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Nags Head, North Carolina: Castle Buried in "East Coast's Tallest Sand Dune"

Jockeys Ridge Putt Putt course was swallowed by a sand dune, and how much you see of its old mini-golf castle depends on the whims of the winds.

Address:
4251 S. Croatan Hwy., Nags Head, NC
Directions:
Park near Kitty Hawk Kites (near mile marker 12) on US 158 and Soundside Rd. The top of the castle is visible from the Kitty Hawk Kites tower. About a 15 min. hike up the dune...and bring water!
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Visitor Tips and News About Castle Buried in "East Coast's Tallest Sand Dune"

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Sand dune castle.

Castle Buried in "East Coast's Tallest Sand Dune"

Out on the middle, over the first dune.

[PeteTheHD48, 10/05/2023]

Builder's credit.

Castle Buried in "East Coast's Tallest Sand Dune"

In May 2023 almost the entire castle is exposed, though there's a lot of damage. You can now see [the builder's signature and] that it was erected in 1978. It is interesting to observe it go through various stages. Nine years ago only the top turrets were showing. The red tops have since disappeared.

[Babs, 05/13/2023]
Castle Buried in "East Coast's Tallest Sand Dune"

As of February 2022 the Castle is still there -- it was 90% uncovered, but in a dilapidated state. Don't know how much longer the castle will survive.

[Natalie, 03/22/2022]

Castle in sand dune, October 2019.

Castle Buried in "East Coast's Tallest Sand Dune"

October 2019.

[Nacole, 10/09/2019]

The surrounding fence, aside from discouraging climbing photo ops, may slow the cycle of the mini-golf castle disappearing and emerging from the ever-shifting dune.

Castle in sand dune.

Castle Buried in East Coast's Tallest Sand Dune

I went there in May 2014, and only the very tops of the turrets are now visible. It was still worth seeing, knowing that a whole castle is just below your feet.

[signmanjoe, 05/30/2014]

Nearby Offbeat Places

Galaxy GolfGalaxy Golf, Nags Head, NC - 2 mi.
Nags Head NagNags Head Nag, Nags Head, NC - 3 mi.
Jurassic Putt - DinosaurJurassic Putt - Dinosaur, Nags Head, NC - 3 mi.
In the region:
America's Tallest Lighthouse - Climb It, Buxton, NC - 49 mi.

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