Core Sound Waterfowl Museum

Quite a surprise-Had a little more time than expected, so we decided to hop in to see what the museum was all about-From the moment we
pulled up, I could tell it was something more than I expected just from the sheer size and design of the building.
Stepping inside, the receptionist provided a very welcoming & thorough greeting, sharing what we could expect.
The main room is setup like a lodge and the first floor truly lives out its namesake of being a waterfowl museum, the hundreds of different decoys professionally placed. There is also an impressive library & another grand room with tables setup like a cafeteria just past a small cafe.
Upstairs on the second floor were displays of items shared by families from the local area. It was reminiscent of an upscale antique boutique.
Then, take the stairs or elevator to the very top, which I believe the receptionist called the “Widows Perch?” for a beautiful view of the sound, lighthouse and the Willow Pond.
Definitely stop in for a visit if you’re in the area. It’s well worth it.

What a great museum and community resource! We had a lovely visit, cut short by our poor timing (arriving too close to closing time). We will be back sometime soon to enjoy the collection and the views at a more leisurely pace.

It's almost time for the Gallery of Trees at the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum. Make plans now to visit for the open house starting this weekend, November 18th. This tree shows the different workouts from Harkers Island.

We stopped by to check out the Ferry System and came across this museum. If you are a wildlife photographer, I definitely suggest taking a visit to have some fun! Instantly, there will be plenty of birds to get some great shots! I went straight up to the tower and then took a nice walk on the trail around the pond. In general, you want to watch out for snakes when you are hiking in NC, but don't let that keep you from making this great stop!

As well, when you are in the tower there is a really nice view of the Cape Hatteras Light House!

Wow - we did not expect to enjoy it as much as we did, but it's amazing! Definitely GO!! Not only were there award-winning hand-carved decoys and an beautiful library, there were videos of life on the island, present and past, people discussing details of how they grew up here and what it meant to live here. There are relics preserved that were used in every day island life - many of the same things my mother and her parents used in the early- to mid-1900's. There is an education area that shows videos and displays of past hurricanes and what is happening with rising sea levels. We thoroughly enjoyed the cat walk at the top level - it would be about 5 stories up from the ground. What a VIEW!!! 🤩

It was awesome, lots of hunting decoys, blinds, pictures, and Hurricane history with the changing of the coastline and a Tremendous Library full of Waterfowl hunting, decoy making, area history books. It was my second time, first after the Hurricane damaged and it is better than before. Also, the Gallery of Trees for Christmas was beautiful. We will be back next year.

Excellent local museum with outstanding displays of waterfowl decoys. New hurricane display as well. Second floor shows the history of the thirteen towns "Down East" with a display for each town. Make sure you go to the catwalk on the third floor for a view of the Core Sound area. Nice gift shop as well.

FREE!!
Charming museum filled with memorabilia and duck decoys from the local communities. There is a luscious wooded trail around a waterfowl filled pond. At the top of the museum is a lookout with a glorious view of the water and Cape Lookout.

Because i was with my dad! We drove from Newport, him living in Texas, to HEAR someone "from the island". NO ONE, not nere gas station, store and even the museum with "the gal from the island"that works there was off due to medical needs. Prayerfully wellness for her during and after.. maybe I'll just have to try one more time. "Third time's a charm"🥰
The museum was quite lovely too! Cool seeing stuff from my youth and living room. 🤪

Very informative and well kept historical museum. The perch view from the museum of Cape Lookout is breathtaking. Don't miss out on the trails too or you'll miss some beautiful sights!

Found this jewel while traveling. You must go and visit. They have a great library you can sit and work or just relax by the fire. The folks are nice and right now they have the Christmas decor up and it's beautiful

If you are interested in eastern NC local history, the Core Sound Museum is the place to start! Excellent information and wonderful volunteers. And the view of Cape Lookout Lighthouse from the top is fabulous.

Nice free museum. Lots of displays about the area and its history with an emphasis on ducks and other waterfowl. From the top observation deck you can see the Cape Lookout lighthouse.

Excellent!! Learned about Harckers island, early fishing industry, huricanes of the area and waterfowl. Museum entrance was free don't miss the widow's watch.. wonderful views

Beautiful work. Learned a lot about the history of Harkers Island and surrounding area.

Pleasantly surprised at this museum. The information and history of the island had my husband and myself captivated and we spent hours in there. We loved it!

I've been here many times over the years. The Christmas theme complimented the museums decoy displays. I highly encourage a visit for the displays and history of the area.

Wonderful tribute to, and remembrance of, the people, lore, and crafts of those descendants of the first settlers of 'Down East' North Carolina.

Love this museum and my teenager likes visiting every time we are there. Making plans to return for the festival they have in December.

Wonderful museum. Had a special walk of Christmas trees while we were there. No cost to go.