Contact
|
Barnegat Lighthouse State
Park
P.O. Box 167
Barnegat Light, NJ 08006
(609)494-2016 |
| Official Site |
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Postcards
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Facts
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- Built 1859
- 165 feet tall
- 217 steps
- First order Fresnel lens
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 Located
on the northern end of Long Beach Island, the Barnegat
Lighthouse is affectionately known as "Old
Barney".
This is the symbolic lighthouse of New Jersey and is the most recognized
lighthouse
in the state. You can see it on any number of products, even
on the state's
special Jersey Shore license plates.
One of General Meade's many lighthouses on the Jersey shore, it has
stood watch here since 1859. It was fitted with a 12 foot tall, 1,024
prism, beehive shaped first-order Fresnel lens which was visible
for 30 miles. This
lens is now on display at the Barnegat Light Museum.
During World War II the lighthouse acted as a lookout tower. From
this spot, military personnel were able to spy on German subs as
they prowled New Jersey's coastal waters.
In 1944 "Old Barney" was decomissioned after the Barnegat
Lightship took it's place. However it has remained in the hearts
of New Jerseyans for years. While other lighthouses around the state
have only recently been refurbished, Old Barney has been protected
and
kept
in shape
for decades.
Barnegat Lighthouse is now the centerpiece of the Barnegat
Lighthouse State Park, where you can stroll along the water,
fish at the inlet, enjoy a picnic and just plain relax.
Climbing up the 217 steps to the top gives a spectacular view of Island
Beach State Park to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the east,
to the west the New Jersey mainland and Long Beach Island to the
south. Needless to say - it is well worth the climb.
Because of errosion, it's been discovered that the lighthouse
is slightly leaning . Because of this an $1.8 million project has
been started by the Army Corp of Engineers to stabalize
it.
| Hours Of Operation |
General Admission |
Tours |
May - Sept
9:00am - 4:30pm
Oct - April
9:00am - 3:30pm
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$1 - 12 and older May
- Sept
Free Oct - April |
Self guided tour, museum, picnic
area |
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