DIRECTIONS & MAP
From Interstate 40, take either US 21 North (exit 151) or NC 115 North (exit. 150). From US 21, turn left onto Fort Dobbs Road. From NC 115, veer right onto S. Chipley Ford Road, then turn right onto Fort Dobbs Road.
HOURS & DAILY PROGRAMMING
Fort Dobbs is open 9:00 am-5:00 pm each Tuesday-Saturday (except for State government holidays.) *
The reconstructed fort is open for tours every 45 minutes between 9:30am - 11:45am and 1:00pm - 4:00pm. *
Guided fort tour admission is $2 for Adults and $1 for Children 5-12. Grounds and Visitor Center are free.
*CHECK SOCIAL MEDIA FOR CLOSING ALERTS OR CHANGES TO DAILY TOUR SCHEDULE
Facilities
Blockhouse: A full-scale reconstruction of the blockhouse fort stands on the original site. Completed in 2019, the full furnished interior may be viewed as part of a guided tour.
Visitor Center : In 1941, the Daughters of the American Revolution arranged for the construction of a log cabin on the grounds of the fort. The cabin was built of 19th century logs from three existing Iredell County structures. The cabin currently houses exhibits featuring many of the artifacts found at the site, as well as a gift shop.
Picnic Shelter: A covered shelter with picnic tables, restrooms and a small playground is located at the site.
Trail: A nature trail, approximately one-half of a mile long, features native wild plants and trees. The trail is not handicapped accessible at this time.
Parking: An easily accessible parking lot is available and is a short 50 yard walk from the visitor center and fort. Field parking is opened for special events.
SITE USE
Pets: Dogs are allowed on-site, but owners must ensure that they remain leashed and must pick up after them. With the exception of service dogs, no animals are allowed inside the visitor center or fort.
Metal Detecting / Relic Hunting: The North Carolina Archaeological Resources Protection Act prohibits a person from excavating, removing, damaging or otherwise altering or defacing an archeological resource located on state lands. The act declares that a person who violates the above provisions, or employs another person to do so, shall be fined, upon conviction, not more than $2,000 or imprisoned not more than six months, or both, for each day of continued violation. The Act authorizes the Department of Administration, in consultation with the Department of Cultural Resources, to assess a civil penalty of not more than $5,000 against any person who violates such provisions. The act directs the Department of Administration, in determining the amount of the penalty, to consider the extent of the harm caused by the violation and the cost of rectifying the damage. Directs the department to send notice by registered or certified mail of such an assessment to the person being assessed and authorizes the department to institute a civil action in the Superior Court of Wake County if the person being assessed fails to pay the assessment. The act authorizes the department to use the assessed funds to rectify the damage to archeological resources or to otherwise effectuate the purposes of this article. Finally, the act declares that all archeological resources with respect to which a criminal violation has occurred, and all vehicles and equipment used in connection with such violation, shall be subject to forfeiture to the state.