5 Oak Island NC Facts You Didn’t Know

Discover more on our History Tour with Cycle-logical Tours.

Oak Island, North Carolina is best known for its beaches, laid-back charm, and family-friendly atmosphere—but there’s a lot more to this coastal town than meets the eye. From shipwrecks to secret bunkers, here are five fascinating Oak Island facts you probably didn’t know:

1. There’s a Shipwreck Visible from the Shore

Tucked just offshore is the Mary E. Morris, a coastal schooner that ran aground during a storm in 1893. It’s one of many shipwrecks that dot the coast—Oak Island sits within the infamous Graveyard of the Atlantic, where over 5,000 ships have met their end.

🔍 Want to see it yourself? Our History Tour includes a stop at the Mary E. Morris site!

2. The Oak Island Lighthouse Has the Brightest Light in the U.S.

Built in 1958, the Oak Island Lighthouse was once the brightest in the United States—and it’s still one of the most powerful on the East Coast.

🌊 Stand beneath this towering icon during our guided e-bike tour—it’s a view you won’t forget.

3. Fort Caswell Once Had a Secret WWII Role

Located on the eastern tip of the island, Fort Caswell dates back to the 1830s, but during World War II it played a strategic coastal defense role—and was rumored to house secret bunkers and surveillance equipment.

🧭 Ride through time with us and uncover Fort Caswell’s past during your tour.

4. The Island Is Home to a Rare Maritime Forest

Beyond the beach, Oak Island protects a surprising ecological treasure: a rare maritime forest. At the Oak Island Nature Center and along the Davis Canal, you’ll find native plants, salt-tolerant trees, and abundant wildlife—from great blue herons to foxes and even the occasional alligator.

🌿 Nature meets history on our tours—ask us about our Nature Ride for the full experience!

5. It’s Technically Two Towns in One

Did you know Oak Island wasn’t always just one town? It was originally Long Beach and Yaupon Beach, which merged in 1999 to form the Town of Oak Island. Each area still has its own charm and subtle differences, which locals and visitors alike enjoy exploring.

🚲 Ride through both historic districts and hear the stories behind them on our History Tour.

Want to learn more about Oak Island’s secrets?
Join us on our Cycle-logical History Tour, a guided e-bike experience designed for curious minds and coastal explorers. We’ll take you up close to the places most people only read about—and share the stories that bring this island to life.

➡️ Book your spot today and pedal through the past with us.