Take A Tour Of New Jersey’s Most Endangered Lighthouse While You Still Can

According to the New Jersey tourism board, the Garden State is home to 18 lighthouses, all with fascinating histories. Sandy Hook Light is the oldest operating lighthouse in America and Sea Girt Lighthouse was the last live-in lighthouse built in the United States. East Point Lighthouse has its own unique tale to tell, and every New Jerseyan should take a tour while they still can.

East Point Lighthouse is one of New Jersey's most endangered historic sites.

It is threatened by rising sea levels and erosion.

While dune systems do offer some protection, they can be (and have been) damaged or destroyed by storms. While the community does what it can...

That's not always enough. Officials and residents alike are fighting to preserve the historic structure but no long term plan is in place.

More serious measures must be taken but if they're not...I'd visit before this piece of New Jersey's past becomes part of the past.

East Point Lighthouse is located in Heislerville on the Delaware Bay. It was built in 1849, inactive following 1941, and nearly destroyed by fire in 1971.

The lighthouse was reinstated in 1980 and exterior restoration was completed in 1999. Interior restoration was completed in 2017 and the lighthouse now serves as both an active beacon and charming museum.

It is open year-round for tours and special events. They offer everything from butterfly festivals to a Valentine's Day sweetheart climb.

Affordable and family-friendly, it makes for a great little day trip destination. It even has a gift shop! You can visit from 1 - 4 p.m. on weekends. If you're driving a distance and are looking for more to do in the area, check out nearby Millville. They've got a great cafe (Wildflower Vegan Cafe), Wheaton Arts (it's even got a glass museum), along with a variety of other restaurants and shops.