This Land, Your Land

The National Park Service reminds us that the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse opens for the season April 15 with a day of free admission to climbers on a first come, first served basis.

The regular season for the Cape Hatteras National Seashore icon runs from the third Friday in April to Columbus Day, which is October 10 this year.

For opening day, the NPS invites locals to come and climb the lighthouse for free, and extends the deal to other park visitors.

It normally costs $7 to climb the tower's 248 iron spiral stair steps, or $3.50 if you are 62 or older, 12 or younger, or the holder of a National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands Access Pass.

Ticket sales, or distribution on the 15th, begin at 8:15 a.m. and close at 4:30 p.m. (5:30 p.m. from May 27 through Labor Day). Climbing tours will begin at 9 a.m. and run every 10 minutes with a limit of 30 people on each trip.

The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is the tallest brick lighthouse in the United States and measures 210 feet from the bottom of the foundation to the top of the pinnacle of the tower.