A Lighthouse Tour of Cape Cod

A Lighthouse Tour of Cape Cod

National Lighthouse Day is observed annually on August 7th! The Day recognizes the importance of safety and security for ships and boats at sea along shorelines. 

Throughout Cape Cod, there are a number of lighthouses with interesting histories and unique features. Spend a day on Cape Cod touring the lighthouses! As you make your journey, don’t forget to tour the towns and stop at local restaurants and stores for a treat along the way!

Start your journey at Wings Neck Lighthouse in Pocasset. The tower was built in 1849 to control heavy marine traffic traveling in Buzzards Bay, Port Wareham, and Sandwich. After a fire in 1889, a new lighthouse was constructed. The new construction featured the current keeper’s house with a wooden hexagon tower. 

Next, move on to Nobska Point Light in Falmouth. Nobska point provides light to ships crossing the Vineyard Sound and borders the Elizabeth Islands. The original lighthouse was an octagonal tower over the house which had three first-floor rooms and two small stairs up. The current lighthouse is white and cylindrical with a larger house and front lawn. The area is perfect for a picnic or to watch the boats drive by!

Continue the trip to Barnstable to see Sandy Neck Lighthouse. The initial light was a 16-ft tall wooden tower in the center of a brick keeper’s house. Due to fire concerns of the attached light and house as well as damage from storms over time, renovations were necessary. After being deactivated from 1931-2007, the lighthouse has been relighted. 

Lewis Bay Light, now called Hyannis Harbor Light, is located in Barnstable. In the early 1800s, Hyannis was a busy fishing and commercial port. As Hyannis continued to grow, there was a demand for a lighthouse for sailors to navigate the waters. The tower is a 19-ft conical brick tower with a lantern on top with recent renovations by the current owners to meet a more modern lifestyle. 

Next, take a look at the Bass River Lighthouse in West Dennis. Built in 1855 atop a large keeper’s house, Bass River Light is one of the last 30 lighthouses erected on Cape Cod and the islands. The lighthouse has a range of 12 miles and provided safe passage until it was shut down in 1880 and  re-activated in 1881-1914. 

If you are interested in continuing your tour, visit Stage Harbor Light, Chatham Light, Monomoy Light, the Three Sisters, Nauset Light, Highland Light, Race Point Light, Wood End Light, and Long Point Light!