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State Park Link: Barnegat Lighthouse State Park
Nearby Parks: Sedge Islands State Wildlife Management Area Sedge Islands State Wildlife Management Areas Island Beach State Park Barnegat National Wildlife Refuge Double Trouble State Park Bass River State Forest Brigantine National Wildlife Refuge
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| State Park Overview: |
 | The site of Barnegat Lighthouse on the northern tip of Long Beach Island in Ocean County was regarded as one of the most crucial "change of course" points for coastal vessels. Vessels bound to and from New York along the New Jersey coastline depended on Barnegat Lighthouse to avoid the shoals extending from the shoreline. The swift currents, shifting sandbars, and the offshore shoals challenged the skills of even the most experienced sailor. The park is included as a maritime site on the New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail. |
| Nature of the Area: |
| Nature Observation
Barnegat Lighthouse State Park is an excellant area to observe many species of birds during the spring and fall migrations. A New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife program provides seasonal fencing of critical nesting areas on the beach adjacent to the park. This provides protection for certain endangered beach nestings birds and opportunities for observation.
The park also is a great location for viewing wintering waterfowl such as red-breasted mergansers, common eiders and harlequin ducks. The park sponsors several waterfowl viewing programs throughout the winter. Call the park office at (609) 494-2016 for the current schedule.
The Maritime Forest Trail in a 1/5-mile long, self-guided loop through one of the last remnants of maritime forest in New Jersey. The forests, which is dominated by black cherry, sassafras, eastern red cedar and American holly, is an important resting and feeding area for migratory birds on their long journey to and from their breeding sites. |
| Reviews By Park Visitors: |
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Fun Field Trip
It was excellent because it had a great view,and it was fun going into all the rooms and reading almost all the information,and climbing up all 217 steps.
Written by Christian
29-May-2008
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Breathtaking Site
I have been vacationing on Long Beach Island my entire life. My grandmother owns a waterfront home in Harvey Cedars and I am always exstatic to go back every year. Barnegat Lighthouse is no exception. I have been to see the lighthouse and the park thousands of times and it is always more breathtaking than the last time. I love the history behind the light and will continue to go and see it every year.
Written by SMiller
6-Jul-2008
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A memorable site
What a fantastic experience to visit the lighthouse and to walk along the walkway and jetty. My 11 year old son and I enjoyed a wonderful afternoon here. We will remember it always!
Written by LBI Fan for life
20-Aug-2008
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| Trails: |
| Maritime Forest Trail
One of the last remnants of maritime forest on Long Beach Island is found at Barnegat Lighthouse State Park. The forest, which is dominated by Black Cherry, Sassafras, Eastern Red Cedar, and American Holly, is an important resting and feeding area for migratory birds on their long journey to and from their breeding sites. The Maritime Forest Trail is a 1/5-mile long, self-guided loop trail through this unique environment. |
| Picnicking: |
| Picnic tables are located along Barnegat Inlet where visitors can picnic, relax, and observe the waterway. Two picnic shelters with tables are also provided for picnicking. Visitors who enjoy sunbathing and fishing can picnic on the sand along the jetty. Fires, propane stoves, and alcoholic beverages are prohibited. |
| Fishing and Hunting: |
| Saltwater anglers have access to the bulkhead along the picnic area where they can catch striped bass, bluefish, weakfish, summer flounder, tautog, winter flounder, and black sea bass. A 1,033-foot concrete walkway with handrails on top of the south jetty provides fishing access for people with disabilities. The picnic areas are also accessible for people with disabilities. |
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| Area Accommodations |
| B&Bs / Inns | |  | Manchester Inn Bed and Breakfast - Ocean Grove, NJ The Manchester Inn, The Ocean Grove New Jersey Bed Breakfast and The Secret Garden Restaurant are steps from the white sandy beach and the gentle surf of the Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy the cooling ocean breezes from our rocking chair porch while overlooking Ocean Pathway, Ocean Groves finest avenue! Web Site: http://www.themanchesterinn.com/index.htm |
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...vacation cabin, weekend getaway, log cabin rental, romantic cottage, vacation home, resort, hotel, motel, bed and breakfast, country inn, campground, RV park, horseback riding stable, canoe livery, river rafting, outfitting, sporting goods store, guide service, RV rental, etc read more.... |
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| Local Visitor Information Web Sites |
| | |  | Manchester Inn Bed and Breakfast The Manchester Inn, The Ocean Grove New Jersey Bed Breakfast and The Secret Garden Restaurant are steps from the white sandy beach and the gentle surf of the Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy the cooling ocean breezes from our rocking chair porch while overlooking Ocean Pathway, Ocean Groves finest avenue!
