Last post we highlighted four of the Rhode Island Lighthouses in Newport County. In that post we visited Beavertail Lighthouse, Castle Hill Lighthouse, Hog Island Shoal Lighthouse, and the Ida Lewis Rock Lighthouse.
That’s three more lighthouses than most other areas could list – but we’re just getting started! As we mentioned last post, Rhode Island is home to 21 lighthouses, 8 of which are right here in Newport County!
Few structures are as iconic and romantic to the eye as a lighthouse. Lighthouse tourism is a popular pastime, something we know about here on Rhode Island with our 21 lighthouses! In this post, we’ll continue our look at the Rhode Island Lighthouses of Newport County. If you missed Part 1 of our post on the Rhode Island Lighthouses of Newport County, you should take some time to read it, as well.
Newport Harbor Lighthouse
Goat Island, Newport, Rhode Island
newenglandlighthouses.net
Newport Harbor Light, also known as Goat Island Lighthouse, was the first beacon built for Newport Harbor. This modest stone lighthouse was built in 1824 and is located at the North end of Goat Island. The lighthouse is not open to the public but the grounds adjacent to it are!
Prudence Island Lighthouse
Prudence Island, Portsmouth, Rhode Island
newenglandlighthouses.net
The Prudence Island Light, built in 1824, is the oldest lighthouse in Rhode Island. The island is most easily reached via ferry from Bristol. The lighthouse tower is about a mile’s walk from the ferry landing but is not open to the public.
Rose Island Lighthouse
Narragansett Bay, Newport, Rhode Island
roseislandlighthouse.org
Rose Island Lighthouse is a still-active light built in 1870. The bottom floor of the restored lighthouse is now a “living museum” where visitors can learn all about the working lives of lighthouse keepers and their families. The upper floor is an apartment for modern-day keepers.
Sakonnet Point Lighthouse
Sakonnet Point, Little Compton, Rhode Island
sakonnetlighthouse.org
The Sakonnet Point Light was built on Little Cormorant Rock in 1884. The lighthouse is not open to the public. While you can see it from the beach at Sakonnet Point in Little Compton, RI. Closer views are only available from the water.
Rhode Island Lighthouses of Newport County
There are plenty of resources for visiting, viewing, and learning about Newport County lighthouses. Numerous tour companies offer cruises that will take you close to the harder to reach lights. There are also many great sites that detail the history of Newport County lighthouses:
www.lighthousefriends.com
www.newenglandlighthouses.net
http://www.rhodeislandlighthousehistory.info
Newport County Lighthouse Lodging
After a long day of driving and climbing up and down the spiral staircases of lighthouses, you’re going to be eager for some warm and relaxing hospitality. You’ll find no better service, quality, and amenities than those offered at Newport County Inns and Bed & Breakfasts! Give yourself and your companions the pleasure of true comfort, a good night’s rest, and the delicious breakfasts of a locally owned and operated Newport County B&B!