Florida's Forgotten Coast is home to four unique and historic lighthouses. The oldest, a masonry tower buildt at St. Marks in 1842, is located in the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge overlooking beautiful Apalachee Bay. The newest, the fourth reconstruction of the Cape St. George Light was completed in 2008 on St. George Island. The graceful red and white skeletal lighthouse at Crooked River in Carraabelle is newly restored, and shares its park space with the "Carrabella", a pirate ship playground for children. The light station at Cape San Blas includes two keepers dwellings saved from the sea and lovingly refurbished.
Each of the lighthouses tells a story of Florida's maritime heritage and the commitment of its community to preserving history for future generations. Each has days/events when they are open for climbing. To learn more, consult the following contact information.
St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, 1255 Lighthouse Rd. St. Marks, Fl. 32355 850-925-6121 www.fws.gov/saintmarks/lighthouse
Carrabelle Area Chamber of Commerce 850-697-2585 www.crookedriverlighthouse.org e-mail: [email protected]
St. George Islan Visitor Center and Lighthouse Museum 2 East Gulf Beach Drive, St. George Island, Fl. 32328 850-927-7744 or toll free 888-927-7744 www.seestgeorgeisland.com e-mail: [email protected]
St. Joseph Histsorical Society, Inc. P.O. Box 231, Port St. Joe, Fl. 32457 850-229-1151 www.capesanblaslighthouse.com e-mail: [email protected]
Visitors who have U.S. Lighthouse Society passports can have their passports stamped at all four lighthouses. Be sure to bring your passport with you. New passports will also be available at the lighthouses.