Home of the Crooked River Lighthouse and the Carrabelle Lighthouse Association

The Lighthouse Tower, built on its current site in 1895 and restored in 2007, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
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 Crooked River Lighthouse
 
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 13+), $3.00 for youth (7-12 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. 
 
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.
 

Funded in part by
the Franklin County TDC
floridasforgottencoast.com


We are asking our guests to wear a mask when you visit us at the Crooked River Lighthouse and Keeper’s House Museum and Gift Shop. In order to help keep our visitors and staff safe, we will continue to limit the number of guests inside at one time, provide hand sanitizer, and follow enhanced cleaning procedures. While masks are not required, for your safety and ours it would be appreciated! Thank you in advance for your thoughtfulness.

 

Programs, News, & Events

Join us at 1:00 pm on Saturday, October 3rd for a 30 minute plant walk with Denise Williams, local herbalist.  Denise will guide guests for this walk around the grounds of lighthouse and point out medicinal plants. Max: 10 people. Cost is just $5 per person. 

Country Farmer's Markets

1st & 3rd Saturdays

LEARN MORE

IN THE GIFT SHOP

Cool New T-shirts

BUY NOW FROM OUR ONLINE SHOP

FULL MOON CLIMB

Thursday, October 1

LEARN MORE
CRLH by David Stahler

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. *The Carrabelle Lighthouse Association is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization. WANT TO CLIMB THE TOWER FOR FREE? JOIN THE ASSOCIATION WITH THIS FORM Membership Levels: $15 NEW INDIVIDUAL ($12 for annual renewals) $25 NEW FAMILY  ($22 for annual renewals) $100 BUSINESS  |  For $250 or more, you will be a GUARDIAN OF THE LIGHT

OFFICERS

President Steven Allen
Executive Vice-President Lori Gilbertson
Secretary Laurel Newman
Treasurer Missy Cumbie
Grounds and Park Keeper Chip Klaus
Safety/Lens Op Keeper Tim Keith-Lucas
Historians John Canetta and Rodney Reeves
Past President Delores Hardin
Charter Member Barbara Revell
Media and PR Sheri Wesson
Curator Joan Matey
Gift Shop Attendants Laurel Newman, Eva Gombas, Nicole Zitani, Lori Gilbertson

BIG BEND SCENIC BYWAY
Explore Undiscovered North Florida. Be transported to a different time and place through Wildlife, Woods, Waterways and Way of Life.
floridabigbendscenicbyway.org

Crooked River Lighthouse Hosts a Night of Magical History

Glowing lanterns, music, and night time tower climbs bring magic & history together.

CELEBRATE THE 125th BIRTHDAY OF THE LIGHTHOUSE Light up the night at Lantern Fest on Saturday, NOVEMBER 14, 2020, 6-10 pm at the lighthouse park. Join the glow of over a hundred colorful, hanging lanterns under the night sky in celebration of the Crooked River Lighthouse’s birthday! Local lore, glowing lanterns, music, and nighttime tower climbs bring magic and history together! Come revel in this unique birthday party in honor of this 1895 maritime landmark, the Crooked River Lighthouse!  This remarkable, open-air festival, best known for its awesome display of beautiful, hanging lanterns, also features maritime exhibits and a craft demonstration. The Keeper’s House Museum and Gift Shop will be open. A special format for this year’s Lantern Fest will be implemented for the safety of guests, staff and volunteers. 
 

 

COMING SOON . . . WITH YOUR HELP!

All donations go into an account to be used only for restoration of the playground area and Carrabella. 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.

WE NEED VOLUNTEERS!

Reasons to Volunteer at Crooked River Lighthouse Museum

  1. Volunteers may receive a 10% discount on any items purchased in the gift shop.
  2. Volunteers may reserve the Community Room for meetings of groups with which they are affiliated.
  3. Volunteers, who create quality, saleable, craft items, consistent with our maritime theme, may submit them for consideration for placement in the gift shop. (We are looking for items that will benefit the
    museum by producing income.)
  4. Volunteers can climb for free as well as members of their extended family.

Honor a loved one with a permanent tribute in Crooked River Lighthouse Park.

Pave the pathways at our historic landmark by purchasing a custom personalized brick. You can also highlight your business, give congratulations or simply share a favorite saying. In our ongoing efforts to maintain the Crooked River Lighthouse Park, we are inviting you to purchase a memorial brick paver to be placed in front of the lighthouse tower door.  DOWNLOAD THE ORDER FORM