New Friends of the Fenwick Island Lighthouse - Ocean City, Maryland

Discovering the Fenwick Island Lighthouse: A Comprehensive Guide

The Fenwick Island Lighthouse, situated at 103 146th St, Ocean City, MD 21842, United States, is a quintessential historical landmark that has captivated visitors with its rich history and architectural charm since 1859. This comprehensive guide will delve into the main services, location and access, featured characteristics, practical information, and positive aspects mentioned in customer reviews of this iconic lighthouse.

Main Services

• Historical Education: The lighthouse offers insights into the history of the coastal regions of Delaware and Maryland, providing a glimpse into the lives of early settlers and lighthouse keepers.
• Self-Guided Tours: Visitors can explore the lighthouse grounds and museum at their own pace, learning about the lighthouse's past through informative displays and panels.
• Volunteer Opportunities: The Fenwick Island Lighthouse Association welcomes volunteers to help operate the lighthouse, greet visitors, and share the history of the lighthouse with the public. Contact Winnie Lewis, Volunteer Coordinator, for more details.
• Special Events: The lighthouse hosts various events throughout the year, such as the Lighthouse News Flashes series, which delves into the history of the lighthouse and its keepers.

Location and Access

The Fenwick Island Lighthouse is nestled in the heart of the Fenwick Island neighborhood, approximately 3.5 miles from the beach. While it is not located directly on the water, the lighthouse offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. The nearest public beach access is at the Fenwick Island State Park, about a 10-minute drive away.

To reach the lighthouse, visitors can use the following directions:

• From Ocean City, MD: Head south on Route 52 (Coastal Highway) for about 3 miles. Turn right onto 146th Street and continue for about 0.5 miles. The lighthouse will be on your left.
• From Fenwick Island, DE: Head north on Route 52 (Coastal Highway) for about 2 miles. Turn left onto 146th Street and continue for about 0.5 miles. The lighthouse will be on your right.

Limited on-site parking is available, but visitors may need to park on nearby streets during peak season. The lighthouse is also accessible via public transportation; the Ocean City Boardwalk Bus stops nearby.

Featured Characteristics

• Architectural Design: The Fenwick Island Lighthouse stands at 87 feet tall and features a classic conical shape with a black-and-white striped exterior.
• First-Order Fresnel Lens: The lighthouse houses a first-order Fresnel lens, which was originally manufactured in France and is one of the largest lenses of its type in the United States.
• Museum Exhibits: The lighthouse museum showcases artifacts, photographs, and interpretive displays that tell the story of the lighthouse and its keepers throughout the years.
• Gift Shop: The lighthouse gift shop offers a variety of souvenirs, books, and memorabilia related to the lighthouse and its history.

Practical Information

• Admission: Entry to the Fenwick Island Lighthouse is free, although donations are welcome to help support the lighthouse's operation and preservation.
• Visiting Hours: The lighthouse is open to the public from mid-May through mid-October, with visiting hours typically from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. However, visitors are encouraged to check the official website for the most up-to-date information, as hours may vary depending on the season and volunteer availability.
• Phone: 443-880-3973
• Website: fenwickislandlighthouse.org

Positive Aspects from Reviews

The Fenwick Island Lighthouse has received an average rating of 4.3/5 from 376 reviews on Google My Business, indicating a high level of satisfaction among visitors.

• Knowledgeable Volunteers: Many visitors praised the volunteers for their wealth of knowledge about the lighthouse's history and their ability to bring the stories to life through engaging narratives.
• Free Admission: Several visitors highlighted the free admission as a positive aspect, making the lighthouse an affordable attraction for both locals and tourists.
• Educational Experience: Many reviewers appreciated the educational value of the lighthouse, noting that it provided an insightful glimpse into the lives of early settlers and lighthouse keepers.
• Well-Maintained Property: Some visitors commended the well-preserved condition of the lighthouse and its museum, crediting the volunteers and staff for their dedication to maintaining the historical site.
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Families with children enjoyed the lighthouse's welcoming environment and found the exhibits engaging and informative for both kids and adults.

While some visitors mentioned that the lighthouse is not located directly on the water and has limited visiting hours, these aspects do not detract from the overall positive experience that the Fenwick Island Lighthouse offers to its visitors.

👍 Reviews of New Friends of the Fenwick Island Lighthouse

Kevin S.

3/5

Lighthouse is in the middle of a neighborhood and not on the water. Limited visiting hours. I did not go onto the property or enter the lighthouse or museum.

Leslie D.

4/5

A organization operates the lighthouse. No price or registration to enter. If they are open it free to enter. The guides are well versed on the history of the lighthouse and attached keepers house.

C

5/5

The lighthouse is absolutely beautiful. It was closed for renovations, so we were unable to go in. However, we met 2 wonderful volunteers who invited us into light keepers' house, which was absolutely amazing in itself. It's definitely worth a visit if you're in the area. I'm so glad we did!

Exit Z.

5/5

Alright so we showed up at 10am and on google it states they close at 12. However what google did not state was the lighthouse is closed for the season. With that said it’s still a very cute place to visit. The grounds are well taken care of, they even have an amazing garden pumping out all types of veggies. Definitely come out here in the off season and just walk around, take in the views and enjoy it for what it is.

Timothy S.

5/5

Really neat nineteenth century lighthouse with lots of interesting history. The lighthouse was decommissioned in 1978 by the US Coast Guard and placed on the National Register of Historic Places a year later. Unfortunately, commercial and residential development over the years has nearly hidden it but thankfully a private nonprofit currently maintains it as a museum. Also located on the grounds is a stone monument that was placed by surveyors in 1750 to mark the
Transpeninsular Line separating Delaware and Maryland. Be sure to visit during operating hours.

Beverly (.

5/5

Whenever I visit Ocean City, I like to see what else is available in the area. This was a nice little stop. I was surprised that this light house was in its original location. You can't climb the lighthouse, but you can visit the entrance area. I received a nice tour of the gift shop and museum area. This is a great place for families as well as solo visitors.

Scott O.

4/5

Lovely lighthouse and friendly staffer!
Thank you for the lighthouse lamp.

Coming J.

4/5

I've been to Ocean City, MD many times over the years, and just recently got the chance to visit this lighthouse. Unfortunately they were closed when I got there. But it was still fascinating to see it up close and personal.