Mrs. K. and I were not interested in actually going inside the museum or in climbing to the top of this lighthouse. But wow, we were very interested in seeing, walking around it, enjoying the view of the Sound that you can see from here. This structure was built in 1840 to replace an earlier one from 1823 that succumbed to shoreline erosion, it was crafted from large granite blocks, some salvaged from its predecessor. The tower itself is octagonal and 35 feet tall, attached to a 1 1/2 story keeper's house. Initially lit by an oil lamp and eight parabolic reflectors, it was upgraded to a sixth-order Fresnel lens in 1856 - a leap forward in lighthouse technology. But by 1889, its light was extinguished, replaced by newer beacons on the harbor breakwaters. Its second life began in 1925, when the Stonington Historical Society purchased it for $3,650 and transformed it into what's believed to be the nation's first lighthouse museum. Since then, it's become a repository of local maritime and agricultural history, with exhibits ranging from sea captains' treasures to artifacts from the British bombardment of 1814, including a cannonball embedded in a hearthstone and a rare Congreve rocket. The museum doesn't have its own parking lot but you can park nearby if it's not too busy. Stonington Point and the Dubois Beach have a small lot and it's nice there. If you're passing by on I-95, this is only 20 minutes off the highway. Take the time to detour and check this out. Even if it's not season and the museum is closed, walking around is free. [Review 1071 of 2025 - 124 in Connecticut - 24625 overall] read more

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Very nice small, local museum. Exhibits are varied. War, slavery, whaling, local life. Three rooms on ground floor, one small upper space that is under renovation and the tower. During our visit the fresnel lens was in a crate on the 2nd level. The staircase to the light housing is narrow and two-way. The ladder to the top is sturdy but takes a bit of maneuvering to get on the platform. Area holds ~ four people and is quite warm. The one employee answered our many questions. They offer senior, first responder and veteran discounts on entry. The museum is air conditioned. A good stop while in the area. read more

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While you can view the lighthouse and walk the grounds year round, the museum (housed inside) is only opened in July and August. This was my first time inside. Admission is $10 and also includes admission to the Nataniel B. Palmer's house down the road (my next review). Great space with photos, artifacts, paintings and history of the Stonington area. It is well organized and fascinating. There are also books and other items for purchase available. The climb up is not bad, a little tricky on the attached ladder to the outlook point, but great to be able to do it. The grounds are worth a stroll to take in the water views. Parking is free just past the lighthouse and driving through this small and charming town is pleasurable. read more

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Fun place to visit and climb up to the top of the lighthouse. Nice views of the water. Friendly greeter too. Your admission also grants you admission to the Nathaniel Palmer House. A nice two-fer! read more

Seems like it could be a fun place to visit, but unfortunately it is closed weekdays during the winter months. The outside of the lighthouse and grounds are wonderful. Just a few steps from the waterfront which has amazing views of New York, Rhode Island and Connecticut. Careful when walking too and from the lighthouse as the streets and sidewalks are narrow. read more

Stonington Lighthouse Museum - Museums Near Me - Stonington, Connecticut

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My husband and I enjoy seeking out lighthouses and this was a really nice one to find. After climbing the 29 circular steps and a short ladder to reach the top of the tower, you will have a beautiful panoramic view overlooking the harbor and three states.. After you check out the view, be sure to explore the cute little museum down below that contains with many different artifacts and tons of history from the Stonington area. read more

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Stonington Lighthouse Museum is next to Dubois Beach on Stonington Point. Do stop in to see this well-preserved antique collection. The dollhouse upstairs is precious. If you're not familiar with "cisterns," the Docent will explain the system. See the glass floor panel in my photo. Yes, you can climb a sturdy stairway to the top, & the views are worth it. read more

Lights artifacts and history A great little museum for those interested in lighthouses or history. The original light was built in 1823 and then moved in1840 to it's present location. The 6th order Fresnel lens is still visible in the museum as well as many old photos, The other rooms in the museum contain many interesting artifacts from the town and the walk up to the top gives great views of the surrounding area. After visiting the museum it is fun to walk around historical Stonington village to look and admire at all the old houses and visit the shops and restaurants. A great way to spend a day. read more

