Background

Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse: A Beacon of Safety

A historic lighthouse marking the entrance to Delaware Bay, offering a glimpse into maritime history and coastal engineering.

4.7

The Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse, located off the coast of Lewes, Delaware, has stood as a sentinel at the entrance of the Delaware Bay since 1926. Built to protect ships seeking shelter in the National Harbor of Refuge, this historic lighthouse continues to serve as an active aid to navigation.

A brief summary to Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse

  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Check the Delaware River & Bay Lighthouse Foundation website for updates on potential future tours.
  • Bring binoculars for a better view of the lighthouse from Cape Henlopen State Park.
  • Consider taking a sunset cruise from Lewes for a unique perspective of the lighthouse.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Viewing from Cape Henlopen State Park

    To view the Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse from Cape Henlopen State Park, take Highway 9 north through Lewes, past the ferry terminal, and into the park. The best vantage point is at the northeastern end of the park. Park entry fees apply.

  • Sunset Cruise

    The Delaware River & Bay Lighthouse Foundation sometimes offers sunset cruises that pass by the lighthouse. Check their website for schedule and departure location. Cruises typically cost around $35.

Unlock the Best of Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse

The Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse is more than just a picturesque structure; it's a testament to maritime history and engineering. Constructed in 1926, it replaced earlier, less robust structures that succumbed to the relentless forces of the Atlantic. The lighthouse marks the entrance to the Delaware Bay and stands on the south end of the National Harbor of Refuge breakwater, which was built in the 19th and early 20th centuries to provide safe harbor for vessels during storms. The original breakwater was authorized in 1825, and the need for a lighthouse became apparent as maritime traffic increased. A temporary light was established in 1902, followed by a three-story wooden lighthouse in 1908. However, severe storms damaged this structure, leading to its demolition and the construction of the current lighthouse. The existing lighthouse, completed in 1926, is a white, conical metal tower with a black lantern, designed to withstand the harsh coastal environment. The lighthouse is a 76-foot tall cast iron tower with a base constructed as a caisson filled with concrete. It housed a fourth-order Fresnel lens, which was later replaced with an aero beacon in 1945 and a solar-powered Vega lens in 1997. The U.S. Coast Guard automated the light in 1973, but the lighthouse remains an important navigational aid. In 2004, the U.S. Department of the Interior transferred the lighthouse to the Delaware River and Bay Lighthouse Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to its preservation. The foundation has since worked to restore the lighthouse and offer tours to the public. However, public tours have been halted indefinitely due to safety concerns raised by a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers report. Despite the closure, the lighthouse can still be viewed from a distance from Cape Henlopen State Park and the Cape May-Lewes Ferry. Sunset cruises offered by the foundation also provide views of the lighthouse.

Popular Experiences near Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse

Popular Hotels near Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse

Select Currency