Crooked River Lighthouse Visitor’s Guide
Crooked River Lighthouse, also known as the Carrabelle Light, is 1 of 5 lighthouses along the Florida panhandle coast. The lighthouse is in Carabelle, Florida, just off the Big Bend Scenic Highway. This is a great place to stop and stretch your legs while on a road trip along Florida’s Forgotten Coast.
Where is it located?
The original lighthouse was built in 1895 to replace three on Dog Island destroyed by storms. The address is 1975 Hwy 98 W, Carabelle, FL 32322.
When is the Crooked River Lighthouse open?
The museum and park grounds are open Wednesday through Monday 11 AM to 5 PM. The lighthouse is closed on Tuesdays.
Can I climb the lighthouse?
Yes! The lighthouse is open to climbing weather permitting. They do limit the number of climbers at one time to 5 to 7 people so you may need to wait if it’s busy. We visited on a Friday morning and there was only one other group.
How many steps to the top of the lighthouse?
The lighthouse is 103 feet tall and there are 138 steps to the top. I enjoyed the stickers that they had to let you know how far you had climbed.
There are no landings in the lighthouse and the stairs do become narrower as you climb. Be prepared for the inside of the tower to be warm, especially in the summer. Once you reach the top you can enjoy the view of Saint George Sound.
Is there a fee to visit Crooked River Lighthouse?
There is a small fee to climb the lighthouse listed below. Children must be at least 44 inches tall to climb and close-toed shoes are recommended.
- Adults (13 and older): $5 per person
- Children (12 and younger): $3 per person
How long does it take to visit?
I would recommend at least 30-60 minutes to ensure you have plenty of time to enjoy the view from the top of the lighthouse and visit the museum. If the lighthouse is busy, they do ask you to limit your time at the top to 10 minutes. Depending how much time you want to spend at the museum or if there is a wait to climb the lighthouse you may want to plan for 1-2 hours.
Are there any special events?
Yes, the lighthouse provides Full Moon events approximately once a month. These events may vary but typically include tours of the Keeper’s House Museum, bonfire, and evening climbs of the lighthouse. For the evening climbs a timed ticket is required and the cost is $10 per person (age 13 and older). More information can be found on the Crooked River Lighthouse website.
Is the Crooked River Lighthouse worth visiting?
Yes! If you happen to be in the area, I highly recommend a quick stop at the Crooked River Lighthouse. The museum and park grounds are nice, and you could even enjoy a picnic lunch while you are there. How many Florida Lighthouses have you visited? Comment below and let me know!
