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Lighthouse Point Park: A Seaside Escape

Discover history, nature, and seaside fun at New Haven's Lighthouse Point Park, featuring a historic lighthouse and vintage carousel.

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Lighthouse Point Park, an 82-acre park on New Haven Harbor, offers a blend of history, recreation, and natural beauty. Enjoy Long Island Sound views, a vintage carousel, and the historic Five Mile Point Light.

A brief summary to Lighthouse Point Park

  • 2 Lighthouse Rd, New Haven, East Shore, Connecticut, 06512, US
  • Visit website

Local tips

  • Visit during the annual Migration Festival in September to witness the impressive bird and butterfly migrations.
  • Ride the carousel for just $0.50 on weekends and holidays.
  • Pack a picnic to enjoy on the grounds, taking in the views of Long Island Sound.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From I-95, take Exit 50 (Woodward Avenue/Lighthouse Point). Follow the green Lighthouse Point Park signs south on Townsend Avenue to the end of Lighthouse Road. Parking at Lighthouse Point Park costs $20 for Connecticut vehicles and $30 for out-of-state vehicles. New Haven residents park for free. Parking is limited, especially on weekends and holidays.

  • Public Transport

    Take the New Haven Line to Union Station. From Union Station, the S route bus will take you close to the park. From the bus stop, it is a short walk to the park entrance. A single bus fare is $1.75 [https://www.cttransit.com/fares]. Check the CT Transit website for the most up-to-date schedules.

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Discover more about Lighthouse Point Park

Lighthouse Point Park, located on the eastern point of New Haven Harbor, is an 82-acre waterfront park offering a variety of attractions and activities. The park's history stretches back to the early 20th century when it was developed as an amusement park to boost trolley ridership. Today, it serves as a recreational and natural escape for city dwellers and tourists alike. The park's namesake is the Five Mile Point Light, also known as the New Haven Harbor Lighthouse. The current lighthouse, built in 1845, replaced the original 1805 structure. Though decommissioned in 1877, the 70-foot sandstone tower remains a prominent landmark and is open for tours during special events. A highlight of Lighthouse Point Park is its beautifully restored carousel. Constructed around 1905 and installed in the park in 1916, the carousel features 69 horses, one camel, and two dragon chariots, all hand-carved and painted. The carousel building itself is in the Renaissance Revival style. The carousel is one of the few surviving examples of early 20th-century amusement rides and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Beyond the lighthouse and carousel, visitors can enjoy a sandy beach, hiking trails, and picnic areas. The park is also a prime location for bird watching, as it lies on the Atlantic Flyway, a major migration route for various bird species. The New Haven Bird Club maintains a bird and butterfly garden within the park. Lighthouse Point Park provides a unique blend of history, recreation, and natural beauty, making it a worthwhile destination for travelers.

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