Place to see: Twin Lights of Navesink, Highlands, New Jersey, United States

About this place:

Twin Lights Lighthouse, also known as Navesink Lightstation stands 200 feet above sea level in Highlands, New Jersey where it has stood since 1862. An earlier structure commissioned in 1828 was replaced by the current structure due to deterioration of the original structure. The two lights, joined by keeper quarters and storage rooms, help to distinguish it from other lighthouses in the area. It was the primary navigation point for New York Harbor until 1949 when the lights were decommissioned due the the availability of radar, offshoe light towers and automated lights, along with other sofisticated navigation equipment.

In 1962, the State of New Jersey acquired the lights from the town of Highlands. The building was converted into a museum and is open 7 days a week from 10:00 a.m. till 4:30 p.m. during the summer season at the shore (Memorial Day to Labor Day). During the off season, the building is open Wednesday through Sunday at the same time.

An 9 foot electic arc bivalve lens was used in the south tower (now on display at the museum) beginning in 1989. The light was so bright, it could be seen 22 miles out to sea. With the right conditions, it was said that the light could be seen at night up to 70 miles out to sea.