New Friends of the Fenwick Island Lighthouse - Ocean City, Maryland

Discovering the Fenwick Island Lighthouse

The Fenwick Island Lighthouse, a historical gem nestled at 103 146th St, Ocean City, MD 21842, United States, is a must-visit attraction for history enthusiasts and tourists alike. This imposing structure, with its striking red and white stripes, is a beacon of Delaware's coastal history.

About the Lighthouse

The lighthouse, built in 1859, has guided mariners safely to shore for over a century. It is not just a navigational aid but also a testament to the area's rich maritime past. The lighthouse is now operated by the New Friends of the Fenwick Island Lighthouse, a dedicated group committed to preserving its history and sharing it with the public.

Visiting the Lighthouse

Visitors can explore the lighthouse and its adjacent keeper's house, now converted into a museum. The specialties of this attraction include historical exhibits, guided tours, and a glimpse into the lives of the lighthouse keepers. The lighthouse is open to the public, and entry is free, making it an affordable and educational outing.

While the lighthouse is not located directly on the water, as some visitors might expect, it is situated in a quiet residential neighborhood. This unique setting offers a different perspective on the lighthouse's role in the community's history. The visiting hours are limited, so it's recommended to check the website or call ahead to plan your visit.

On-Site Services and Family-Friendly Features

The Fenwick Island Lighthouse offers several on-site services, including guided tours, historical interpretation, and educational programs. It is also good for kids, providing a fun and interactive learning experience for the whole family. Children can explore the keeper's house, learn about the lighthouse's history, and even dress up as a lighthouse keeper.

Opinions and Reviews

The New Friends of the Fenwick Island Lighthouse has a strong online presence, with 376 reviews on Google My Business, reflecting its popularity and significance. The lighthouse maintains an impressive average opinion of 4.3/5, indicating high visitor satisfaction. Many visitors praise the well-informed guides, the rich history presented, and the free entry.

Some visitors, however, have noted that the lighthouse is not on the water and that visiting hours are limited. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Fenwick Island Lighthouse remains a highly recommended attraction for its historical significance, educational value, and commitment to preserving Delaware's maritime heritage.

In conclusion, the Fenwick Island Lighthouse is a unique and engaging attraction that offers a fascinating glimpse into Delaware's past. Whether you're a history buff, a curious tourist, or a family looking for an educational outing, the Fenwick Island Lighthouse is a must-visit destination.

👍 Reviews of New Friends of the Fenwick Island Lighthouse

Kevin S.

3/5

Lighthouse is in the middle of a neighborhood and not on the water. Limited visiting hours. I did not go onto the property or enter the lighthouse or museum.

Leslie D.

4/5

A organization operates the lighthouse. No price or registration to enter. If they are open it free to enter. The guides are well versed on the history of the lighthouse and attached keepers house.

C

5/5

The lighthouse is absolutely beautiful. It was closed for renovations, so we were unable to go in. However, we met 2 wonderful volunteers who invited us into light keepers' house, which was absolutely amazing in itself. It's definitely worth a visit if you're in the area. I'm so glad we did!

Exit Z.

5/5

Alright so we showed up at 10am and on google it states they close at 12. However what google did not state was the lighthouse is closed for the season. With that said it’s still a very cute place to visit. The grounds are well taken care of, they even have an amazing garden pumping out all types of veggies. Definitely come out here in the off season and just walk around, take in the views and enjoy it for what it is.

Timothy S.

5/5

Really neat nineteenth century lighthouse with lots of interesting history. The lighthouse was decommissioned in 1978 by the US Coast Guard and placed on the National Register of Historic Places a year later. Unfortunately, commercial and residential development over the years has nearly hidden it but thankfully a private nonprofit currently maintains it as a museum. Also located on the grounds is a stone monument that was placed by surveyors in 1750 to mark the
Transpeninsular Line separating Delaware and Maryland. Be sure to visit during operating hours.

Beverly (.

5/5

Whenever I visit Ocean City, I like to see what else is available in the area. This was a nice little stop. I was surprised that this light house was in its original location. You can't climb the lighthouse, but you can visit the entrance area. I received a nice tour of the gift shop and museum area. This is a great place for families as well as solo visitors.

Scott O.

4/5

Lovely lighthouse and friendly staffer!
Thank you for the lighthouse lamp.

Coming J.

4/5

I've been to Ocean City, MD many times over the years, and just recently got the chance to visit this lighthouse. Unfortunately they were closed when I got there. But it was still fascinating to see it up close and personal.