The Lighthouse Tower, built in 1895 and restored in 2007, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The iron skeleton structure is topped with a circular parapet which provides great viewing for those adventurous enough to climb its 128 steps.
This historic 103-foot lighthouse is the tallest on the Forgotten Coast! 

Admission to the Museum and Park Grounds are Free, and our summer hours are 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Wednesday thru Sunday (closed Mondays and Tuesdays) as well as open additional hours for special events like Country Markets (1st & 3rd Saturdays 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.), Full Moon/ Twilight at the Tower events and more (see event for specific hours and details). The Lighthouse Tower is open for climbs during our daytime hours, weather permitting, with a cost of $6.00 for adults (age 13+) and $3.00 for youth (5-12 yrs). All climbers must be 44 inches tall. Discount available for veterans and first responders. 

The highlight of the Keeper's House Museum is the lighthouse's original Fourth Order Fresnel lens fabricated in 1894 in Paris, France. This unique lens is a rare, bi-valve open face design featuring a 90 degree group flash and is made of brass and glass prism rings.  Other exhibits include a historical setting of the early 1900’s, examples of lighthouse beacons through the years, and the methods of constructing a skeletal tower lighthouse.  Everyday life objects are seen in the Keeper’s room, including the Lighthouse's original clock, a barometer, an antique glass fire grenade, pages from the Lighthouse Keeper’s watch book, currency and much more.

The CRLH Gift Shop is full of wonderful nautical-themed gifts including art, jewelry, home decor, apparel, toys, and souvenirs for both children and adults.

Surrounding the lighthouse is Crooked River Lighthouse Park, a publicly owned historic and natural resource conservation site with outdoor recreation area. It is open daily from dawn to dusk.

JOIN US FOR GREAT TIMES AT THE LIGHTHOUSE

Programs, News, Events, and More . . .

Country Markets with Amazing Vendors, Nighttime Music & Food Events, and Special Exhibits

LANTERN FEST: A Night of Magical History
Saturday, November 14, 2026, 6-10 pm

Glowing lanterns, music, dance and evening tower climbs bring magic and history together.

This year Lantern Fest will be celebrated on Saturday, November 14, 2026 from 6-10 pm on the park grounds at Crooked River Lighthouse, 1975 Highway 98 West, Carrabelle Beach, FL.

Our unique outdoor festival lights up the night with magic and history at the 1895 maritime landmark. Special activities include live music and dance, evening tower climbs, ancient craft demonstrations, enchanting glowing display of over a hundred lanterns, and delicious food and  desserts.

Many of these glowing lanterns are truly works of art and have been painstakingly hand-made by the incredible Joan Matey and other gifted local  artists. Plus guests will enjoy keeper’s tales, the lighthouse museum, and gift shop and wandering Lantern Ladies and the Giant Moth.

Funded in part by the Franklin County Tourist Development Council.

IN THE MUSEUM

FRESNEL LENS EXHIBIT

LEARN MORE

COUNTRY FARMERS MARKETS

1st & 3rd Saturdays

LEARN MORE

TWILIGHT AT THE TOWER

NOVEMBER 14

LEARN MORE

PAVE THE PATHWAYS . . .WITH A CUSTOM ENGRAVED BRICK!

Support our ongoing efforts to maintain the Crooked River Lighthouse Park by purchasing a custom engraved brick paver to be placed in front of the lighthouse tower door. Honor a loved on with a permanent tribute or highlight your business, give congratulations or simply share a favorite saying.

LEARN MORE, SEE PRICES, AND HOW TO PURCHASE

Photo courtesy of David Zapatka of the United States Lighthouse Society and his USA Stars & Lights project to document as many lighthouses at night as possible.

Photo courtesy of David Zapatka of the United States Lighthouse Society and his USA Stars & Lights project to document as many lighthouses at night as possible.

TODAY YOU CAN COME SEE BOTH!

At dusk on December 8, 2007, over 240 people watched as the newly refurbished Crooked River Lighthouse was re-lit with an acrylic replica of the tower’s original Fresnel lens and the lighthouse began serving as an aid to navigation once again. The lighthouse was relit with its original light pattern. Our original historic Fresnel lens is on display inside the Keeper's House Museum at the Crooked River Lighthouse.

History of the Restoration of Crooked River Lighthouse:

  • In 1995, the Crooked River Lighthouse was decommissioned by the US Coast Guard and in 1999 there were plans to surplus the lighthouse and auction it off to the highest bidder! In response a dedicated group of local citizens formed the Carrabelle Lighthouse Association (CLA) with the goal of preserving, restoring, and opening the lighthouse to the public.
  • In August 2001, the CLA, in conjunction with the City of Carrabelle, was successful in having the Lighthouse safely deeded to the City. The CLA then successfully raised money through fundraisers and grants to beautifully restore this historic treasure of Florida's "Forgotten Coast".
  • In 2007, an acrylic replica of the original glass Fresnel lens was installed and on December 8 in 2007, the Carrabelle Lighthouse Association successfully re-lit with the Crooked River Lighthouse with its original light pattern.

VISIT OUR GIFT SHOP

When you come to see the Lighthouse and Keepers House Museum, bee sure to stop into our quaint Shop to buy a fun collectible for yourself or as a gift.

fresnel lens mug
harbour lights in shop
new enamel pin 2022
gift shop interior 1480
new shot1222
new tshirts 2020
lighthouse-mug-2-300x