Twenty-three years before Jamestown, there was Roanoke Island. The settlement didn’t survive, but the history, adventure and family fun did. Roanoke Island Festival Park is an interactive family attraction that celebrates the first English settlement in America. The centerpiece of the 25-acre island park, across from the Manteo NC waterfront, is the Elizabeth II, a representation of one of the seven English ships from the Roanoke Voyage of 1585. Climb aboard and help set the sails, plot your course and Historic Albemarle Tour – Longhouseswab the decks! Also visit the Settlement Site and try a straw and feather beds, woodworking, and games. See the blacksmith fashion his 16th century wares. Explore 400 years of Outer Banks history in the interactive Roanoke Adventure Museum, for all ages. See the Legend of Two-Path film and the American Indian Town. The town features opportunities for guests to learn about the vital and vibrant culture, heritage, and traditions of the American Indians in our region. It includes a wide variety of true-to-scale structures, role-play environments, and places to explore, plant, dance, build and play.

Experience the RIFP Performance Series from  mesmerizing musicians to amazing magicians, and delightful dancers to soulful singers, a variety of performances are scheduled year round.　The series is available to all campuses of the University of North Carolina system. The talent is top-notch, and the drama, music and dance performances are free and open to the public.

The Museum Store at Roanoke Island Festival Park is more than your typical museum store featuring a wide variety of park-inspired items and souvenirs: nautical gifts, period toys and games. Also, jewelry, North Carolina books, local art and crafts.

Enjoy the Fossil Pit, Museum Store, Outer Banks History Center and marsh-side boardwalks that surround the site. For More information call (252) 475-1500 or visit www.roanokeisland.com

Major Program Areas: Native American, Maritime, Performing Arts, Civil War/Reconstruction, 16th Century History/Culture, Historic Crafts/Trades, Historic Navigation, Early European Settlement, Visual Arts/Crafts, Eco-Tourism.

Education Resources:

• Guided tours
• On-site interpretive activities
• Costumed/period programs
• Staff interpreters
• Guided tours
• On-site interpretive activities
• Costumed/period programs
• Staff interpreters

• Visitor center
• Gift shop
• Picnic facilities
• Free parking
• Audio/visual presentation
• Vending/food service
• Public restrooms
• Motorcoach parking
• Exhibits

Handicap Accessibility: Fully accessible except for the Elizabeth II sailing ship
Nearest Major Town/City: Manteo, NC