There are plenty of things to do in Atlantic beach and the surrounding areas. From beautiful beaches to delicious local Atlantic Beach restaurants, there is something for people with many different interests!
One of the beautiful areas around Atlantic Beach is Harker’s Island, where you will find the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum. This museum includes everything from heritage and traditions to an abundance of nature that everyone can enjoy visiting.
Getting to Harker’s Island from Atlantic Beach
The Core Sound Waterfowl Museum is located at 1785 Island Rd in Harkers Island. Getting here from Atlantic Beach takes about 40 minutes by car, but it is an easy drive. The first thing you do is head north towards Kinston Ave toward Bogue Boulevard. Once there, you can turn right at the 2nd cross street onto Fort Macon Rd before turning left onto the Atlantic Beach Causeway. You will continue to the Atlantic Beach Bridge towards 23rd St. You will then follow the directions towards the US-70 towards Harkers Island. You will stay on the US 70 for about 20 minutes before exiting on Harkers Island Rd. You will continue on this road until you reach Cape Point Dr, where you will make a left and reach the museum entrance on the right.
History
The Core Sound Museum started by incorporating a tradition amongst the coastal cities of North Carolina. This tradition involved creating art by using different materials, including wood. In 1987, the first carvers established what was known as the Core Sound Decoy Carvers Guild, which was a group of seven original carvers that worked on creating art by carving wood.
The Core Sound Decoy Carvers grew, and in 1992, the museum was created after determining which parts of the land to use on Harkers Island. This was important because most parts of Harkers Island are part of the National Park, but construction for the museum didn’t begin until 1999. In the early 2000s, the museum started including different sections to its displays, including a Heritage Center, a Wetlands Restoration Project, and the museum gallery. Now you can find various exhibitions, including the “Core Sound Workboats” and the “Raising The Story” exhibitions.
What to Expect at the Core Sound Museum
There is plenty of variety at the Core Sound Museum. You can expect to find different exhibits, including displays of various decoys, a gathering room to honor the legacy of the founding board chairman, the library, which includes over 400 books and periodicals, and the Diamond City Reading Room, where you will find an archive of oral histories and family research along with original documents.
The museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sundays from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Be sure to bring in donations as that is the admission fee. Members, students, and children can get into the museum for free and without a donation.
Plan Your Visit!
Explore the surrounding areas of Atlantic Beach during your next vacation. Book with Cannon and Gruber and discover all Harkers Island has to offer!
Educational Programs
The museum offers plenty of opportunities for education, including programs for kids. School groups, summer camps, and special events are available for children of all ages. You can even find different STEM programs perfect for field trips and teachers looking for lesson plans!
Your Atlantic Beach Vacation Rental
Atlantic Beach rentals are the best way to enjoy a Core Sound Waterfowl Museum trip, especially when you book through us at Cannon & Gruber. We are dedicated to providing excellent care to our customers while offering Atlantic Beach vacation rentals with accommodations for all your vacation needs. Don’t hesitate to contact us today to book your next Atlantic Beach vacation.
