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- Gates open from 7 a.m. to sunset year round
- Season from April 1 to November 1
- Lifeguards are on duty during summer season, times as posted.
ALL CHILDREN MUST BE SUPERVISED BY AN ADULT AT ALL TIMES.
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- New Haven registered vehicles - No charge
- Non-resident vehicles - $20/day, $100/season
- Out-of-state - $30/day, no seasonal
- Charter busses (weekdays only) - $100
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- Resident - $75
- Non-Resident - $150
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- Resident Vessel - $30 Season Pass
- Non-Resident Vessel - $130 Season Pass
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- Resident - $40
- Non-Resident - $75
- Resident - $50
- Non-Resident - $100
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- Rest rooms and the bath house are accessible.
- A beach wheelchair is
Available on a first come first served basis.
| Telephone Numbers |
Lighthouse Park Permits
Park Administration
Outdoor Adventure Coordinator
Camps
Beach Volley Ball League
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203-946-8020
203-946-8019
203-946-6768
203-946-8027
203-946-8022 |
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For a brief 73 years light beams from the lighthouse at Lighthouse
Point extended welcoming, comforting arms to ships and sailors returning
from voyages from the four corners of the world.
Today the beacon from the New Haven Light House at Lighthouse
Point is dark, but the tower remains, greeting ships from around the
world to New Haven.
The New Haven Lighthouse at Lighthouse Point in New Haven is located at the
Eastern point of New Haven Harbor. Old Maps show it as Five Mile Point called
that because that is the distance between it and the center of New Haven. It
was also called Morris Point during the Colonial period.
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The original lighthouse
was a shingled, wooden structure, octagonal in shape. Constructed by A.
Woodward, it showed a fixed white light generated by eight lamps and
thirteen-inch reflectors, arranged on a circular table.
The tower was
approximately 18 feet at its base and 30 feet tall. An iron lantern
surrounded the top of the tower. It is believed that the first lantern
burned whale oil. Opinion varies on how far its beacon could be seen, some
said only 5 maritime miles, others said it could be seen for 12 miles. All
agreed that for the seamen relying on a strong beacon to keep them off the
rocky shore, the New Haven lighthouse, with is weak light and low
elevation, was no protection from disaster. At least one ship ran onto the
rocks, reportedly just one mile from the lighthouse, and was pounded to
pieces.
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Because it was located
too far north on the shore to be seen by ships coming from the east it was
decided that a new lighthouse was needed. Congress appropriated $10,000
for a new facility and the new lighthouse opened in 1847.
Also octagonal in shape,
(a Connecticut lighthouse trademark) the exterior was constructed by
Marcus Bassett. Made of sandstone from East Haven, furnished by Jabez
Potter, the sandstone was hauled over difficult terrain by horse-drawn
drays. The interior was lined with New Haven brick. The circular
staircase, with its 74 steps guiding the way to the lantern, are made of
granite from local quarries. The last eight feet to the top are reached
from a landing via a 8 foot metal ladder through a hatch. Painted white,
the tower is 97 feet above sea level. During the 1860's, the station's fog
signal was a bell operated caloric engine; in 1871, its mechanism was
replaced by a Steven's striking apparatus which sounded every 15 seconds.
The first light was achieved with 12 lamps and 20 one-inch reflectors. In
1855 the light was upgraded to a fourth-order Fresnel lens.
The light keeper's
house was originally attached to the lighthouse by a wooden passage
way, which has long since disappeared. The two story brick structure is
still intact, and, most unusual, the out-building, used for storage of
supplies and oil, has survived.
The Present Lighthouse
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In 1924 the City of New Haven purchased Lighthouse Point Park from the
East Shore Amusement Company. City residents came to the park to enjoy
swimming, ferry boat rides to Savin Rock, track meets, football games,
field days and baseball leagues in the old grandstand/ballpark. The park,
in the roaring 20’s, attracted legends Babe Ruth and Ty Cobb to
Sunday afternoon games.
The hurricane of 1938 ripped through the park, destroying many buildings
and trees. In 1950 the City was able to make major improvements at the
park including a new bathhouse, a first aid station and concession stands.
A small amusement park was added and the beach was greatly improved.
