Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse | Palm Beach

History and Construction

The Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse was built between 1853 and 1860 under the direction of Army engineer Captain Edward A. Yorke. Constructed on a natural sand dune, the 105-foot tall brick tower features double masonry walls nearly three feet thick at the base. It was illuminated for the first time on July 10, 1860, using a first-order Fresnel lens, which focused light visible up to 24 nautical miles offshore. During the Civil War the light was deliberately extinguished by Confederate sympathizers, then relit in 1866. In World War II the tower housed Navy signal and radio equipment, serving as a U-boat tracking station and wireless telegraphy office.

Architectural Features

The lighthouse’s red-and-white painted tower rests on a square keeper’s dwelling connected by a covered passage. The original Fresnel lens, now on display in the museum, was replaced by a modern optic in the 1970s; a replica of the first-order lens operates for special tours. Inside the tower, a spiral iron staircase of 105 steps leads visitors to the lantern gallery. The keeper’s house was restored to its 19th-century appearance, with period furnishings and interpretive displays reflecting daily life of lighthouse keepers and their families.

The Museum and Historic Grounds

The museum occupies the last surviving building of the World War II naval radio station. Exhibits trace five thousand years of local history: indigenous sea-faring cultures, early settlers’ homesteads, Seminole chickees, and the lives of lighthouse keepers. Rotating community galleries explore subjects such as “Black Jupiter,” highlighting African American contributions to the area, and “One Jupiter,” celebrating the region’s Maya diaspora. The grounds include archaeological sites where pottery shards and shell middens reveal continuous human occupation.

Outstanding Natural Area

Surrounding the lighthouse is a 120-acre protected coastal preserve managed in partnership between the Bureau of Land Management and the Loxahatchee River Historical Society. Native habitats—mangrove swamp, coastal hammock, maritime forest and dune—support species such as loggerhead sea turtles, gopher tortoises and migratory birds. A north-side hiking trail leads to a scenic lagoon overlook. Interpretive signage along the paths explains restoration efforts and the importance of preserving these fragile ecosystems.

Visitor Programs and Tours

Climb tours ascend the 105 steps to panoramic views of the inlet, intracoastal waterway, Jupiter Island and the Atlantic. Specialized sunset and moonrise climbs are offered monthly, timed to coincide with golden-hour lighting. Guided walks focus on topics such as native plant identification, the Civil War and WWII history of the site, and lighthouse technology. Twilight yoga sessions on the lantern deck welcome up to 20 participants for gentle practice as the sun sets. Educational outreach includes school field trips and internship programs in archaeology and museum studies.

Community Engagement

The Loxahatchee River Historical Society hosts annual events such as the Lighthouse Festival in February, featuring heritage demonstrations, nautical crafts, live music and local food vendors. Volunteer restoration days invite community members to assist with painting, landscaping and trail maintenance. The site partners with environmental groups for coastal cleanup and sea turtle nesting surveys. Local artists exhibit work inspired by maritime themes in the Tindall Pioneer House gallery.

Practical Information

Visiting hours run Tuesday through Sunday, typically 10 AM to 4 PM; extended hours are added during special events. Admission fees vary by program—standard climb tours, museum access and themed experiences each carry separate rates. Visitors must be at least 48 inches tall and able to climb narrow stairways safely. Outdoor programs may be rescheduled in case of severe weather or high winds. A small gift shop offers guidebooks, postcards and lighthouse-themed souvenirs.