About the Lighthouse:
The present tower, which is the third documented lighthouse at the southern tip of New Jersey, has always been an attention-getting landmark as well as an aid-to-navigation for mariners.
Because it is adjacent to the community of Cape May Point and just two miles from the city of Cape May, it has drawn visitors throughout its history. In 1882, the Cape May Ocean Wave reported that "the gentleman superintendent in charge [of the lighthouse], Mr. Samuel Stillwell, takes pleasure in showing visitors who have the nerve and strength of limb to the top, the interior of the lantern, and explaining the interesting operations of the light. A very picturesque view of the sea, bay, and country may also be obtained from the giddy heights of the edifice."
In 1897, the newspaper made it clear that a visit to the lighthouse was a requisite part of one's vacation: "One of the interesting features to Cape May summer visitors is a journey to the top of the lighthouse."
If you are thinking about visiting, here is a great offer you won't want to miss:
National Lighthouse Day
August 7, from 9am-2pm - Free Admission!
Join in the celebration to honor the Cape May Lighthouse on National Lighthouse Day!
Activities include:
Vendors offering nautical merchandise
Pirate hat-making for kids
Storytelling about the Lighthouse, pirates and shipwrecks, and the ghosts of the Lighthouse
Programs by the Cape May County Municipal Utilities Authority and the Nature Center of Cape May
Performers singing songs of the sea
Appearance by Pete the Pirate, mascot of the Cape May Lewes Ferry
Refreshments
View of the park from the top!
We had a chance to visit awhile back and we had such a great time. Cape May is a quaint quiet town, but it's also an active town, with many visitors and residents biking from one location to the next. This park has nature trails, a beach, a museum and the lighthouse. There is plenty for everyone in the family to enjoy - kids and adults!
This lighthouse has 199 steps
That's a lot of steps!
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