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. The historic 103-foot lighthouse is the tallest on the Forgotten Coast. 

Admission to the Museum and Park Grounds are Free, and hours are 11:00 a.m. till 5:00 p.m.  Wednesday thru Sunday (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays)  as well as open additional hours for special events like Country Markets, Full Moon events and more (see event for specific hours and details). The Lighthouse Tower is open for climbs during our daytime hours, weather permitting, with a cost of $6.00 for adults (age 13+) and $3.00 for youth (5-12 yrs). All climbers must be 44 inches tall. Discount available for veterans and first responders.

The highlight of the Keeper's House Museum is the lighthouse's original Fourth Order Fresnel 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.

DONATE TO CRLA



Funded in part by
the Franklin County TDC
floridasforgottencoast.com

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Programs, News, Events, and More . . .

Fresnel Lens Exhibit

Visit Us

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Country Markets

1st, 3rd & 5th Saturdays

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FULL MOON EVENTS

BLUES & BBQ DECEMBER 15

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Photo courtesy of David Zapatka of the United States Lighthouse Society and his USA Stars & Lights project to document as many lighthouses at night as possible.

Photo courtesy of David Zapatka of the United States Lighthouse Society and his USA Stars & Lights project to document as many lighthouses at night as possible.

At dusk on December 8, 2007, over 240 people watched as the newly refurbished Crooked River Lighthouse was re-lit with an acrylic replica of the tower’s original Fresnel lens and the lighthouse began serving as an aid to navigation once again. The lighthouse was relit with its original light pattern. Our original historic Fresnel lens is on display inside the Keeper's House Museum at the Crooked River Lighthouse.

TODAY YOU CAN COME SEE BOTH! 

History of the Restoration of Crooked River Lighthouse:

  • In 1995, the Crooked River Lighthouse was decommissioned by the US Coast Guard and in 1999 there were plans to surplus the lighthouse and auction it off to the highest bidder! In response a dedicated group of local citizens formed the Carrabelle Lighthouse Association (CLA) 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 safely deeded to the City. The CLA then successfully raised money through fundraisers and grants to beautifully restore this historic treasure of Florida's "Forgotten Coast".
  • In 2007, an acrylic replica of the original glass Fresnel lens was installed and on December 8 in 2007, the Carrabelle Lighthouse Association successfully re-lit with the Crooked River Lighthouse with its original light pattern.

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

 

Support our ongoing efforts to maintain the Crooked River Lighthouse Park by purchasing a custom engraved brick paver to be placed in front of the lighthouse tower door. Honor a loved on with a permanent tribute or highlight your business, give congratulations or simply share a favorite saying.

LEARN MORE, SEE PRICES, AND HOW TO PURCHASE

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. 

OUR BOARD, OFFICERS, & MORE

Chairperson Kathleen Oman
Vice Chair Tim Keith-Lucas
Treasurer Albert Koch
Secretary Marian Morris
At Large Lori Dougherty
At Large Mark Richards
At Large Candice Sheridan
Managing Director Steven Allen
Historians John Canetta and Rodney Reeves
Charter Member Barbara Revell
Curator Joan Matey
PR & Marketing Sheri Wesson
Gift Shop Attendants
Lori Gilbertson, Kathy Palmer

MEMBERS SHINE A LIGHT!

Help Protect, Preserve and Restore Our Lighthouse's Heritage. 

$25 ... INDIVIDUAL KEEPER
$50 ... FAMILY KEEPERS
$250 ... BEACON KEEPER  
$500 ... GUARDIAN OF THE LIGHT  

Join or Renew  WITH THIS FORM (to pay by check)
OR ONLINE THROUGH OUR PAYPAL 

 

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. . .

VISIT OUR GIFT SHOP

When you come to see the Lighthouse and Keepers House Museum, bee sure to stop into our quaint Shop to buy a fun collectible for yourself or as a gift.