Each Veterans Day, we honor the courage, service, and sacrifice of those who served in the United States Armed Forces. Across North Carolina, DNCR sites mark this day with complimentary admission for military families, quiet moments of reflection, and observance closures to honor the holiday.
Please see the information below for hours, closures, and special offerings.
Open
North Carolina Zoo – Asheboro
Military Appreciation Week: November 8–14, 2025
The North Carolina Zoo welcomes veterans, active duty, reserve, and retired military personnel and their spouses with free admission, plus up to three guests.
Veterans Day Hours: Nov. 11, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. (last entry at 3 p.m.)
How to Redeem: Present military ID at the admissions booth’s Military Appreciation table
Eligibility: Veterans, active duty, reserve, retired personnel, military spouses
Maximum: 4 admissions per ID
Accepted IDs include: Veteran ID, Military ID, DD-214 with photo ID, driver’s license with veteran indicator, VA/VFW/American Legion ID
More about Military Appreciation Week
North Carolina Aquariums
Fort Fisher • Pine Knoll Shores • Roanoke Island
All three Aquariums offer complimentary admission for military personnel and their dependents.
Date: Tuesday, November 11
Hours: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Eligibility: Veterans, active duty, reserve, retired, and dependents
NC Museum of Natural Sciences – Raleigh
Open on Veterans Day with regular hours.
Hours: Nov. 11, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Special Programming: None scheduled Nov. 8–15
Ongoing Military Savings: Military discounts available year-round for special exhibitions and 3D films
NC State Parks – Statewide
Open on Veterans Day
Hours: Nov. 11, hours vary for each location
Special Programming: None scheduled
Ongoing Military Savings: Free Annual Pass for eligible veterans with disabilities
Battleship North Carolina – Wilmington
Open for Veterans Day with regular hours.
Hours: Nov. 11, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Special Programming: None scheduled
Military Offer: Discounted admission for active and retired military year-round
Jennette's Pier – Nag's Head
Open for Veterans Day with regular hours.
Hours: Nov. 11, 7 a.m.–9 p.m.
Special Programming: None scheduled
Special Tribute
Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex – Fayetteville
Closed on Veterans Day, but honoring service throughout November with a Missing Man Table recognizing more than 80,000 American service members who never returned home.
Sites Closed in Observance of Veterans Day (Nov. 11)
The following DNCR sites will be closed:
Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex (see tribute above)
North Carolina Maritime Museums
- Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum - Hatteras
- Beaufort (closed for construction project)
- The Harvey W. Smith Watercraft Center - Beaufort
- Southport
Thank You to Our Veterans
We are grateful to all who served, and to the military families who support them. Whether joining us for a visit, participating in a local ceremony, or spending time in reflection, we honor your dedication and sacrifice.