Climb Old Baldy

Standing at the entrance to the Cape Fear River for 200 years, Old Baldy has been used to safely guide maritime soldiers, as a Coast Guard radio beacon in World War II and now is a destination for Brunswick Islands visitors. Built in 1817, the 110-foot body of the lighthouse is made of soft red bricks and covered with stucco. While originally a gleaming white, different versions of stucco have been used in repairs during the years to create the patchwork surface you see today. Old Baldy was kept as an active light station until 1935 and was officially relit in 1988, although it no longer serves as an official navigational aid. Today, visitors can view Bald Head Island from six windows as they climb the 108 steps leading to the ladder that marks the final ascent to the lantern room. Located next to Old Baldy, the Keeper’s Cottage museum offers more information about the lighthouse, as well as pirates, surfmen of the United States Lifesaving Service and other island history.