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

Introduction to New Friends of the Fenwick Island Lighthouse

The Fenwick Island Lighthouse, nestled in the charming coastal town of Ocean City, Maryland, is a beacon of history and a cherished tourist attraction. Operated by the non-profit organization, New Friends of the Fenwick Island Lighthouse (NFFIL), this historical landmark offers a unique blend of education, entertainment, and community involvement. Let's delve into the details of this captivating spot.

Main Services

• Educational Tours: NFFIL offers guided tours of the lighthouse, providing visitors with an in-depth understanding of its history, architecture, and the lives of its keepers. The guides, well-versed in the lighthouse's rich past, bring the stories to life, making the experience both engaging and enlightening.
• Volunteer Opportunities: For those interested in contributing to the lighthouse's preservation and community engagement, NFFIL offers volunteering opportunities. Volunteers play a crucial role in welcoming visitors, sharing historical information, and maintaining the grounds.
• Special Events: Throughout the year, NFFIL hosts various events such as the Lighthouse Challenge, where visitors can climb the lighthouse for a small donation, and the annual Lighthouse Festival, featuring live music, food, and family-friendly activities.
• Museum and Gift Shop: The lighthouse complex includes a museum showcasing exhibits on the history of the lighthouse, its keepers, and the coastal community. The on-site gift shop offers a variety of lighthouse-themed souvenirs, providing a unique memento of your visit.

Location and Access

NFFIL is located at 103 146th St, Ocean City, MD 21842, United States, situated in the North Ocean City neighborhood. The lighthouse is easily accessible, with several transportation options:

• Driving: The site is approximately 15 minutes from Ocean City's main beach area and about 30 minutes from the Ocean City-Bergman Memorial Airport.
• Public Transportation: The Ocean City Boardwalk Bus stops near the lighthouse, with the 110th Street & Coastal Highway stop being the closest.

Parking is available on-site, with designated spaces for both visitors and volunteers.

Featured Characteristics

• Architecture: The Fenwick Island Lighthouse, constructed in 1859, is a stunning example of mid-19th-century lighthouse design. Standing at 87 feet tall, it is one of the few lighthouses in the United States with an octagonal concrete base and a cast iron lantern.
• Grounds and Surroundings: The lighthouse sits on beautifully maintained grounds, featuring a garden with native plants, a picnic area, and an overlook offering views of the Assawoman Bay and the surrounding marshes.
• Accessibility: The lighthouse complex is wheelchair accessible, with a ramp leading to the entrance and an elevator providing access to the lighthouse's upper levels.

Practical Information

• Opening Hours: The lighthouse is open to the public from mid-May to mid-October, with visiting hours varying by season. It is recommended to check the NFFIL website or call ahead for the most up-to-date information.
• Admission: Admission to the lighthouse and museum is free, although donations are welcome to support the organization's preservation efforts.
• Contact Information: You can reach NFFIL at 443-880-3973 or via email at [email protected]. The organization's website can be found at fenwickislandlighthouse.org.

Positive Aspects from Reviews

With an average rating of 4.3/5 from 376 reviews on Google My Business, visitors consistently praise the Fenwick Island Lighthouse for its:

• Historical Significance: Many visitors appreciate the lighthouse's rich history and the engaging way it is presented through guided tours and museum exhibits.
• Knowledgeable and Friendly Staff: Reviewers often commend the volunteers and guides for their warmth, patience, and extensive knowledge about the lighthouse and its history.
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: The lighthouse is praised for being an enjoyable and educational experience for visitors of all ages, with many families mentioning their children's enthusiasm for the visit.
• Well-Maintained Grounds: The beautiful and well-maintained surroundings are frequently highlighted as an added bonus to the lighthouse experience.

The Fenwick Island Lighthouse, under the dedicated care of the New Friends of the Fenwick Island Lighthouse, stands as a testament to the power of community involvement and the preservation of history. A visit to this charming and educational attraction is an absolute must for anyone exploring the Ocean City, Maryland, area.

👍 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.