Question 1

Is there an admission fee?

Accepted Answer

MUSEUM + GROUNDS - FREE
TOWERS - During our summer season (Memorial Day through the end of October) there is a fee to climb both towers, $5 per adult and $2 per child 12 years and under. Both the North and South towers are open from 9AM - 4PM. If you are interested in climbing the towers, please visit the South tower to get a ticket.

During our off-season, the North tower is open Wednesday-Sunday 10AM - 4PM and free to climb.
 
TOURS - $12 per adult and children 12 years and under are $2. Tour admission includes access to both towers.

Question 2

Can I picnic on site?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there are picnic tables for visitors to enjoy. We have a carry-in, carry-out policy, please be respectful of the site!

Food and drinks are not allowed inside of the lighthouse.

Smoking and alcohol are strictly prohibited on State property.

Question 3

Can I bring my dog?

Accepted Answer

Only on the grounds and only during hours of operation (9:00AM-4:30PM). Dogs must be on a leash and cleaned up after. Pets are not allowed in the lighthouse. Service animals are permitted inside.

Question 4

Who owns and operates the Twin Lights?

Accepted Answer

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Parks, Forestry, and Historic Sites (https://nj.gov/dep/parksandforests/historic/twinlights.html)owns and operates Twin Lights State Historic Site.

Question 5

What does the Twin Lights Historical Society do?

Accepted Answer

The Society is an officially recognized friends group that has a long and unique relationship with the Twin Lights that dates back to the 1950s. The Society follows industry best practices in building, maintaining and interpreting a collection of 3,000-plus artifacts and creates museum exhibits that are always free to the public. The Society employs a part-time curator and runs internship programs for budding historians and museum anthropologists, and also oversees operation of a museum store—the profits from which support its collection and displays. The Society partners with the state on multiple projects geared toward the appreciation and enjoyment of the lighthouse by the public. The Society’s efforts are funded by low-cost memberships, on-site donations, grants and private and corporate giving.

Question 6

Can I have a pre-planned event at Twin Lights, such as a wedding, photo session, group party?

Accepted Answer

Yes!  Depending on your plans, an event permit may be required for a special event, but in all cases, permission from Twin Lights' Superintendent is mandatory. Please contact events@twinlightslighthouse.org (events@twinlightslighthouse.org)for more information.

Question 7

Why are there two towers?

Accepted Answer

The first Navesink Light Station was built in 1828 and consisted of two identical towers. Those “Twin Lights" gave the station a definite and decided character that helped distinguish it from the nearby Sandy Hook lighthouse and the Sandy Hook Lightship stationed offshore. When the present station was commissioned on May 1, 1862, the south tower contained a first order Fresnel lens that gave ships a warning of their approach to land. The north tower was lit by a lens of the second order, an indication to vessels they were coming up on a headland along the seacoast and the approach to a bay.

Question 8

Why are the towers different shapes?

Accepted Answer

We really do not know. What we do know is that several men who sat on the lighthouse board were also regents at the Smithsonian during the construction of the castle building perhaps they influenced the design at Highlands. Another explanation could be that the south tower had to be much sturdier in order to support the giant 9 foot Fresnel lens sitting atop a pot of mercury high up in the tower.

Question 9

How tall are the towers and how many steps to the top?

Accepted Answer

The focal plane (center) of the north tower is 246 feet above sea level.  The towers have 64 steps to the observation deck in the north tower and 65 in the south tower.

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