Island Farm

Visit Island Farm, a living history site that tells the story of the everyday Outer Bankers who lived on Roanoke Island in the 1850s. Here, an island family experienced the impacts of the Civil War, performed harrowing rescues as members of the US Life-Saving Service, and assisted the Wright Brothers in their dream of achieving powered flight, all while feeding chickens, fishing the sounds, and growing corn for grinding at the windmill.

Plan Your Visit

Events & Experiences at Island Farm

View upcoming programs, annual events, and daily experiences you can find right here at Island Farm!

Events & Experiences

Questions?

Visit Our Frequently Asked Questions page

View FAQs

Island Farm History

Island Farm’s roots date back to the 1700s when Adam Etheridge leased 1,500 acres of land. Learn more about Island Farm’s past over the last centuries.

Learn About Island Farm

Island Farm Field Trips

We welcome school groups. We have special programs tailored to their needs; programs are professionally developed and align with NC state standards for education.

Book A Group Tour or Field Trip

Reasons to Explore Island Farm in Manteo

Island Farm

4.8

Based on 312 reviews

13:28 21 Nov 25

01:09 19 Nov 25

00:39 12 Nov 25

Great time with the kids!

Charlie Parker

15:00 05 Nov 25

I'm a local.. Last year I had old friends and their friends visit... two dairy farming families from NY and Connecticut.. They had so much fun looking in every nook and corner of the farm...Between them they have over 100 years of farming. They were impressed with Island Farm...Fun and education for young and old.

ginger soles

11:07 15 Oct 25

Kevin Seitz

19:39 05 Jul 25

Wish I lived closer....

They did a great job of restoring it to the period of 1840. Everyone was so nice and helpful. So much history. We went on the fourth of July and listened to the Declaration of Independence being read and fired the musket.

Great place for a field trip or a stop with the kids.

Ben Newman

03:12 25 Jun 25

We had a really great time here. The staff was amazing and super helpful, and kind to our kid. They have an amazing looking American milking Devon and other a horse that they rescued. they put a lot of time into restoring that mansion and out buildings too. They have set up the sheep pasture with the old bramble style breakers to do rotating pasture like back in the day. It really gives a little sneak peak into the life back then. A nice collection of heritage breeds too.

Scott Zincone

01:49 04 Jan 25

Emily Zincone

16:34 03 Jan 25

Selena Nederhoff

03:26 21 Dec 24

We went for the Island Farm Christmas night. It was very well organized with a lot of interesting information about the particular farm, but also Christmas traditions during the time period.
We looked in the detached kitchen with a full table spread of foods they would have served and were treated with cider, a cookie, and some fresh cooked meat.
Some friends made some dipped candles. We made wreaths to take home. There was also a tour of the main house.
A lot of fun for those who like history!

Island Farm

Events & Experiences at Island Farm

Visit Our Frequently Asked Questions page

Island Farm History

Island Farm Field Trips

Reasons to Explore Island Farm in Manteo

Keep Up With Us