Crooked River Lighthouse – Managed by the Carrabelle Lighthouse Association (CLA), Crooked River Lighthouse includes a Lighthouse Tower and Keeper's House Museum

Exhibits include a historical setting of the early 1900’s, examples of beacons and the methods of constructing a skeletal tower lighthouse. Everyday life objects in the Keeper’s Room include its original clock, a barometer, a glass fire grenade, pages from the keeper’s watch book, currency and much more. The gift shop is full of wonderful nautical-themed gifts for both children and adults. Surrounding the lighthouse, the grounds are known as Crooked River Lighthouse Park. The park is a publicly owned and operated historic and natural resource conservation site and outdoor recreation area. It is typically open daily from dawn to dusk. Special events may also be scheduled during the evenings.

Come revel in this unique birthday party in honor of the 126th birthday of the Crooked River Lighthouse!

This unique, outdoor festival, best known for its breathtaking display of over a hundred colorful, hanging lanterns, lights up the night with magic and history at the 1895 maritime landmark. This delightful evening will feature wonderful live music by gifted Irish musicians, Killavil, amazing performances by the TCC Dance Company, ancient craft demonstrations, museum exhibits, delicious food and desserts and evening tower climbs of the tallest lighthouse on the Forgotten Coast. Admission is $8 for adults and $2 for children in advance for an evening of music, dance, night tower climbs, glowing lanterns and yummy food.

The talented Tallahassee Community College Dance Company will show their amazing abilities before the sun sets with superb choreography on the outdoor stage. Then as darkness falls, they will truly dazzle guests with an array of glow-in-the-dark performances. The TCC Dancers are regular performers at Lantern Fest.

Crooked River Lighthouse is excited to announce the return of the remarkably gifted Irish music trio Killavil at Lantern Fest. Don’t miss this award-winning group that has been a part of the Irish music scene all over the U.S. and abroad. They’ve kept a strong dedication to traditional Irish music and play Irish bouzouki, bodhran, uilleann pipes, tin whistle, flute and fiddle. They will be performing lively Irish tunes under the glow of over a hundred hanging lanterns.

In addition to fabulous shows of dance and music, over a hundred colorful, hanging lanterns will be on display throughout the grounds of the lighthouse park. Many of these lanterns are truly works of art and have been painstakingly hand-made by the incredible Joan Matey and other gifted local artists. This year there will also be two “ancient crafts” demonstrators. John Pfund will set up his blacksmith forge and Ken Horne will make remarkably strong rope from local plant fibers. Delicious food will be available for purchase from the festival food vendor. Don’t miss out on delectable desserts and coffee at the Beacon Bistro.

LEARN MORE AND SEE PHOTOS

WORKSHOP FULL - The Crooked River Lighthouse will once again be offering one of their very popular lantern-making workshops on Saturday, November 6 from 1:00-4:00 pm at the Franklin County Senior Center, 201 NW Avenue F, Carrabelle (LOCATION CHANGED). Our wonderful volunteer, Lisa Keith-Lucas, will guide attendees in making the very popular Jellyfish Lanterns! These enchanting lanterns are highly admired at Lantern Fest and are fairly easy to make.

Basic materials (colorful plastic bowls, bubble wrap and sheer fabrics), instruction and hands on help will be provided at the workshop. Attendees are invited to bring any additional materials they may like to really personalize their creations! Cost is $5 a person. EXACT CHANGE OR CHECK ONLY PLEASE. Participants will be able to explore their creative side and personalize their lantern to make it uniquely their own. At the end of the workshop, attendees will go home with their own lovely, finished lantern. Participants are then welcome to keep their glowing creation or bring it to the Lantern Fest on Saturday, November 27, from 6-10 pm to add to the awesome display.

THIS WORKSHOP IS NOW FULL. Reservations are needed to participate in this workshop. To make a reservation or for more information, please contact carrabellelighthouse@gmail.com or (850) 697-2732.

Funded in part by the Franklin County Tourist Development Council. Special thanks to the City of Carrabelle.

