Located just north of the village of Avon, is the Little Kinnakeet Life Saving Station.
First erected in 1874, It is still standing, though the lack of awareness about the structure. One of seven life saving stations erected along the Outer Banks (OBX), The Little Kinnakeet station is one of four stations remaining on Hatteras Island.
The 1874 station, originally consisted of a barn-like structure with a look out platform/deck located on top of the structure.
This structure can still be seen today in the form of the boathouse located on the west end of the property.
In 1892, a kitchen/mess room would be added to the station in an attempt to move cooking and open flames away from the main station.
This kitchen/mess room, is still on the grounds today, and like the 1874 station, has received a full exterior renovation. On the interior of the building, some fixtures from when it was an active life saving station, like the fireplace, as well as homemade cabinetry are still intact, shuttered from the elements.
By 1900, erosion and flooding from the many storms along the Outer Banks, causing the United States of America government, to move the station across Highway 12 to its current site.
The site is on the west side in front of the sound side just north of Avon.
In 1904, a new station building was constructed on the southeast end of the property. This building would become the main centerpiece of the site, featuring the iconic watch tower and wrap around porch.
This design was only built four times, and is the last standing example of it. It was designed by Victor Mendleheff. Some work was done in place of a renovation to the 1904 station, including the replacement of windows, and cedar roofing/siding repairs.
The station complex is currently surrounded by fencing, to deter vandalism, however it is still visible and walk-able around the perimeter.
The station is also located along an Off Road Vehicle Access (ORVA). The (ORVA) leads to a sound side area which is perfect for fishing, kayaking, and watching the sunset.
