Travel NC With Kids: Fort Fisher State Recreation Area

Monday, June 22, 2020

Fort Fisher State Recreation Area - Learn About History at NC Beach

Fort Fisher State Recreation Area at Kure Beach © Katrena

Fort Fisher State Recreation Area is located 20 miles south of Wilmington and is North Carolina's only state park that allows four-wheel drive vehicles on certain areas of the beach. This state park is located on Loggerhead Road at Kure Beach.

Fort Fisher on NC Coast © Katrena

My family visited in June 2020 in the midst of a pandemic, so the welcome center was closed due to safety considerations. An aquarium is in the area as well, but it was also closed.

Military History at Fort Fisher © Katrena

Visitors were welcome to walk around the building, read the informational signs, and hike the trails. I believe the four-wheel drive area was closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, so make sure to check the North Carolina State Parks web site if you are planning to go four-wheeling.

Learn About North Carolina History © Katrena

The fort was built in 1861 and saw its share of battles in the Civil War as troops sought to protect Wilmington, the last southern port open to trade. Those interested in military history will particularly like this state park that is steeped with battle scars.

Basin Trail at Fort Fisher © Katrena

The Basin Trail takes hikers on an easy 1.1 mile hike through a maritime forest and marshlands. Markers provide details highlighting some of the historical significance of the fort.

Walking Trail at Fort Fisher © Katrena

The trees provided great shade and a regal beauty as they have stood the test of many harsh storms. The trail is well-maintained.

Sand Dune and World War II Bunker at Fort Fisher © Katrena

Steps enable visitors to ascend a sand dune covered with vegetation while taking in a great view. A bird perched on a pole and whistled quite a few catchy tunes while we were at the top.

Military History and Hiking at Fort Fisher © Katrena

At the bottom of the dune is an old World War II bunker. According to the North Carolina State Parks web site, a man named Robert E. Harrill, took up residence in a bunker many years ago and became known as the Fort Fisher Hermit.

Barrier Spit at Fort Fisher © Katrena

Threatened and Endangered Species at Fort Fisher © Katrena

The barrier spit at Fort Fisher is constantly changing and houses sixteen threatened and endangered species. A boardwalk takes hikers across the landscape that seems so peaceful although it once served as a firing range.

Garden at Fort Fisher © Katrena

As we were walking back toward the welcome center, we noticed a fenced garden.

My crew particularly enjoyed Fort Fisher since it is located at the beach. The seagulls and sand were calling to us as we took in the sights and sounds.

If you would like to learn more about Fort Fisher's history, hours, current conditions, a short video, ecology, and more, visiting the Fort Fisher official page on the North Carolina State Parks web site.