Today, the park attracts thousands to the public beach to enjoy the
beauty of Long Island Sound. Devoted anglers take advantage of the fishing
pier and a public boat launch that is available for leisure craft. Picnic
tables dot the grounds, shaded by trees and pavilions. Kids can enjoy
the playground and swings.
The park is one of the most popular spots for bird watching along the
East Coast. Each fall and spring, thousands of song birds and birds of
prey are seen in the migratory oasis along Morris Creek. In the fall,
our park rangers and various ornithological groups conduct research and
provide bird migration programs for park visitors.
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| The lighthouse circa 1960 |
The lighthouse 2009 |
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The New Haven Harbor lighthouse is also known as the Five Mile Point
Light, because it sits on a point of land five miles from the New Haven
Green.
The history of the lighthouse began in 1804 when Amos Morris sold one
acre to the U.S. Government for $100. On this site, the first lighthouse
and keeper’s house were built of wood. In 140 work began to construct
the 70 foot lighthouse, with sandstone quarried from East Haven and a
solid brick interior. Its spiral granite staircase leads up to the lantern
loft where the lighthouse lens was mounted. It was the keeper's duty
to make sure the light was burning on all nights. By day he was to clean
the lens, polish all brass, and fill the lamp with fuel. This lighthouse
guided many ships into the harbor until 1877 when the Southwest Ledge
light was built nearby on a Long Island Sound breakwater.
In 1990, the lighthouse was placed on the National Register of Historic
Places.
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Annual Migration Festival -
In September, the Ranger staff host the Annual Migration Festival at Lighthouse Point Park in conjunction with Audubon Connecticut and several New Haven area birding, butterfly, and environmental organizations.
The park is located on the Atlantic flyway, a major route for butterflies, hawks, and many other bird species in their annual migration south for the winter months. Events include bird watching walks, hawk displays, butterfly observations, and the annual hawk count, among others.
Call the East Rock Ranger at 203-946-6086 for information on the Annual Migration Festival.
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The Carousel at Lighthouse Point Park — Although there were more
than 10,000 such carousels in operation in the 1920's, The Lighthouse
Park Carousel is one of less than 100 in use today. For a small fee,
come take a ride on one of the 72 figures mounted in 20 ranks on a 60
foot platform. The carousel is also available for private functions.
For rental information email: sbruno@newhavenct.net . The Carousel will run on Saturday and Sunday from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Also, will run on Memorial Day & Labor Day...1-4.
Lighthouse Park Splashpad - Prepare to make your way slowly and safely
through one of the Park's newest attractions. The series of fresh water
fountains are designed to both delight and refresh all who come. The
splashpad is located near the beach and adjacent to the bath house. Rules
for its use are posted at the entrance.
Penney Press - Bring quarters, help sustain the parks, and make your
own lighthouse or carousel souvenir!
Harbor and Pagoda Pavilions - Daily
rentals are available on a reservation basis only. Click
here to download a permit request form.
Refreshments - The summer concession
operates 7 days a week from 9:30am to 5:00pm
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- I-91 into New Haven to I-95 North
- I-95 North to exit 50, Woodward Avenue
- At second stoplight, turn right
on Townsend Avenue
- Turn right on Lighthouse Road
- I-95 North to exit 50, Woodward Avenue
- At second stoplight, turn right
on Townsend Avenue
- Turn right on Lighthouse Road
- I-95 South to exit 51
- Turn left at stop light onto Townsend Avenue
- Turn right on Lighthouse
Road
Watch for green Lighthouse Park signs directing you to the park along
Townsend Avenue
Connecticut Transit Provides Bus Service to Lighthouse VIA the G Line
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- From Memorial Day through Labor Day
- Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays from 12-4 pm,
every 20 minutes.
- Fee: 50 cents. (Entrance fees into the park also apply.)
- Group reservations accepted
- Private rentals available (email: sbruno@newhavenct.net)
- Parking is the same as for all of Lighthouse Park
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The Lighthouse Point Park Carousel is a unique and magnificent treasure. Built in 1916, it is a rare and important example of American folk art. Although there were more than 10,000 such carousels in operation in the 1920s, the Lighthouse Park Carousel is one of less than 100 in use today.
To read more about the history of the beatuiful antique Carousel at Lighthouse Point Park, to view photos of the carousel and surrounding park, and to download information about rentals for special events, go to the  Parks Carousel page. |
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The Carousel at Lighthouse Point Park – 
