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

This iron skeleton structure is topped with a circular parapet which provides great viewing for those adventurous enough to climb its 128 inside steps which are open to the public. This historic 103-foot lighthouse is the tallest on the Forgotten Coast.

The Tower is open for climbs, weather permitting. Our hours are Wednesday thru Friday from 11:00 a.m. till 5:00 p.m, Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The cost for climbing the lighthouse is $5.00 for adults (age 17+), $3.00 for youth (6-16 yrs), and free for children (6 & under). All climbers must be 44 inches tall. There is no admission fee for the Keeper's House Museum and gift shop.

The highlight of the Keeper's House Museum is the lighthouse's original Fourth Order Fresnel (pronounced fra-NEL) 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. In addition, 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 in the Keeper’s Room include 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 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, 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.

CARRABELLE MUSEUMS JOIN SMITHSONIAN MAGAZINE’S MUSEUM DAY

Carrabelle’s three museums will open their doors free of charge on Saturday September 17, 2022 as part of Smithsonian Magazine’s 18th Annual Museum Day, a national celebration of boundless curiosity. This national celebration honors museums that follow the example of the Smithsonian with free admission. In honor of this day, Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum, Carrabelle History Museum, and Crooked River Lighthouse Museum will have special activities and exhibits.

Museum Day goes beyond getting visitors through museum doors—it acts as a springboard to empower and help advance the hopes and ambitions of the public. It represents a national commitment to access, equity and inclusion. Museum Day shines a spotlight on incredible arts, culture, sciences, innovation and history exhibits across the country. For more information, please visit Smithsonianmag.com/MuseumDay.

INFORMATION ON THE MUSEUMS

Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum
Honors the military men and women as well as civilian personnel who trained and worked in Carrabelle and Franklin County during 1942 through 1946. The museum houses numerous displays of military artifacts, photos and memorabilia of many types. Plus the Motor Pool building displays the museum’s military vehicles on site – WWII DUKW, German Lieferwagen, and WWII Jeep. Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum is located at 1873 Highway 98 West, directly across from Carrabelle Beach where military troops practiced D-Day beach assaults. Saturday hours 11 am – 5 pm.

Carrabelle History Museum
Features local artifacts and exhibits including Carrabelle's Native American people, the Steamship “Tarpon”, the original “World’s Smallest Police Station”, Carrabelle industry and culture (seafood, lumber and more) and families from the pioneer days to the present. Carrabelle History Museum is located at 106 SE Avenue B, Carrabelle, FL. Saturday hours 10 am – 5 pm.

Crooked River Lighthouse
The history and the science of the lighthouse are displayed through interesting exhibits, including a historical setting of the early 1900’s, examples of various lighthouse beacons, the methods of constructing a skeletal tower lighthouse, plus the lighthouse’s original 1895 Fresnel lens from Paris, France! Also on display are the original Keeper’s House clock, a barometer, an antique glass fire grenade, and more. Visitors can also browse the Country Farmer’s Market at Lighthouse Park from 9 am – 1 pm. Crooked River Lighthouse is located at 1975 Hwy 98 West, Carrabelle. Saturday hours 9 am – 5 pm.

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. . .

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.

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 EVENTS

THURSDAY, AUGUST 11

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

CLA Selected for U.S. Lighthouse Society Grant

COMING SOON . . . WITH YOUR HELP!

OUR FRIENDS