Highland Lighthouse

Imagine the endless blue of the Atlantic crashing against high clay cliffs — it is here, within the Cape Cod National Seashore, that Highland Light stands tall. Located near the town of Provincetown in the USA, this historic landmark is the oldest and tallest lighthouse on the entire peninsula.

The 20-meter brick tower serves as a vital landmark for vessels heading toward Massachusetts Bay. Thanks to its elevated position, the lighthouse beam is visible for many miles, making it a key navigational point on the coast. Near the main tower, structures from 1857 have been preserved, including a picturesque Queen Anne-style keeper's house.

Today, Highland Light is more than just an active navigational aid; it is a fascinating museum complex. The former keeper's house has been converted into an information center with a gift shop, while the grounds surrounding the lighthouse are perfect for walking. The site is surrounded by vast dunes and forests and even borders a golf course, creating a unique landscape for relaxation and maritime history exploration.

To contact the lighthouse administration and inquire about special tours, you can use the official contact details. Please note that the site is managed by the Truro Historical Society in partnership with the National Park Service.

The highlight of your visit will be the climb to the top of the tower. You will need to conquer 193 steps up a steep spiral staircase to reach the observation deck. From here, a breathtaking panorama opens up over the Atlantic Ocean, the dunes of the National Seashore, and Provincetown Harbor; on crystal-clear days, you can even spot the Boston skyline on the horizon.

The keeper's house hosts a museum where guides share stories of the lighthouse keepers' rugged daily lives and the history of local rescue operations. You can see unique lenses and vintage equipment that ensured ship safety for decades. In the museum's gift shop, you can purchase lighthouse models, books on regional history, and crafts by local artisans.

The surrounding area is part of the Cape Cod National Seashore, offering numerous opportunities for outdoor activities. There are hiking and biking trails that wind through picturesque forests and dunes. Art enthusiasts can try to find the exact perspective that inspired painter Edward Hopper to create his famous work "Highland Light," while nature lovers can watch bird migrations or spot whales in the offshore waters.

Highland Lighthouse is located in North Truro, just 5 kilometers from downtown Provincetown. Travelers by car should follow US-6 (Mid-Cape Highway) west to the Lighthouse Road exit. The drive takes about 10 minutes, and free visitor parking is available on-site.

During the summer season, the lighthouse is easily accessible via public transport. The Provincetown Shuttle and buses from the Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority run regularly between Provincetown and North Truro. This destination is also popular with cyclists: the scenic Province Lands Bike Trails lead to the lighthouse, and bicycle rentals are available at many points throughout the city.

If you are planning a visit from Boston, the drive takes approximately 2.5 hours. During the warmer months, a great alternative is the high-speed ferry from Boston to Provincetown (about 1.5 hours), followed by a short taxi or local bus ride to the lighthouse. Keep in mind that traffic congestion is common on Cape Cod roads during peak season.

The history of this site began in 1797, when a signaling station was established here by order of President George Washington. It was the very first lighthouse on Cape Cod and the twentieth in the United States. Originally, it was an octagonal wooden tower built on a plot of land purchased from a local farmer for just $110. The light from this beacon was the first welcome for ships arriving from Europe.

The current 20-meter tower was erected in 1857 after the old structures were deemed unsafe. The construction cost $17,000, creating one of the most powerful navigation systems on the U.S. East Coast. For many years, the lighthouse was fueled by whale oil and lard until it was fully electrified in 1932 and later automated.

One of the most fascinating chapters in the landmark's history was its "move" in July 1996. Due to relentless shoreline erosion, the lighthouse stood just 30 meters from the edge of the cliff. A unique engineering operation allowed the massive structure to be moved 137 meters inland. The entire process took 18 days, and now the historic building is safe, continuing to guide mariners with modern LED optics.

For a standard tour of Highland Light and the museum, you should allow 1.5 to 2.5 hours. This is plenty of time to climb to the top of the tower at a relaxed pace, listen to the guide's stories, and explore the exhibits in the keeper's house.

If you are a photography enthusiast or plan to hike the trails along the cliffs and dunes, consider budgeting about 3 hours for your visit. The area around the lighthouse is perfect for quiet contemplation of nature, and the proximity to the ocean and picturesque views often encourages travelers to stay longer than originally planned.

Visiting Highland Lighthouse is possible daily. The entire complex operates on a consistent schedule throughout the week, making it easy to plan your trip.

The site is open to guests from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Sunday. Please note that access to the tower for climbing and the museum's operation are typically seasonal (usually from May to October), while walking the grounds and viewing the lighthouse from the outside are possible year-round.

The area surrounding Highland Lighthouse is rich with historical and natural landmarks. A stroll through the National Seashore will reveal not only maritime landscapes but also unique structures that preserve the spirit of old America.