St. Simons Island Lighthouse Museum and Keeper's Dwelling

One of only five surviving light towers in Georgia, the restored lighthouse on St. Simons Island, with its original 3rd order Fresnel lens shining 23 miles out to sea, remains a navigational aid for traffic entering the St. Simons Sound. Unlike many other operational lights, visitors are welcome to climb the 129 steps to the top. Although no keeper awaits you, the vast panorama of the Golden Isles does. The museum, now housed in the Keeper's Quarters, features exhibits on the history of the Lighthouses and the Golden Isles. The second floor apartment has been restored to a keeper's home between 1872 and 1900. In addition, visitors can enjoy a video and museum store on the site.

With the commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War begining in 2011, now is the perfect time to explore St. Simons Island's Civil War history.