Tip 1- Bring a couple bucks, if you feel so inclined
The park is free, but there are places sprinkled around in the main building where you can donate. Bring a few bucks along with you. For the tours, interactive ecology play area, documentary room, and more, it’s worth bringing a small donation to help keep this awesome place going.
Tip 2 – Plan ahead
Check out Ft Macon State Park’s scheduled events. We were in the area during the reenactment time, but unfortunately we just weren’t able to make it back for the event. Judging by how much fun we had just walking around and taking the tour, I’m sure the reenactment would be an amazing experience. We did get to see a musket firing demonstration, and it was awesome! And LOUD! Visit https://www.ncparks.gov/fort-macon-state-park for their list of scheduled events.
Tip 3 – Catch the history movie
The Fort Macon History Movie runs every 30 mins. It’s not as in depth as the guided tours that takes place 4 times a day, but is worth swinging in and giving a watch. If you’re the kind of person who enjoys knowing the facts before the tour, watch the movie first. If you’re the kind of person who wants to feel fully immersed in the learning process, then maybe check out the movie afterwards. We did the latter and were really happy with our choice!
Tip 4 – The guided tour is a MUST!
While we were waiting for the tour guide to begin, we were talking with Ms. Judy French (we highly recommend taking your tour with her!) A couple walked by and she asked if they’d like to come along the tour. They said no because they had been here several times. She said “Yes, but do you know the story of these wooden path we’re standing on?” They didn’t. They didn’t even notice how unique the surface they were standing on was! She explained that the general of the fort couldn’t stand the sound of the horses and carriages clopping and clanging across the threshold of the fort, they decided to pull out the bricks and use 12 by 12 southern pine blocks to pave the way. How unique! Needless to say, that couple decided to stay and enjoy her tour! There was so much more to the fort than initially meets the eye.
Tip 5- The fort was made for war, not safety
while the sign was pretty funny, it is also an important reminder. There was some amazingly beautiful and nerve wracking parts of the fort. It was really cool that it was all open and you could go mostly anywhere, but that makes for some serious drop offs. I’d recommend toddler or baby wearing or even a kid leash if you have a toddly toddler or a runner.
I hope you enjoyed our run down of the Fort Macon State Park, NC. It is definitely Fun Adventure Family approved. There’s tons of space to roam, run, and explore. It’s a perfect all day trip for the family for as little or as much as you want it to be.
