Frying Pan Tower

Repurposing a piece of American history.

There are many ways you can help support Frying Pan Tower. Donations, giving of time and talent, contributing goods, or buying merchandise.

SUPPORT

PROTECT

Keeping marine wildlife and mariners safe

From environmental research and education studies to providing shelter to a natural ecosystem for marine wildlife, and safety to Mariners in the Atlantic ocean.

OUR PROGRESS

PRESERVE

For future generations to experience and enjoy.

Join our group of volunteers as they work to restore Frying Pan Tower and experience the adventure of a lifetime 85' above the Atlantic.

VOLUNTEER

ECO-TOURISM ADVENTURE

All the adventure, all the activities, all the memories that last a lifetime come with a Frying Pan Tower™ Eco-Tourism Adventure!

VOLUNTEER ADVENTURE

Participate on projects and be part of the vital repairs that will help the tower be around for another 50 years!

Next Available Trip In...

Volunteers donate their time and talent to help us achieve the mission to restore, protect, and preserve the Frying Pan Tower™. With projects for all skill sets, from scraping to painting, organizing to cooking, and electrical to welding, we have a place for everyone who wants to participate! With your donation, you're on the next available trip!

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OUR MISSION TO RESTORE, PROTECT & PRESERVE

Frying Pan Tower™ was erected in 1964 to help ships avoid running aground the shallow waters known as the Frying Pan Shoals. The Coast Guard staffed the light station until 1979, when the beacon was automated. After 28 years of operation, the US Coast Guard Light Station went dark and slowly fell into disrepair due to the advent of Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and radar. It was officially retired in 1992, rendered obsolete and for all purposes abandoned.

Responsible for saving countless lives at sea, today the tower offers safety for mariners in the Atlantic Ocean, serves as a natural ecosystem for marine wildlife, and provides a location for numerous research and educational institutions to conduct environmental and oceanic studies.

The restoration of Frying Pan Tower is managed by FPTower Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring, protecting and preserving the former United States Coastguard (USCG) Light Station off the coast of North Carolina for future generations.