Before there were towns, or roads or railroads in Palm Beach County, there was the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse. This red and black lighthouse has been lighting the way along Florida’s East Coast since July 10, 1860. Built on a natural sand hill, the lighthouse itself is 108 feet tall and can be seen 24 miles out at sea. Just think about it, for more than 150 years ships have used the lighthouse’s beacon to guide them safely around the Gulf Stream and away from reefs and shoals.
History of Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse
Because of its location at the junction of the Indian River and Jupiter Inlet, in 1849 army surveyors recommended the Jupiter Inlet as a strategic and appropriate place for military defenses. After President Franklin Pierce signed an order to set aside the 61 ½ acres for a lighthouse, Lieutenant George Meade designed the structure, and Lieutenant William Raynolds improved the strength with the design of a double wall. The lighthouse is comprised of a tower and an iron top, or lantern. The first-order Fresnel (fray-nel) lens in operation is said to be the oldest existing first-order Fresnel lens in Florida and is one of only 13 active in the United States.
In 1973 the lighthouse was placed on the National Register of Historic Places, then in 1974, it was opened to public tours by the Loxahatchee River Historical Society.
Climbing the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse
Before you even get inside, there are 34 steps you have to climb just to get to the base of the lighthouse. Those are the easy ones. Once inside, there are 105 steep iron stairs – 100 of them date back to 1860, five were replaced in 2000.
As you work your way to the top, there are three landings that not only provide a chance to catch your breath, but also a look out in different directions. Those views themselves are amazing, but the views from the top are out of this world. Walk around the top and see the Atlantic Ocean, the Indian River, Jupiter Inlet and the Loxahatchee River. On a clear day, you can see for miles.
Other Things to See at the Lighthouse
While the lighthouse is the centerpiece of the property, there are other things to see during your visit.
Keepers’ Workshop and Exhibit
Just off the deck by the lighthouse you will find the Keepers’ Workshop and Exhibit “Keeping the Light at Jupiter Inlet.” Once inside, pick up an adventure map that will take you back in time for a look at the early years of the lighthouse. Each of the eight “stations” depicted on the map provides information about the lighthouse. Find out why Jupiter has a lighthouse, a timeline of the lighthouse, how the lighthouse works, or stories of some of the keepers.
Prior to becoming a workshop and exhibit, the building served as a pump house and paint storage locker. It was built in 1929, but then rebuilt and expanded in 1929 after a major hurricane.
Banyan Tree and Deck
As you walk up the pathway to the lighthouse, the limbs of a large banyan tree reach out in every direction, offering shade to a wooden deck built over the foundation of the original keepers’ house. Even though it may look like there are several trees, there is only one! The hair-like roots on this 85-year-old tree reach back to the ground, take hold and form new tree trunks.
Tindall House
The house was built in 1892 by George Tindall and is believed to be one of the oldest houses in Palm Beach County. Originally, the house was located along the Loxahatchee River several miles west of its current location. It was moved in 1997 to Burt Reynolds Park, then again in 2007 to its final home in Lighthouse Park. The main portion of the house features four rooms: living room, parlor, bedroom and workroom. True to style for cracker houses, the Tindall house is elevated off the ground, has high ceilings, and large windows. Off the back of the house is a replica of the kitchen and dining area, separated from the main part of the house to cut back on heat and potential fires to the remainder of the house. The interior is furnished with photos of the family, as well as donated items from the 1900s.
Pennock Plantation Bell
Protected from the elements under a wooden roof, the Pennock Plantation Bell has a history of its own. The bell was used to signal lunch break or the end of a work day at the Pennock Plantation. It would ring once on those occasions, then continuously when the volunteer fire department was needed. The Pennocks are some of the early pioneers of Jupiter, arriving in 1902 and starting a fern business, as well as a dairy farm. During the first half of the 20th century, the Pennock Plantation was the largest employer in Jupiter.
Plants
As you walk along the brick path, make sure to stop and take a look at the many plants along the way. Some of them are native to Florida, while others are not. Wild coffee, muhly grass, dune sunflowers, and beauty berries are all native. Although agave is found mostly in Mexico and the American Southwest, the dry, sandy soil of Florida is also conducive to its growth. Agave has been growing at the Jupiter Lighthouse for more than 100 years.
Museum and Gift Shop
Before you leave, make sure to check out the museum and gift shop. The museum, housed inside the 1940 WII Naval Housing Building, offers the exhibit “5,000 Years on the Loxahatchee.” Eight galleries provide additional information on the lighthouse, maritime history and notable individuals from the area.
Self-guided Tour App
If you opt to explore the grounds without a tour guide, there is an App you can download that ensures you don’t miss anything! Starting from the welcome gate, you are guided on a journey through the history of early Native Americans and the Seminole Indians in the area. Interpretive readings from period journals provide personal recollections of the life and times of early settlers.
The App provides information on some of the best areas for taking photos, as well as points of interest along the brick path.
Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and Museum Hours
The Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and Museum is located at 500 Captain Armour’s Way in Jupiter and is open 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. The last lighthouse grounds admission is at 4:00 p.m. Guided docent tours are held at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Note that the lighthouse is open Tuesday – Sunday, May through December and seven days a week from January to April.
There is a $12 admission fee for adults, $6 for children 6 – 18, and no charge for children five and under. Special rates are available for U.S. Veterans and senior 60 and over. Children must be 48” to climb.
