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

The New Friends of the Fenwick Island Lighthouse: A Beacon of History in Ocean City, MD

The New Friends of the Fenwick Island Lighthouse, located at 103 146th St, Ocean City, MD 21842, is a treasure trove of maritime history that has captivated visitors for over a century. This iconic landmark, standing tall at 87 feet, has been guiding sailors and inspiring landlubbers alike since 1859.

Main Services

• Historical Landmark: The lighthouse itself is a testament to the rich history of the Delaware Bay and its role in maritime navigation.
• Museum: The keepers' house adjacent to the lighthouse has been transformed into a museum, housing artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of the lighthouse and its keepers.
• Tourist Attraction: The Fenwick Island Lighthouse is a popular stop for tourists visiting Ocean City, offering a glimpse into the past and a chance to learn about the area's maritime heritage.
• Welcome: The New Friends of the Fenwick Island Lighthouse warmly welcomes visitors, providing information about the history of the lighthouse and its significance.
• Lighthouse News Flashes…: Stay updated with the latest news and happenings at the lighthouse through their regular news updates.
• Visiting Hours 2025: The lighthouse offers guided tours during specific hours. It's recommended to check their website for the latest visiting hours.
• U.S. Lighthouse Board: Learn about the U.S. Lighthouse Board and their role in maintaining and preserving lighthouses across the country.
• Photos: Capture memories and share the beauty of the Fenwick Island Lighthouse with friends and family through photographs.
• Volunteer Opportunities: If you're interested in volunteering, the lighthouse offers opportunities to welcome visitors and share the history of the lighthouse. Contact Winnie Lewis, Volunteer Coordinator, for more details.

Location and Access

The Fenwick Island Lighthouse is situated in the Fenwick Island neighborhood, approximately 3 miles south of the Delaware state line. While it's not located directly on the water, it's still a must-visit attraction for those interested in history and architecture.

To reach the lighthouse, you can take Route 54 to 146th Street, where you'll find the lighthouse and its parking lot. Public transportation is available through the Ocean City Transportation system, with the nearest bus stop about a 5-minute walk away.

Parking is available on-site, with a small lot located adjacent to the lighthouse. However, spaces can fill up quickly during peak tourist season, so it's a good idea to arrive early or consider carpooling.

Featured Characteristics

• Architecture: The Fenwick Island Lighthouse is a unique example of a hexagonal conical brick tower, with a cast-iron lantern on top.
• Original Lens: The lighthouse still houses its original Fresnel lens, which was manufactured in France in the mid-19th century.
• Keepers' House: The adjacent keepers' house, built in 1860, offers a glimpse into the lives of the lighthouse keepers and their families.
• Grounds: The lighthouse grounds feature beautiful landscaping, with benches and picnic tables perfect for relaxing and enjoying the surroundings.

Practical Information

To contact the New Friends of the Fenwick Island Lighthouse, you can call them at 443-880-3973 or visit their website at fenwickislandlighthouse.org.

Admission to the Fenwick Island Lighthouse is free, although donations are appreciated to help with the upkeep and preservation of the historic site. Guided tours are typically offered from mid-May through mid-September, with hours varying by season. It's recommended to check their website or call ahead for the most up-to-date visiting hours.

Positive Aspects from Reviews

• Historic Significance: Many reviewers rave about the lighthouse's rich history and the opportunity to learn about its past.
• Well-Versed Guides: Visitors often comment on the knowledgeable guides who provide detailed information about the lighthouse and its history.
• Free Admission: Several reviewers appreciate that there is no charge to enter the lighthouse and museum, making it an affordable attraction for families.
• Scenic Grounds: Many visitors enjoy the beautiful landscaping and well-maintained grounds surrounding the lighthouse.
• Great for Kids: The lighthouse and museum offer educational and engaging experiences for children, with some reviewers mentioning that their kids enjoyed the visit.

👍 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.