The number one thing to do in Nags Head is visit Jockey’s Ridge State Park. The 426-acre park contains a living sand dune, a constantly changing natural landscape that includes the tallest and largest active sand dune in the eastern United States.
But what most people don't consider is that an active sand dune that's constantly on the move could have a few secrets beneath the massive dune...
By August of 2018, the dune seemed to have begun to swallow the base of the sandcastle — and it appears a protective fence has been erected to slow the progress.
As it turns out, this unofficial landmark at Jockey's Ridge State Park is a bit of a celebrated entity. (This photo, by the way is from April, 2010.) It seems for at least a couple of decades the beloved sandcastle has been in various stages of visibility.
Aside from the general kooky nature of finding a fake sand castle in a pile of sand, the famous landmark has become one of the most celebrated things to check out on return visits to this much loved park in the Tar Heel State. (The above photo is from November 2009.)
Perhaps even some people arrive with anticipation of seeing the castle's current state. Shown here in May 2013, one facade of the castle is completely uncovered and some ancillary goodies are beginning to emerge as well.
But what's the deal with this castle? Many locals already know the answer, but for those visiting from out of town or out of state, it largely remains a quirky mystery.
A long time ago, more than 20 years, there was a 3-acre miniature golf course next to the state park. Over time, the living dune swallowed it up and covered it completely. Eventually, the state bought out the owners of the mini-golf place and, since the course was covered in sand, they left it largely intact.
The first time it peeked out of the dunes was likely around 1998-1999. You can imagine the curiosity for those who were new to visiting the park! As of this summer, only the castle seems to remain from the miniature golf course, but... you never know what's buried beneath the dunes!
Have you visited this quirky castle lately? And did you know the story behind it? What else is buried beneath this giant sand dune? We’d love to know!
Jockey’s Ridge State Park is located at 300 W. Carolista Dr., Nags Head, NC27959. It’s open 364 days a year (Closed on Christmas Day) and admission is always free. It opens daily year-round at 8:00 a.m and closing times vary by season. Find a list of those at this link. Learn more from the official website for North Carolina State Parks.
