by the general public, aged seven or above, with tours to the second level (up twelve steps) from Memorial Day–Labor Day on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Tours to the top of the lighthouse, which has an outside balcony, were offered year round (except for a few major holidays) for those aged nine or older. It required climbing 131 steps, which unlike the classic circular pattern, have straight but very steep sections with eight landings along the way, a style referred to as a 'ships ladder.' A minimum of two weeks (four weeks in the summer months) advance notice were normally required for such a tour reservation, which could be obtained on-line by visiting the FOIL web site. Further reading Hairr, John, North Carolina Lighthouses and Lifesaving Stations (NC) (Images of America), 2004, Zepke, Terrance Lighthouses of the Carolinas: A Short History and Guide 2011, References External links www.oakislandlighthouse.org Friends of the Oak Island Lighthouse Official Lighthouses on the National Register of Historic Places in North Carolina Buildings and structures in Brunswick County, North Carolina Tourist attractions in Brunswick County, North Carolina Transportation in Brunswick County, North Carolina National Register of Historic Places in Brunswick County, North Carolina Lighthouses completed in 1958 1958 establishments in North Carolina