I LOVE lighthouses & so does my Wife. We have been to many from Maine to the Keys, HI and inland. They are a welcoming respite amidst the boilIng sea! This place is intimidating! There are no welcoming posters to the site, just plaques and small, wooden signs, unkempt by the grass. It suggests "Go Away, we don't wantcha here!" as is the New England way. I would suggest a large sign w/hours and dates of opening and more advertising, unless that is what the lighthouse keeper's want. read more

After gorging on breakfast at Kitchen Little*, we decided to visit Stonington and enjoy some of the sights and sounds. It's a quaint little town with about as much diversity as an Abercrombie and Fitch ad. At the end of Water St, there's a lighthouse Museum (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/BSOacVYCfD5vS9HtqJHHDg?select=RXUTa0favy19qO2EXq_H3g) and a little area for parking that offers a great panoramic view of some body of water (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/BSOacVYCfD5vS9HtqJHHDg?select=Iws2qcl2nRzXA53OKRyS2g). I'm guessing it's Long Island Sound or Narragansett Bay. Either way, the lighthouse is pretty cool looking and the view at the parking lot is fantastic. There's also some memorial to Stonington - something about defending the town from the ship Ramillies. 4 stars because we were able to take some amazing photos and enjoy a nice, relaxing time with the family. We also noticed several families having little picnics on the stone benches. Afterwards, head on over to Skipper's Dock for some pretty tasty desserts. * There was a port-a-potty at the parking lot of the museum for which I--and my pants--are still thanking God. read more

Stonington Lighthouse Museum - Lighthouse Museum, Stonington, CT (from the website) - Museums Near Me - Stonington, Connecticut

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3.5 stars Discovered this cute spot on our way between New London/Waterford and Newport. It's a bit pricey ($9 for adults) to get into the lighthouse/museum, but the museum was jam packed full of interesting artifacts and factoids. You can also climb into the lighthouse tower and see three states (CT, NY and RI) on a clear day. read more

Stonington Lighthouse Museum - Stairs to get to top of lighthouse - Museums Near Me - Stonington, Connecticut

this was very interesting. there was a very good view from the top. and a little museum down stairs. it is well worth a visit. read more

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I love this museum which preserves and displays fascinating artifacts of nautical history related to the South County (S. Rhode Island/ Eastern CT). The museum is being renovated at present to allow protection of these artifacts through a climate control system as well as providing ADA access to visitors. This renovation will also provide the opportunity to have visiting exhibits from other museums throughout the area which will add some additional excitement to a visit to this museum. read more

Maybe I was Lighthoused out, but this was a very small exhibit. Not all lighthouse oriented. Doctor's walking cane with RX bottles & medical kit. Ice harvesting tools and pics. Grandma's attic with doll house and doll clothing. Battle of Stonington 1814 (says husband) interesting. Lighthouse items were two charts with lightup pinpoints to show location.... Friendly docent but $10@person for self guided tour??? They did have lighthouse stamps if you collect them for 4 area locations. Gift shop items so we bought 2 postcards and were directed to the local postoffice to go inside to get cancelation stamps. We did NOT climb the stairs due to bad knees but very narrow staircase. Cool glass floor showing cistern. Yes, duBois Beach has a fabulous view of Fisher Island sound. Wind surfers fun to watch. porto potty at beach but NO DOGS allowed. Very narrow roadway in/out parking area. read more

A must see when visiting the area. There is small beach on the grounds as well. Beautiful for the scenery alone. You can walk up a winding stair case to the top of the lighthouse. Interesting museum downstairs. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit. read more

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A great little museum with a nice mix of art and artifacts from in and around Stonington.

Can I give less stars? This was one of very few sites I wanted to see while in town for a couple days. If the lighthouse will be closed for a private event, it should be posted. Ridiculous. read more

I planned to visit, but arrived and the building was locked. Gate was open and I came during correct operating hours. I tried to call the phone number, no answer. read more