Fort Macon State Park
Fort Macon State Park is a North Carolina state park in Carteret County, North Carolina, in the United States. Located on Bogue Banks near Atlantic Beach, the park opened in 1936. Fort Macon State Park is the second most visited state park in North Carolina, with an annual visitation of 1.3 million, despite being one of the smallest state parks in North Carolina with 424 acres (1.72 km2). Fort Macon was built as part of the Third System of US fortifications, and was preceded by Fort Hampton of the Second System.
| Fort Macon State Park | |
|---|---|
IUCN category IV (habitat/species management area) | |
Fort Macon as viewed from one of the shoreward sides | |
Location of Fort Macon State Park in North Carolina Fort Macon State Park (the United States) | |
| Location | Carteret, North Carolina, United States |
| Coordinates | 34°41′44″N 76°41′20″W |
| Area | 424 acres (172 ha) |
| Established | 1936 |
| Named for | Fort Macon |
| Governing body | North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation |
| Website | Fort Macon State Park |
Fort Macon | |
U.S. National Register of Historic Places | |
| Nearest city | Atlantic Beach, North Carolina |
| Area | 9 acres (3.6 ha) |
| Built | 1826 |
| NRHP reference No. | 70000445 |
| Added to NRHP | February 26, 1970 |
The Battle of Fort Macon was fought there during March and April 1862. Fort Macon is made up of 2,379,546 bricks—more than any other U.S. fort.
In addition to the fully restored fort, the park offers visitors both soundside and surf fishing, nature trails, ranger guided tours, a protected swim area, a refreshment stand, and a bathhouse. The park is open year-round, but during the non-summer months the protected swimming area, refreshment stand, and bathhouse are not available.
Fort Macon State Park also surrounds United States Coast Guard Station Fort Macon. The main gate is located directly across from the park office and barracks.