Web Site: http://www.themanchesterinn.com/index.htm |
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| Related Links: |
 | History, Birds, Lighthouse -- Barnegat Lighthouse State Park - Barnegat Lighthouse State Park PO Box 167 Barnegat Light, NJ 08006 (609) 494 2016 The original lighthouse at Barnegat Inlet went into service in 1835. The forty-foot tower was equipped with ... |  | Barnegat Lighthouse State Park - Barnegat Lighthouse State Park Barnegat Light, Ocean County, NJ (609) 494-2016 32 Acres Directions : Located on Long Beach ... is found at Barnegat Lighthouse State Park. The forest, which is ... |  | Department of Environmental Protection - ... lands mgt. american revolution interpretation & education corporate partners Barnegat Lighthouse State Park Photo by Julia E. Obetz Barnegat Lighthouse State Park Mailing Address: P.O. Box 167 ... |  | Long Beach Island, NJ Amusements - Phone numbers and addresses and other information for long beach island,nj amusementsand other ... Light, 8th St. & 12th St. Barnegat Lighthouse State Park, 494-2016 Barnegat Light Yacht Basin ... |  | OBARC lighthouse activities - ... Tuckerton, NJ 08087 USA. More info on the lighthouse! More Lighthouse links! The Barnegat Lighthouse State Park Margaret's Lighthouse page More Lighthouse links! RETURN TO THE OLD BARNEY ARC WEB ... |  | The 5th Annual LBI Unithon - May 31, 2003 - Home page of the 5th Annual Long Beach Island (LBI) Unithon ... post-Unithon barbecue will take place right at the Barnegat Lighthouse State Park. Riders who park at the Lighthouse parking lot will not ... |  | North Shore Innn - ... to visitors to enjoy the breathtaking views. You can enjoy a short stroll to Barnegat Lighthouse State Park and Bird Sanctuary, located adjacent to the lighthouse. A large rock jetty extends deep ... |  | Barnegat Light: Past and Present - ... operated through decommissioning in 1927. It is now the central focus of the Barnegat Lighthouse State Park, located within the Borough. The Barnegat Light Museum, houses the original lens (a work ... |
| Area Attractions: |
| Barnegat Lighthouse
The beloved Barnegat Lighthouse is shining again, as it was illuminated on January 1, 2009 - exactly 150 years to the day that it was originally lit in 1859. Thanks to the Friends of Barnegat Lighthouse, the nonprofit group dedicated to preserving and promoting the park, funds were raised to purchase a new Coast Guard-approved lens. The new light creates a single beam that can be visible for up to 22 nautical miles. In 1927, the original lens was removed, and was replaced by a lightship anchored off the coast of Barnegat light. The original lens is still on display down the road at the Barnegat Lighthouse Historical Society's Museum.
A panoramic view of Island Beach, Barnegat Bay, and Long Beach Island awaits visitors at the top of Barnegat Lighthouse. The lighthouse is open daily from 9 AM to 4:30 PM (weather permitting) from April 1 through October 31. The remainder of the year the lighthouse is open 9 AM to 3:30 PM, Wednesday through Sunday (closed Monday and Tuesday). There is a $1 fee per person to enter the lighthouse from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Children under 12 are free and must be accompanied by an adult. Visitors can also catch the views from the top without climbing the 217 steps thanks to four cameras that transmit live images of the view to a display in the adjacent Interpretive Center.
Barnegat Lighthouse Interpretive Center
The ?Story of Barnegat Lighthouse? is showcased in the newly renovated Interpretive Center at Barnegat Lighthouse State Park, which is adjacent to the lighthouse. The Interpretive Center depicts the history of Barnegat Lighthouse from shipwreck, to first class seacoast light.
Images and stories recount the vision of Lieutenant George G. Meade; the evolution of lighthouse technology; and the specific duties of Barnegat Lighthouse's keepers. A large panel entitled ?Save Barnegat Light? focuses attention on efforts of the local community and federal, state and local governments to protect the lighthouse from erosion and ultimate destruction.
Visitors can learn about the changing nature of the coastline and the natural environment that surrounds the lighthouse, including Barnegat Bay, the Atlantic Ocean and the maritime forest. A gallery of historic photographs provides a glimpse of life at a lighthouse on the Jersey Shore in bygone days. These images portray the lure of the bay and the many ways people have used and enjoyed the resources of this region. For the hours of operation, please call the park office at 609-494-2016. |
| Area Campgrounds | | |
| Directions: |
| Barnegat Lighthouse State Park is situated on the northern tip of Long Beach Island in Ocean County. The park can be reached by taking the Garden State Parkway to exit 63. From Route 72 east, turn left onto Long Beach Blvd. and then left onto Broadway. The park entrance is on the right. |
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