Hereford Inlet Lighthouse

The 50-foot tower and its beacon are visible for up to 13 nautical miles. The treacherous Hereford inlet had sunk many ships before, so the United States Lifesaving Service built a small station there in 1849. It was later destroyed and replaced by the current lighthouse in 1874.

This Swiss Gothic Style Lighthouse was constructed in 1874 to provide a beacon for mariners navigating the treacherous Hereford Inlet. The Lighthouse still shines its beacon 14 nautical miles out to sea.

The lighthouse was closed in 1913 from storm damage was rebuilt and moved 150 feet west 1914. The lighthouse continued to operate until 1964 when it was decommissioned and an automatic iron light tower was built nearby replacing the old light and displacing the light-keeper.

In 1963 the entire property was transferred to the control of the New Jersey Marine Police, who used other buildings on the property but boarded up the lighthouse. On September 2, 1982 the lighthouse was turned over to the city of North Wildwood.

In April 1986, the light was again placed inside the lighthouse.

Now owned by the town of North Wildwood, it has reopened to public tours of the light and its extensive gardens.

The lighthouse is listed on the State and National Historic Registers.

Hours:
Oct. 16th 2006 to May 13th 2007 – Open 5 days per week
Closed Monday & Tuesday
Hours: 10:00am - 4:00pm
Last tour ticket sold 3:00PM  

TOUR ADMISSION FEES:
Adults 12 yrs. and up $4.00
11 yrs. and under $1.00
Call for group rates