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CLOSURE NOTICE

Cape Henry Lighthouse is closed to civilians due to current base security restrictions at Fort Story. It is open only to active/retired military and DoD card holders.

Visitors over the age of 16 must have a REAL ID when accompanying someone with an active/retired military and DoD card. We apologize for any inconvenience and hope you will visit us soon. 

Questions? Email us at
capehenry@preservationvirginia.org
or call 757-422-9421.

First federally funded public works project completed in 1792
The John Marshall House

Admission Details

Cape Henry Lighthouse is open Wednesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, New Years Eve and New Years Day, and January 2 and 3.

Cape Henry Lighthouse is closed to civilians due to current base security restrictions at Fort Story. It is open only to active/retired military and DoD card holders.

Visitors over the age of 16 must have a REAL ID when accompanying someone with an active/retired military and DoD card. We apologize for any inconvenience and hope you will visit us soon. 

Preservation Virginia Members: Free
General Admission: $15
AAA, Senior (60+), Military Discount: $12
Students: $10
Children (Under 6): Free

Schedule Tour
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About the Lighthouse

Cape Henry Lighthouse is the first federally funded public works project of the newly formed United States government. It was authorized by George Washington and overseen by Alexander Hamilton. The Lighthouse is situated near the “First Landing” site where English settlers first set foot on their way to settle in Jamestown. Built with the same Aquia sandstone as much of Washington, D.C, the lighthouse guided sea travelers to safety for almost 100 years. The distinctive black and white striped “New” Cape Henry Lighthouse was built in 1881 but remains closed to the public.

Preservation Virginia members placed a tablet on the tower in 1896 to mark the site of the “First Landing” and in 1930 an act of Congress deeded the Lighthouse and surrounding land to our care.

Today, Cape Henry Lighthouse is surrounded by the Joint Expeditionary Base Fort Story (JEBFS). 

Base Access Requirements

NOTE: Visitors with an authorized DoD/Military ID will be allowed to drive directly to Cape Henry Lighthouse.

  • Valid REAL ID card for all visitors 16-years of age and older is required
  • Driver of vehicle must be able to produce valid vehicle registration and proof of insurance
  • ADA service animals ONLY, but it is not physically possible for them to climb the final ladder to the top of the lighthouse
  • Visitors can access the base as a pedestrian or on bicycle with a valid REAL ID
  • Not allowed on base: Illegal drugs, alcohol, contraband and weapons
  • Possession of contraband will result in denial of access to the base
  • Visitors must be able to pass a background check. Click here for a full list of checks

Plan Your Visit

*All climbers must be at least 42″ tall. Adults are not permitted to carry children.*

Children 15 years old or younger must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Guests without government IDs must ride a shuttle from the base gate to the lighthouse. The military has a station set up to record visitor information and explain base policies before boarding the shuttle. Shuttles run every 15 minutes, with the last one leaving at 4 p.m. People 16 and over must have a valid REAL ID.

Please note: During the summer months, the temperature at the top of the tower can reach extreme levels. Cape Henry Lighthouse will close the tower when the heat index inside reaches 125°. We also close the tower during thunderstorms and when lightning has been spotted. Visitors will still be able to walk to the top of the dune and shop in the museum store. Winter weather advisories also may effect the opening of the tower.

Forst Story Base Rules & Regulations

Base Access Requirements

NOTE: Visitors with an authorized DoD/Military ID will be allowed to drive directly to Cape Henry Lighthouse.

  • Valid ID card for all visitors 16-years of age and older
  • Driver of vehicle must be able to produce valid vehicle registration and proof of insurance
  • ADA service animals ONLY, but it is not physically possible for them to climb the final ladder to the top of the lighthouse
  • Visitors can access the base as a pedestrian or on bicycle with a valid ID
  • Not allowed on base: Illegal drugs, alcohol, contraband and weapons
  • Possession of contraband will result in denial of access to the base
  • Visitors must be able to pass a background check. Click here for a full list of checks

Authorized Sites to Visit on JEBLCFS

  • Old Cape Henry Lighthouse
  • Cape Henry Memorial National Park Service

Location & Arrival

Visiting on weekdays, and arriving before 11 a.m. or after 3 p.m., could help avoid long entrance station lines and delays, as well as difficulty finding a place to park. During peak visitor season at Cape Henry (typically from April into November each year), parking is extremely limited and usually fills by 11 a.m. During these times, visit Cape Henry with a back-up plan. Visitors are strongly encouraged to consider visiting mid-week, which is when Cape Henry is generally less crowded. Be flexible. Arrive with alternative plans and destination in mind or plan to wait in line for a parking spot during busy times. Wait times at the entrance station can be over an hour on the very busiest weekends and holidays. The general public (without government I.Ds) must ride a shuttle from the base gate to the lighthouse. The military has a station set up to record visitor information and explain base policies before boarding the shuttle. Shuttles run every 15 minutes, with the last one leaving at 4 p.m. People 16 and over must have a valid REAL ID.

Key Visitor Information

Parking and Arrival

Location and arrival: ample onsite parking available. For special accessibility requests, contact us in advance.
VisitAble Advocate Certification

Get in Touch

For information on pricing and availability contact us at:
Schedule Tour
Membership

Events at the Cape Henry Lighthouse

All Events
Voices Remembered

African American History at Cape Henry Lighthouse

Each year our research uncovers more African American connections to the Cape Henry Lighthouse and surrounding areas. These stories will be added to our Voices Remembered website as more information is discovered.

Learn More

Cape Henry Lighthouse Stories

Secret Link