The Carrabelle Lighthouse Association Inc. (CLA) was recently selected to receive a $1,000 grant from the United States Lighthouse Society on behalf of the Crooked River Lighthouse and Keeper’s House Museum. We are one of 35 lighthouses in the nation and only 4 in Florida to receive a 2021 Emergency Relief Grant from the U.S. Lighthouse Society.

The grant specifically provides financial assistance for operational expenses for lighthouses due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The museum’s revenue and attendance were significantly impacted last year by the pandemic. Steve Allen, Board President for the Carrabelle Lighthouse Association said, “We are very grateful to the United States Lighthouse Society. These funds will help us continue to share this historic treasure with the community and the public.”

The United States Lighthouse Society is a nonprofit historical and educational organization dedicated to saving and sharing the rich maritime legacy of American lighthouses and supporting lighthouse preservation throughout the nation.

Crooked River Lighthouse and Keeper’s House Museum is located in Carrabelle, just west of the Carrabelle Public Beach Park at 1975 Hwy 98 W, Carrabelle. The Carrabelle Lighthouse Association is 501c3 non-profit devoted to the worthy cause of maintaining and sharing the Crooked River Lighthouse as a piece of maritime history. For more information, contact Crooked River Lighthouse at (850) 697-2732 or keeper@crookedriverlighthouse.com.

CARRABELLE LIGHTHOUSE ASSOCIATION

In 1999 the U.S. Coast Guard had plans to surplus the Crooked River Lighthouse and auction it off to the highest bidder. It was at this time that the Carrabelle Lighthouse Association, Inc. (CLA) was formed by a dedicated group of local citizens 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 deeded to the City through the Federal Lands to Parks program. Since that time the CLA and City officials have worked to obtain funding for the restoration of this historic treasure of Florida's "Forgotten Coast."

Today, the CLA's members are devoted to the worthy cause of restoring this small piece of maritime history. Through its efforts, the CLA has received funds from the Florida Lighthouse Association, the Florida Communities Trust, and the Florida Legislature. These funds have made possible the restoration of the lighthouse and improvements to the land surrounding the lighthouse. If you would like to help continue the work of maintaining the Crooked River Lighthouse, please join the CLA or make a tax deductible donation today. CLA, P.O. BOX 373 Carrabelle, FL 32322.

*The Carrabelle Lighthouse Association is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization.

VOLUNTEERS SHINE THE WAY!

Visit our Members & Volunteers page to see how you can help.
Call 850-697-2732 or email us for more information.

Volunteering Opportunities

Full Moon Events, (Greeters, Firepit Attendants, assisting lighthouse climbs with Pagers)
Assist at Country Market (help Vendors set-up, directing visitors)
Park Grounds Beautification: pick up branches, pine cones, pull weeds, etc. Not to mention great exercise!
Gardening – help maintain, pull weeds, assist Country Market produce sales
Maintenance of Keeper’s House: Clean, sweep or pressure wash porch; minor repairs inside & out
Assist in Gift Shop and Museum; office/inside chores
and many more. . .

CLICK THE IMAGE TO DONATE NOW!

On Mother's Day morning in 2015 our beloved pirate ship playground, "Carrabella", was destroyed by fire. It was a favorite place to play for many of our local children, a popular site for pirate themed birthday parties and a very popular place to visit for both children and adults from all over the country. The ship was also the stage and often the inspiration for performances at our fall Lantern Fest. Many people have expressed a desire to help the Carrabelle Lighthouse Association to rebuild the "Carrabella". We have a savings account at our local bank specifically for donations for this effort.

Home of the Crooked River Lighthouse and the Carrabelle Lighthouse Association

Country Markets

1st & 3rd Saturdays

IN THE GIFT SHOP

Cool New T-shirts

FULL MOON CLIMB

Wednesday, October 20

Saturday, November 27, 6-10 p.m.

LANTERN FEST

Lantern-Making Workshop

CLA Selected for U.S. Lighthouse Society Grant

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

COMING SOON . . . WITH YOUR HELP!

OUR FRIENDS