Guide To Visiting The Crooked River Lighthouse

Florida’s Forgotten Coast is a favorite among beach-goers looking for an off the beaten path experience. The slower pace of life and abundance of natural resources make St. George Island a particular delight for visitors seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

St. George Island and the surrounding communities of Apalachicola and Carrabelle Beach are known for fantastic coastal cuisine, charming local boutiques and gift shops, and some truly unique historic coastal landmarks.

Among the somewhat unknown local attractions is the Crooked River Lighthouse (also sometimes called the Carrabelle Lighthouse). Originally built in 1895, this historic landmark is a true bucket list item for history buffs and beach enthusiasts alike.

Check out this quick guide to visiting the Crooked River Lighthouse, and pencil this hidden local gem onto your vacation itinerary.

Photo Credit: depositphotos.com

Crooked River Lighthouse Location and Information

Let’s start with the basics. Where is the Crooked River Lighthouse?

The official lighthouse address is: 1975 Hwy 98 W, Carrabelle, FL 32322

For reference, this is about a 20 mile / 30-minute drive from Saint George Island via the Big Bend Scenic Byway Trail.

Lighthouse hours may vary based on weather conditions, but posted hours are as follows:

  • Sunday: 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: Closed
  • Wednesday: 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
  • Thursday: 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
  • Friday: 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
  • Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

For more information, call (850) 697-2732 or visit the website at https://www.crookedriverlighthouse.com/.

About the Crooked River Lighthouse

The lighthouse you see today was originally constructed in 1895 to replace a nearby lighthouse on Dog Island that was destroyed in a coastal hurricane in 1873. Among other enhancements throughout the years, the lighthouse was connected to electricity in 1933 and became fully automated in 1952.

After many years of flawless service, the Crooked River Lighthouse was officially decommissioned in 1995, and sat isolated and almost forgotten for several years. Finally, in 1999, a group of local residents created the ‘Carrabelle Lighthouse Association’ (CLA) and obtained ownership of the landmark from Franklin County. Private and public funds helped commission a full restoration project, which was completed in 2007. The improvements included landscaping for the new park, fresh paint, and an acrylic replica of the original glass Fresnel lens.

The skeletal tower lighthouse stands at an impressive 103 feet tall and is the tallest lighthouse along the Florida Panhandle. It is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Visiting the Crooked River Lighthouse

A top attraction for groups, couples, and families alike, there’s plenty to see and do at the Crooked River Lighthouse.

Of course, admiring the beautiful and sturdy structure is on top of the list. The lighthouse makes for an interesting and memorable backdrop for a few vacation photos. If you’re feeling adventurous, scale the lighthouse tower’s 128 steps and enjoy panoramic views of the city of Carrabelle and the Gulf of Mexico from the top.

The area surrounding the lighthouse is known as the Crooked River Lighthouse Park. Pack a picnic or some games and enjoy a relaxing afternoon basking in the coastal Florida sun. The park is typically open from dawn to dusk and frequently hosts special events like the annual Lantern Fest.

The lighthouse grounds also house the Keeper’s House Museum and Gift Shop. The house is a complete historical setting of the early 1900’s and a glimpse into life along the coast for early settlers. Visitors can explore everyday life furniture and objects and learn everything you could ever want to know about lighthouse engineering, construction, and maintenance. The gift shop is chock full of unique souvenirs and nautical-themed gifts for adults and children.

There you have it—everything you need to know about visiting the Crooked River Lighthouse. It’s not hard to see why this hidden gem is one of the most popular and most sought out Florida lighthouses.

Discover more area attractions and so much more on our official St. George Island blog!