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 Crooked River Lighthouse Tower is open for climbs, weather permitting, Wednesday thru Friday from 11:00 a.m. till 4:00 p.m, Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The cost for climbing the lighthouse is $5.00 per person. All climbers must be 44 inches tall.

The Keeper's House Museum and Gift Shop is open from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday. There is no admission fee for the 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.

Back by popular demand all three of Carrabelle’s wonderful museums will open their doors free of charge on Saturday, September 21, 2019, 10 am - 5 pm as part of Smithsonian magazine’s 15th annual Museum Day. This national celebration honors museums that follow the example of the Smithsonian with free admission. In salute to this day, Carrabelle History Museum, Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum, and Crooked River Lighthouse Museum will have special activities and exhibits.

Crooked River Lighthouse
The history and the science of the Crooked River Lighthouse are displayed through interesting exhibits, including a historical setting of the early 1900’s, examples of beacons, the methods of constructing a skeletal tower lighthouse, plus the original Keeper’s House clocks, a barometer, a glass fire grenade, and more. Also on the grounds, a nice picnic area features tables, a shelter and a small playground. Crooked River Lighthouse is located at 1975 Hwy 98 West, Carrabelle.

For Museum Day, free lighthouse tower climbs will be available to all attendees. Lighthouse tower climbs are available Saturday from 10 am- 4 pm. Visitors are challenged to tackle the 103 foot lighthouse and climb its 128 inside steps. Those who make it to the top are rewarded by magnificent views of the St. George Sound and Tate's Hell State Forest. Kids can make their own model of the Crooked River Lighthouse with card stock. In honor of this year’s theme, “Year of Music”, the museum will be featuring maritime heritage music recordings during the day.

Additionally staff and volunteers will be offering a wonderful lantern-making workshop at the Keeper’s House from 1-4:30 pm. Materials, instruction and hands-on help will be provided to make some unique, colorful lanterns for a $8 donation. At the end, attendees will get to take their own finished lantern home with them.

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.

All donations received will go into that account and be used only for restoration of the playground area and the Carrabella. CLICK THE IMAGE BELOW TO DONATE NOW!

Reasons to Volunteer at Crooked River Lighthouse Museum

Volunteers may receive a 10% discount on any items purchased in the gift shop.
Volunteers may reserve the Community Room for meetings of groups with which they are affiliated.
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.)
Volunteers can climb for free as well as members of their extended family.

photo by April Kennedy Harry

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

Home of the Crooked River Lighthouse and the Carrabelle Lighthouse Association

Sunset & Full Moon Climb

Lantern Fest 2019

Cook-Off a Big Success!

ALL THREE OF CARRABELLE'S MUSEUMS JOIN SMITHSONIAN MAGAZINE’S 15TH ANNUAL MUSEUM DAY

COMING SOON . . . WITH YOUR HELP!

WE NEED VOLUNTEERS!

Carrabelle Lighthouse Association

OFFICERS

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