The Coastal North Carolina National Wildlife Refuges Gateway Visitor Center is the coolest visitors center in North Carolina. This spacious building showcases highlights of the 11 national wildlife refuges and one national fish hatchery. The experienced staff and volunteers are courteous, offering detailed maps of the refuge that we visit by tram about 15 miles away. Purchase some memories at the Wild Things gift shop, and experience the interactive exhibits, including a virtual airplane ride.

Welcome to the lovely Coastal North Carolina Refuges Gateway Visitor Center.
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The experience generously includes 152,000-plus acres of preserved wetland habitat for some unforgettable photos.
All of the memorable adventures begin in the spacious lobby, where we take our picture as a Wildlands firefighter.
Sarah Toner/USFWS
Try to find 37 creatures hiding in the pocosin (wetland bog) diorama.
Quietly walk by this red wolf den where the momma protects her sweet, furry pups.
Theresa B/TripAdvisor
See the inner workings of a wolf down to its bones.
rogersober/TripAdvisor

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Learn about the importance of conservation in this dynamic display.
Frank d/TripAdvisor
Information about the wildlife in this area and a few short films are available in the media room.
And here's one of the best parts of the visitors center - the virtual airplane ride.
Frank d/TripAdvisor
The large screen shows aerial footage of the refuges and we feel like we're flying, giving a bird's eye view of the wildlife below.
Theresa B/TripAdvisor
Be sure to reserve the tram ride for some real live outdoor scenery.
Alligator River NWR/USFWS
Call 252-473-1131 to save a spot as the seats fill up fast on this weekly tour.
The beautiful creatures living here are available in their natural habitats, such as interesting birds, turtles, alligators, and black bears.
Michele S/TripAdvisor
Inside the visitor center is a creatively-compiled scavenger hunt giving clues on what to search for at the refuge. And detailed maps point out just where to find some of the creatures.

Discover more about the coolest visitor center in North Carolina on the Carolina National Wildlife Refuges Gateway Visitor Center‘s website.

During the visit, explore the tiny beach town of Manteo. And spend the night in a magical Vrbo.

Looking for more fun things to do in NC? Check out this stunning footage from Clingman’s Dome:

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