Whalebone Junction
A key Outer Banks stop for visitor info, unique passport stamps, and clean restrooms, with a quirky roadside bull nearby.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more staff interaction.
Whalebone Junction
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more staff interaction.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A key Outer Banks stop for visitor info, unique passport stamps, and clean restrooms, with a quirky roadside bull nearby.
"Essential stop for passport stamps & info, but beware of un-signposted tick risks on the base trail!"
⚠️ Tick Warning!
Severe tick infestation on the base trail. No signs! Check yourself & pets thoroughly. :bug:
🛂 Passport Stamp Stop
Essential stop for National Park Passport collectors! Unique site-specific stamp available. :passport_control:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
National Park Passport Stamp
Information Center
Grab a unique, site-specific cancellation stamp for your National Park Passport book. A must-have for collectors!
Informative Brochures & Maps
Information Center
Discover a wealth of brochures and maps for Cape Hatteras National Seashore and surrounding areas. Plan your adventures here!
Adjacent National Wildlife Area
Across from Information Center
Explore a nearby National Wildlife Area offering excellent restroom facilities and a chance to connect with nature.
Roadside Giant: Staley's Steakhouse Bull
US 158
Snap a photo with the iconic fiberglass bull, a quirky roadside attraction that greets travelers on US 158.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Tick Alert: Be Prepared!
Passport Stamp Collectors Rejoice!
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
⚠️ Tick Warning!
Severe tick infestation on the base trail. No signs! Check yourself & pets thoroughly. :bug:
🛂 Passport Stamp Stop
Essential stop for National Park Passport collectors! Unique site-specific stamp available. :passport_control:
🗺️ Free Maps & Info
Grab tons of brochures & maps for the area. Great for planning your OBX adventures! :world_map:
🚻 Clean Restrooms
Excellent restroom facilities available, even when the main center is closed. :toilet:
Tips
from all over the internet
⚠️ Tick Warning!
Severe tick infestation on the base trail. No signs! Check yourself & pets thoroughly. :bug:
🛂 Passport Stamp Stop
Essential stop for National Park Passport collectors! Unique site-specific stamp available. :passport_control:
🗺️ Free Maps & Info
Grab tons of brochures & maps for the area. Great for planning your OBX adventures! :world_map:
🚻 Clean Restrooms
Excellent restroom facilities available, even when the main center is closed. :toilet:
🐂 Quirky Roadside Art
Don't miss the giant fiberglass bull on US 158 for a fun photo op! :camera:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors appreciate Whalebone Junction for its practical amenities like clean restrooms and its value as a stop for National Park Passport stamp collectors. It's a useful information hub for planning OBX adventures. However, a significant concern is the unaddressed severe tick infestation on the base trail, which visitors strongly warn others about.
"Nevin is such a friendly tour guide and he really knows some great information. what a fun stop. I’m glad I did.
Nevin will hook you up with some cool maps!
clean restroom as well :)"
e
"• We visited on a Thursday afternoon in late December 2023 (after Christmas) while driving from Hatteras up through to manteo visited different sites on the way.
• We saw this station and decided to just pull in to see what there way and we were glad we did because they had their own site-specific National Park Service Passport Cancellation Stamp. If you’re a collector, you need to stop here to get their specific one. It’s located to the left of the main desk when you’re walking in. See pictures in review.
• There was one other person there talking with the staffer getting information, so we didn’t get to ask many questions, but it was a small room filled to the brim with brochures for everything. If you were looking for something to do it was there.
• There was bathroom outside in a different structure adjacent to the parking lot."
David L.
"They were closed when we stopped, but the restroom facilities were excellent and this adjoins a National Wildlife Area you must visit"
Richard Murray
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Whalebone Junction is located on US 158 in Nags Head, North Carolina. It's a key intersection and a common point of reference for navigating the Outer Banks. Many visitors pass through it when traveling between the northern and southern parts of the OBX.
Yes, the information center at Whalebone Junction is a great place to stop for directions and local information. They offer a wide array of brochures and maps for the Cape Hatteras National Seashore and surrounding areas, making it ideal for planning your OBX adventures.
Whalebone Junction is a notable landmark and a central point on the Outer Banks. It's known for its information center, which provides valuable resources for visitors, and its proximity to natural areas. It's also a point where Hatteras and Ocracoke evacuees have been noted.
Indeed! Just off US 158 near Whalebone Junction, you can find the quirky Staley's Steakhouse Bull, a large fiberglass bull that makes for a fun photo opportunity.
Yes, excellent public restroom facilities are available at Whalebone Junction, located in a separate structure adjacent to the parking lot. They are accessible even when the main information center might be closed.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets required to visit Whalebone Junction or its information center. Entry is free, making it an accessible stop for all travelers.
