Lightship Overfalls LV-118: A Floating Lighthouse

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Explore a floating lighthouse and maritime museum, the Lightship Overfalls LV-118, a National Historic Landmark in Lewes, Delaware.

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Lightship Overfalls LV-118

The Lightship Overfalls LV-118, a National Historic Landmark, is a museum ship docked in Lewes, Delaware, that once served as a floating lighthouse. Built in 1938, it is one of only 17 remaining lightships in the U.S. open to the public, offering a glimpse into maritime history.

A brief summary to Lightship Overfalls LV-118

219 Pilottown Rd, Lewes, Lewes Historic District, Delaware, 19958, US
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Thursday 10 am-4 pm
Friday 10 am-4 pm
Saturday 10 am-4 pm
Sunday 10 am-4 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Lightship Overfalls LV-118.

Visit on a weekday for a more personal experience with the guides.
Check the museum's website for special events and guided tours.
Combine your visit with a walk through the Lewes Historic District.

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Getting There

Walking

From the Lewes Ferry Terminal, head south on Ferry Road until you reach Route 1. Turn left onto Route 1 and proceed towards Lewes. After about 0.5 miles, turn right onto Pilottown Road. Continue for about 0.3 miles until you reach the Lightship Overfalls at 219 Pilottown Rd.
Public Transport

From the Lewes Transit Center, take the DART bus Route 204 towards Rehoboth Beach. Get off at the stop near Route 1 and Pilottown Road. Walk south on Pilottown Road for about 0.3 miles to the Lightship Overfalls at 219 Pilottown Rd. A single ride on DART Route 204 costs $2.00.
Car

From Route 1 (Coastal Highway), take the exit for Lewes. Follow the signs towards Lewes. Turn left onto Route 9 (Savannah Road) and continue for about 1 mile. Turn right onto Pilottown Road, and the Lightship Overfalls will be on your left at 219 Pilottown Rd. Free parking is available nearby.

Discover more about Lightship Overfalls LV-118

The Lightship Overfalls LV-118 stands as a testament to maritime history in Lewes, Delaware. Commissioned in 1938, it served as a floating lighthouse, guiding ships safely along the coastlines. The ship is now a museum, allowing visitors to explore its various compartments and envision the daily lives of the crew members who maintained the light and navigational equipment.LV-118 was the last lightship constructed for the U.S. Lighthouse Service before it merged with the Coast Guard. It served at Cornfield Point, Cross Rip, and Boston stations, remaining on duty even during World War II. Decommissioned in 1972 after storm damage, it was donated to the Lewes Historical Society in 1973. Although named Overfalls, it never served at the Overfalls station.The ship features a unique hull design and was the last riveted-hull lightship built for the U.S. Lighthouse Service. It was equipped with diesel engines to power its radio beacon, fog signal, and masthead light. The ship's restoration was a community effort, with over 27,000 volunteer hours logged. Today, the Lightship Overfalls offers guided tours and educational programs, teaching maritime history and honoring the lightships and sailors of the United States.