A trip to the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum is the perfect way to experience the history, culture, and nature all in one place. The museum is situated on a beautiful waterfront in Jupiter, Florida, and features numerous boating activities. You can spend hours touring the exhibits, historic structures, and nature trails, or you can take a quick tour of the grounds on your phone. There are only so many people allowed inside, so you may want to make reservations in advance. Visit this link for more information.
The 1860 landmark Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum offers climbing tours to experience the historic structure. You can also learn about waterfront history at its museum, complete with a gift shop. The museum also holds weddings and special events. You can also host your own event at the lighthouse by hiring a special catering service. While you’re there, be sure to check out the interactive exhibits to learn about the area’s history. Read about A Guide to Riverbend Park in Jupiter, Florida here.
The lighthouse is home to the Seminole Chickee, which is a traditional structure built by Florida Seminoles in the early 19th century. These small structures were made of Cyprus logs and had a palm thatch roof. They were used for sleeping, cooking, and eating. At the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum, visitors can see a replica of a Chickee built in 2009. This historic structure is also the site of monthly activities for kids.
The Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum is a National Trust for Historic Preservation site, and is a member of the American Alliance of Museums. The museum is also part of the Trail of Florida’s Indian Heritage. It is run by the Loxahatchee River Historical Society, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. In addition to the museum, the lighthouse and the museum are located on public lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management.
You can also go up the spiral staircase at the top of the lighthouse to get a panoramic view of the water. The lighthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and is part of a 120-acre Outstanding Natural Area. The museum offers guided tours each day at noon and 2 p.m. but keep in mind that the hours are subject to daily safety limits. The museum is closed on major holidays, and you must call ahead to confirm the exact time.
To tour the lighthouse, you must be at least 48 inches tall. You can climb up the lighthouse, but you can only do so from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Admission is $12 for adults and free for active military members. The lighthouse itself is a two-story structure built by the United States Navy in 1939. Originally, it was part of an Indian shell mound. The structure is made of brick with double masonry walls, with the inner wall cylindrical and two bricks thick throughout.