Middle Bay Lighthouse, Mobile Bay Travel Guide

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Discover the historic Middle Bay Lighthouse in Mobile Bay, a picturesque landmark offering a glimpse into Alabama's maritime past.

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Middle Bay Lighthouse

The Middle Bay Lighthouse, a hexagonal cottage-style screw-pile lighthouse, has stood in the center of Mobile Bay since 1885. Though not open for tours, it remains a picturesque landmark and a testament to Alabama's maritime history.

A brief summary to Middle Bay Lighthouse

Mobile, Alabama, 36601, US
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Middle Bay Lighthouse.

The lighthouse is best viewed by boat. Consider booking a tour with local charters for an up-close experience.
Check the weather forecast before planning a boat trip, as conditions in Mobile Bay can change rapidly.
A fourth-order Fresnel lens used in the lighthouse is on display at the Fort Morgan Museum.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Fort Morgan State Historic Site

Colonial Fort Condé

Ruins of the Second Fort Conde

USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park

Bragg-Mitchell Mansion

Explore Middle Bay Lighthouse on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Middle Bay Lighthouse, mapped for you.

Getting There

Boat Tour

The Middle Bay Lighthouse is only accessible by boat. Several boat tour operators and fishing charters depart from various points along the Mobile Bay coastline, including Mobile and Spanish Fort. These tours typically range from $30 to $60 per person, depending on the duration and inclusions. Check departure locations and schedules in advance, as they may vary seasonally. Some tours focus specifically on the lighthouse, while others include it as part of a broader bay tour. Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season.

Discover more about Middle Bay Lighthouse

Located in the heart of Mobile Bay, the Middle Bay Lighthouse, also known as Mobile Bay Lighthouse, has been a guiding light for mariners since December 1, 1885. This unique hexagonal-shaped, cottage-style lighthouse is a screw-pile lighthouse, meaning it's built on metal pilings screwed directly into the seafloor, a design well-suited for the bay's soft, muddy bottom.Patterned after lighthouses in Chesapeake Bay, the Middle Bay Light originally featured a fourth-order Fresnel lens that cast a white light with red flashes every 30 seconds, visible to Mobilians across the bay. A bell, struck by machinery every five seconds, served as a fog signal. The lighthouse was manned by keepers and their families until it was automated in 1935.Deactivated in 1967, the lighthouse faced potential demolition, but local advocacy groups, including the Mobile Bar Pilots Association, successfully argued for its preservation, citing its continued value as a navigational aid easily picked up by ship radar. The lighthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975 and is currently under the care of the Alabama Historical Commission.Though the original Fresnel lens is now on display at the Fort Morgan Museum, the Middle Bay Lighthouse continues to stand as a symbol of Mobile's maritime past. While interior tours are not available, its exterior can be admired from the water, making it a popular destination for boat tours and fishing charters.