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Florida Lighthouses

Jupiter Inlet
Southeast Region

Jupiter Inlet

Jupiter
Constructed:1854 – 1860. First Lighted: July 10, 1860. Original first-order Fresnel lens, possibly the oldest in the state. Federally designated as the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area in May, 2008 by President George W. Bush..
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At a Glance

Region
Southeast Region
Type
Historic Lighthouse
Latitude
26.94861
Longitude
-80.08207

Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse


Photo: Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum		 Active: Yes

Characteristics: Currently:

1.2 second flash, 6.6 second dim, 1.2 second flash, 21 second eclipse

 

Height: 108 feet built on a 48 foot natural parabolic dune topped with Indian oyster shell, 105 steps

DayMark: Red-washed brick conical tower with black lantern

History: Constructed:1854 - 1860. First Lighted: July 10, 1860. Original first-order Fresnel lens, possibly the oldest in the state. Federally designated as the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area in May, 2008 by President George W. Bush..

Lens: Original: First-order revolving Fresnel Lens; L. Sautter (1860). Present: First-order lens (Henry-LePaute, 1863). Focal Plane: 147 feet.

Construction: Architects: Lt. George Gordon Meade & William Franklin Raynolds, Builder: Edward A. Yorke, U.S. Army Corp of Engineers. Conical double-walled masonry tower constructed of brick, granite and iron.

Other Buildings: Oil House, Keeper’s Workshop

Coordinates:
     26 56 55 N
     80 04 55 W

Operated by: The Loxahatchee River Historical Society

Visit Status: Open to Public

Days Open: Open Tuesday through Sunday, sunset tours every Wednesday evening with reservations.

Facilities: Museum in restored WWII Building, Gift Shop, Snack Shop, Outdoor Exhibits, Wedding Gazebo, Nature Trail, ADA accessible

Hours Open: Hours: Jan-Apr Open 7 Days; May-Dec Open Tues.-Sun.  10am-5pm, last lighthouse tour leaves at 4pm

Admission: $9 Adults, $5 Children ages 6-18, Children under 5 and active US Military with ID admitted free.

Children must be at least 48” tall to climb the tower.

For Lighthouse Sunset Tours & Lighthouse Moonrise Tours schedules, visit our website. (www.jupiterlighthouse.or)

 

Visitor Info: Admission includes museum exhibits and a tour of the lighthouse. A major restoration of the tower was completed in 2000.

Admission: $9 adults, $5 children ages 6-18, children under 6 and Active US Military with ID admitted free. Children must be at least 48” tall to climb tower.  Sunset tours $15.00.
Contact:

Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum

500 Captain Armour's Way, Jupiter, FL 33469

PH: 561-747-8380

email: visit@jupiterlighthouse.org

web:   www.jupiterlighthouse.org

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Overview

The 108-foot Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse stands on a 46-foot natural rise, giving its light a focal height of 146 feet. Its red tower, black lantern, and wooded waterfront setting make it one of the most visually distinctive lighthouse stations in Florida.

History

Congress authorized the lighthouse in 1853, but the Third Seminole War, disease, insects, and difficult transport delayed construction. The light finally entered service on July 10, 1860. It was dark through most of the Civil War after essential machinery was removed, then returned to service in 1866 with a first-order Fresnel lens. Electricity arrived in 1928. The Coast Guard gradually automated the station, completing the process in 1987. A major restoration in 1999-2000 repaired the tower and renewed its familiar red finish.

Visiting & Access

Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum offers regular admission, guided programs, and tower climbs from Lighthouse Park. Visitors must meet climbing requirements and should check the official site for hours, weather closures, and special programs before arriving.

Current Status

The Coast Guard owns the active lighthouse, while the Loxahatchee River Historical Society operates the museum and cares for the site. The historic first-order Fresnel lens remains in service. The grounds and tower are open during museum hours.

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