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

Admission to the Museum and Park Grounds is Free, and 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 Museum and Tower will be closed Christmas Day. The Lighthouse Tower is open for climbs, weather permitting, with a cost of $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.

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. 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.

SPECIAL ALL DAY EVENT: SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2023 - 9AM to 9PM

The Crooked River Lighthouse in Carrabelle, FL will be hosting the first ever Crooked River Park Fest on Saturday, February 4 from 9 am-9 pm in celebration of the new exhibit for its historic Fresnel lens. This event starts off with an extended Country Farmer’s Market from 9 am-3 pm with live music, art, and over 30 regional vendors. Then into the evening the festivities continue with live music on the pirate ship stage, full moon climbs, and area food vendors under the stars.

Our Country Farmer’s Market features local vendors selling gifts and goodies, like fresh roasted coffee, delicious baked goods, farm fresh produce, grass fed beef, gorgeous local art and photography, handcrafted balms and soaps, handmade goods and craft items. Admission to the park for the Country Market is free to the public.

Inside the Keeper’s House Museum guests will be some of the first to see the brand new exhibit for the Crooked River Lighthouse's original Fresnel lens manufactured in Paris, France in 1894. After decades away, the lens finally returned home to Carrabelle on February 19, 2020. This one-of-a-kind lens, now housed in a newly created steel lighthouse tower-inspired case, is glowing and turning again for the first time in almost 50 years. The exhibit will feature artifacts and interpretive panels highlighting the history of lenses and mariner communication. The new case along with the interpretive exhibits were funded through the Florida Lighthouse Association grant programs. Because of expected interest and limited space, viewing time may be limited during this event. Exhibit will be open to the public on February 4th from 9 am-3pm (free) and 6-9pm (admission tickets required).

As darkness falls, the stage will heat up for this special Full Moon Event and Benefit Concert from 6 pm-9 pm. The new Crooked River Lighthouse Park Stage will host a benefit concert featuring Nashville’s international Pirate Band and Franklin County favorite, Tom Mason and the Blue Buccaneers. Also returning to the ‘under construction’ dock stage, the beloved Tallahassee Community College (TCC) Dancers, frequently featured entertainment at Lantern Fest. This special evening event will feature a local food vendor, bon fire, full moon climbs and after-hours visits in the Keeper’s House Museum. Bring a chair and enjoy the evening.

Tickets for this full moon evening start at $15 and are available using the link to the right. Kids are free with adult only and all proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the new Crooked River Park Stage. Clear skies permitting and with the glow of a rising moon, climbers may spot Carrabelle Beach, Dog Island, and moonlight sparkles of St. George Sound. All climbers must be at least 44 inches tall. Local food vendor(s), our dessert Bistro, and traditional bonfire will be available weather permitting. Bring a chair and enjoy the evening.

More progress is happening on the Pirate Ship! As people start to see the reality of the ship being built, enthusiastic ideas for name have been rolling in - from Carrabella II (after our first pirate ship), to Le Tigre (after a real local shipwreck) to the Forgotten Phoenix (rising from the ashes).
STAY TUNED FOR THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE NEW SHIP'S NAME IN 2023!

This long-awaited Pirate Ship is the replacement to the Carrabella Pirate Ship that heartbreakingly burned down in 2015. A combination of funds received from generous individual and business donors, the insurance settlement, the Franklin County Tourist Development Council, and plays and fundraisers like the Crab Cake Cook-Off have raised $60,000 to replace the pirate ship. With the support of many local businesses donating their services and goods, the new Pirate Ship is well underway. The new Pirate Ship, like its predecessor, will have two uses for our community – provide recreational/playground equipment for children of all ages and act as a backdrop for plays and musical performances.

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.

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. . .

Home of the Crooked River Lighthouse and the Carrabelle Lighthouse Association

Country Markets

1st, 3rd & 5th Saturdays

IN THE GIFT SHOP

Cool New T-shirts

FULL MOON EVENTS

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4

COMING SOON . . .

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