Southeast Lighthouse
4.7(475)google
4.5(17)yelp
Scenic LookoutFamilyOutdoorPhoto SpotOcean ViewCity LandmarkHistoric BuildingCoast
Overview
Perched high atop the majestic Mohegan Bluffs, the Block Island Southeast Lighthouse is a brilliant masterpiece of functionally striking Gothic Revival architecture. Built in 1874, this historic landmark features an architecturally significant brick tower and an attached keeper's house that showcases exquisite craftsmanship of the era. The lighthouse gained national recognition not only for its vital role in maritime safety but also for an extraordinary engineering feat in 1993, when the entire structure was moved hundreds of feet inland to protect it from severe cliff erosion. Today, it offers a fascinating museum and exceptional views.
Practical Info
Mon10:00 AM 4:00 PM
Tue10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Wed10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Thu10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Fri10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sat10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sun10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Suggested Duration1-1.5 hours
Best TimeThis architectural 1874 brick sentinel perched on the sheer edge of Mohegan Bluffs is an open-air historical marvel. The absolute, defining time to visit is sunset (5:30 PM to 7:00 PM) on a clear evening; the low setting sun bathes the ornate gothic revival tower in deep copper light against a fiery, wide Atlantic horizon sky.
Getting TherePerched dramatically on the southern bluffs of Block Island at 122 Southeast Light Rd. From the Old Harbor ferry terminal, navigate south along Spring St, and turn onto Southeast Light Rd for a winding 1.5-mile bike or taxi ride. The state historic landmark provides a dedicated, free open-air gravel parking lot directly outside the fence.
Travel Tips
- Interior tower tours are highly seasonal (June through Labor Day) with restricted midday windows. Due to steep, narrow spiral stairs, children under 44 inches tall are strictly prohibited from ascending the tower, with no on-site child care available.
Photo Tips
Best LightMorning offers optimal front-lighting for photographing the iconic red-brick structure, whereas afternoons suffer from intense Atlantic backlighting. The site shares a tiny gravel lot with Mohegan Bluffs that fills by 11:00 AM, making bike or taxi transit preferred.
Photo Rules
- Perched on the unstable edge of Mohegan Bluffs, the lighthouse area is subject to severe erosion. Crossing the safety fences for photography or drone operation is structurally hazardous due to sudden soil collapse and legally prosecuted as a federal property violation.
Reviews
Positive
- This grand brick Gothic Revival lighthouse stands proudly on the steep Mohegan Bluffs against the ocean, offering unmatched visual majesty.
- The lighthouse houses an exquisite small history museum; the Fresnel lens on display is spectacular, supported by clear historical signage.
- The museum staff are local volunteers who are highly dedicated and passionate when explaining the history of moving the lighthouse.
- Accessing the surrounding lawns and outdoor viewing areas is free and parking is cheap, offering classic Rhode Island coastal views at low cost.
Heads up
- If you want to climb to the top of the tower for the view, you must buy a separate individual ticket with very limited slots, which feels pricey.
- The spiral staircase inside is extremely narrow and steep, offering no wheelchair access and being unfriendly to those with mobility issues or acrophobia.
- Located on a remote cliff, there are no formal indoor restaurants or convenience stores except a food truck, making re-supply inconvenient.
- As a famous landmark, the tiny parking lot gets completely full during midday peak hours, and the lawn crowds clutter the serene atmosphere.