While specific hours can vary, the information center is a hub for visitor resources. Even if the center is closed, the restroom facilities are typically accessible. It's always a good idea to check local listings for the most up-to-date hours.
Access to the National Wildlife Area adjacent to Whalebone Junction is generally free, allowing visitors to explore the natural surroundings.
Absolutely! Whalebone Junction offers a unique, site-specific National Park Service Passport Cancellation Stamp, a must-have for collectors.
Yes, the facilities at Whalebone Junction, including handicap parking and ramps to the buildings, are designed to be accessible.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
At Whalebone Junction, you can pick up valuable brochures and maps for the Outer Banks, get a unique National Park Passport stamp, and use the clean restroom facilities. The adjacent National Wildlife Area also offers opportunities for nature exploration.
Visitors should be aware of a severe tick infestation on the base trail near the information center. There are no warning signs, so it's crucial to check yourself and your pets thoroughly after visiting this area.
The information center is packed with brochures and maps covering everything from attractions and activities to park information for the Cape Hatteras National Seashore and surrounding regions.
While not a primary photography destination, you can find interesting shots, like the roadside fiberglass bull or the coastal landscapes if you venture into the nearby wildlife area. Strong winds can also be a photographic subject!
The adjacent National Wildlife Area provides opportunities to observe local flora and fauna. While not guaranteed, it's a good spot for nature enthusiasts.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Whalebone Junction itself is primarily an information center and rest stop. However, Nags Head, where it's located, offers numerous dining options. Fish Heads Bar & Grill on the Nags Head pier is a popular spot for seafood with ocean views.
For a great seafood experience with ocean views, consider Fish Heads Bar & Grill located on the Nags Head pier, not far from Whalebone Junction.
If you're craving something sweet, Surf N Spoon in Nags Head is a highly recommended spot for desserts, perfect for a treat after exploring the area.
The information center may have some brochures for local eateries, but it's not a place for purchasing food or drinks. It's best to plan your meals before or after your visit.
Nags Head is known for its casual seafood fare, with many restaurants offering fresh catches and waterfront dining experiences.
📸 📸 Photography
While Whalebone Junction is more of a functional stop, you can capture unique shots of the roadside fiberglass bull, the coastal scenery, and potentially dramatic weather conditions like strong winds.
The adjacent National Wildlife Area offers opportunities for nature photography. Keep an eye out for local birds and other wildlife, but always maintain a respectful distance.
The Outer Banks are known for beautiful sunsets. While Whalebone Junction itself might not have the most unobstructed views, nearby beach access points or elevated locations could offer stunning sunset photography opportunities.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient for the roadside attractions. For wildlife or landscape photography in the nearby wildlife area, a zoom lens might be beneficial.
Generally, there are no specific restrictions on photography at Whalebone Junction for personal use. However, always be mindful of any posted signs or private property.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚗 Road Trippers
📚 History & Folklore Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Outer Banks: Whalebone Junction's Role
Many visitors encounter Whalebone Junction as part of a larger road trip. It's a place where travelers might stop to gather essential information, use the facilities, or simply mark a point on their journey. The presence of the National Park Service Passport stamp station further solidifies its role as a point of interest for those documenting their travels through national park areas.
Beyond its practical function, Whalebone Junction is also a reminder of the Outer Banks' dynamic nature. The area is known for its shifting sands and coastal weather, which can impact travel, especially during hurricane season when it serves as a point for evacuees. Understanding its location and function is key to a smooth OBX experience.
The Graveyard of the Atlantic: History and Legends
While Whalebone Junction itself is a modern stop, its location is steeped in this maritime history. The information center provides resources that often touch upon these historical narratives, encouraging visitors to learn about the shipwrecks and the brave souls who navigated these waters. Understanding this context adds a layer of depth to any visit to the Outer Banks.
This history also influences the local culture and attractions. From museums dedicated to maritime history to tales of pirates and shipwrecks, the 'Graveyard of the Atlantic' is an ever-present theme that shapes the identity of the Outer Banks, making it a fascinating destination for history buffs and curious travelers alike.
Tick Awareness: A Crucial Safety Note
Travelers are strongly advised to conduct thorough tick checks on themselves and their pets immediately after visiting the base trail. This proactive measure is essential to prevent potential health issues associated with tick bites. It's a stark reminder that even seemingly innocuous natural areas can harbor hidden dangers.
This situation highlights the importance of being prepared and informed when exploring natural environments. While the information center offers many helpful resources, visitors should also rely on their own vigilance and take necessary precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience on the Outer Banks.





Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit