Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse: A Beacon of Safety

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A historic lighthouse guarding the entrance to Delaware Bay, offering a glimpse into maritime history and stunning views from afar.

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The Lewes And Rehoboth Canal Area
Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse

The Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse, standing at the entrance of Delaware Bay, has guided ships to safety for over a century. Though tours are currently suspended, its historical significance and striking architecture continue to draw visitors to the nearby Cape Henlopen State Park for a glimpse of this iconic landmark.

A brief summary to Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse

Lewes, Delaware, 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 Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse.

Visit Cape Henlopen State Park for the best distant views of the lighthouse.
Check the schedules for the Cape May-Lewes Ferry for a chance to see the lighthouse from the water.
Bring binoculars for a closer look at the lighthouse and to spot marine life.

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Getting There

Driving

To view the Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse, start from Lewes, Delaware, and take Highway 9 north towards Cape Henlopen State Park. Continue past the Cape May-Lewes Ferry terminal and into the park. The best views are from the northeastern end of the park. Park entrance fees apply, which typically range from $5 for Delaware residents to $10 for non-residents during peak season. Parking is readily available within the park.
Ferry

Another way to view the lighthouse is via the Cape May-Lewes Ferry. The ferry departs from both Cape May, NJ, and Lewes, DE. A one-way trip provides views of the Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse, as well as the Delaware Breakwater East End Light and the Cape May Lighthouse. Ferry ticket prices range from $10 to $41 per person, depending on the season and time of travel. Children under 6 ride free.

Discover more about Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse

The Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse marks the entrance to the Delaware Bay, providing safe harbor for ships navigating the often-stormy waters off Cape Henlopen. The current lighthouse, completed in 1926, is the third to occupy this site. The first was a temporary structure built in 1902, followed by a more permanent, yet vulnerable, wooden lighthouse in 1908. Storms frequently battered the wooden structure, rendering it uninhabitable and leading to its replacement with the current cast-iron tower.Today, the 76-foot-tall white conical tower with a black lantern room still serves as an active aid to navigation. The U.S. Coast Guard maintains the beacon, fog signal, solar panels, and batteries, ensuring its continued operation. The Delaware River & Bay Lighthouse Foundation owns the lighthouse and has been working to restore and preserve it.While tours of the lighthouse have been suspended indefinitely due to safety concerns regarding the breakwater's condition, the lighthouse remains a captivating sight. Visitors can catch a distant view of the lighthouse from Cape Henlopen State Park, or by boat. The Cape May-Lewes Ferry also offers views of the lighthouse during its crossings. Keep an eye out for dolphins, which are often spotted near the lighthouse.