rebecca. We admire what you accomplished.