The Crooked River Lighthouse in Carrabelle, Florida, is the tallest lighthouse on the Forgotten Coast. Visitors can climb to the top of the tower, explore the visitor center, see the original Fresnel lens, and check out the park grounds.
Crooked River Lighthouse
The Crooked River Lighthouse was built in 1895 to replace an earlier lighthouse on Dog Island that had been destroyed by a hurricane. Standing 103 feet tall with 128 winding steps to the top, it was decommissioned by the Coast Guard in 1995 and sat empty for a few years until the Carrabelle Lighthouse Association formed in 1999 and took ownership just weeks before it would have been auctioned off.
The lighthouse was fully restored and relit in 2007 with an acrylic replica of its original Fresnel lens, and it once again serves as an active aid to navigation. The original 1894 Fourth Order Fresnel lens, made in Paris, is now the centerpiece exhibit inside the Keeper's House Museum.
Lighthouse Tower Climbs
Climb all 128 steps to the top for 360-degree views of St. George Sound and the surrounding Forgotten Coast.
All climbers must be 44 inches tall. Discount available for veterans and first responders.
Cost is $6 for adults (13+) and $3 for youth (5-12). The number of climbers at the top is limited to small groups at a time, so there may be a short wait if it's busy.
Visitor Center
The Keeper's House Museum sits next to the tower and features the lighthouse's original Fresnel lens, along with exhibits on lighthouse history, a gift shop, and everyday artifacts from the keeper's daily life.
Country Farmer's Market at Crooked River Lighthouse
Held on the park grounds every 1st and 3rd Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm. Wander the market visiting with local vendors, bakers, crafters, and artisans. This is a great market to find a unique coastal souvenir, handcrafted jewelry, fresh produce, and so much more.
Why you will love the Crooked River Lighthouse
- Tallest lighthouse on the Forgotten Coast of Florida - 103 feet
- Listed on the National Register of Historic Places
- Free admission to the park grounds and museum
- Full Moon night climbing events held most months, some with live music
- Annual Lantern Fest in November and Crooked River Park Day in February
Nearby Lighthouses to visit include the St. George Island Lighthouse, Cape San Blas Lighthouse, Pensacola Lighthouse and Maritime Museum, and St. Mark's Lighthouse.
Things to know when planning a visit
Address - 1975 Hwy 98 W, Carrabelle, FL
Phone - (850) 697-2732
Hours - Wednedsay to Sunday 10 - 5 pm (Summer hours). Check to make sure the hours have not changed.
Accessibility - The park grounds and Keeper's House Museum are accessible. The lighthouse tower itself is not wheelchair accessible, it's reached by a narrow, winding interior stairwell with no landings.
Dress Code/Suggestions - Casual, Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes if you plan to climb the tower.
Pets - Leashed pets are welcome on the park grounds, though they are not permitted inside the tower or museum.
Parking - There is parking available close to the museum
Restaurants and Attractions nearby
World's Smallest Police Station Carrabelle - A quirky 1963 phone booth turned tiny police station, a quick free photo stop in downtown Carrabelle.
Carrabelle Beach Park - A family-friendly public beach with calm surf, picnic pavilions, and restrooms.
Island Espresso St George Island - A family-owned coffee shop with rotating daily pastries and a kids play area.
Beach Pit St. George Island - Texas-style BBQ with Apalachicola Bay oysters and fresh Gulf seafood.
Buccaneer Inn St George Island - The only beachfront hotel on St. George Island, close to the island's own lighthouse.
Additional Florida Gulf Coast Articles
St. George Island State Park - Miles of undeveloped white sand beach, camping, and some of the best stargazing on the Florida Gulf Coast.
Florida Gulf Coast Lighthouses - A roundup guide to seven historic Florida Gulf Coast lighthouses, from Pensacola down to Sanibel Island.
Weber's Little Donut Shop - Fresh cake donuts made daily on St. George Island, open only a few morning hours.
Mango Mike's Sports Bar & Grill - An island-vibe sports bar on St. George Island, good for lunch or dinner.
Blue Parrot Oceanfront Cafe - Beachside dining on St. George Island with fresh seafood and Gulf views.
Constitution Convention Museum State Park - A small Port St. Joe history museum where Florida's first state constitution was drafted.
Sugar Shack - Port St. Joe - A cozy ice cream and dessert stop known for its famous nacho sundae.
St George Island Tours and Rentals
Hourly Kayak Rental - Rent a kayak by the hour and hit the water!
6 Person Golf Cart Rental - Rent a 6 person kayak to move around St. George Island. Gas powered, with cooler storage on back.
4 Person Golf Card Rental - Rent a 4 person kayak to move around St. George Island. Gas powered, with cooler storage on back.
Daily Kayak and SUP rentals - Rental kayaks and paddleboards come with paddles and life vests. Free delivery on multi-day rentals.
Beach Wheel Chair Rental - Rent a beach wheelchair to make it easier to get out on the beach and everyone have a great.
St. George Island Lodging
If you are visiting St George Island and need to book accommodations, here are our recommendations.
Buccaneer Inn - Beachfront hotel with outdoor pool, near St George Lighthouse. Check out our review of the Buccaneer Inn.
St. George Inn - Pet-friendly hotel on St. George Island.
The map below shows the current hotels and vacation rentals available in the area. You can select the dates you are visiting to see current availability.
We also have articles on the Emerald Coast of Florida, including Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Pensacola Beach, Navarre Beach, Panama City Beach, Perdido Key, Pensacola, Sanibel and Captiva Island, and more.
Don't miss our other Gulf Coast destinations, including Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Dauphin Island, Fairhope, Fort Morgan, Foley, Mobile, Bayou La Batre, Alabama, and so many more!
Keep an eye out for articles on the Gulf Coast of Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, and Florida!
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