The Jupiter Lighthouse literally takes your breath away, from the 105 steps up the spiral stairs to the amazing view from the top. When visiting the Treasure Coast, make sure you put the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and Museum on your list of must sees. Just don't try climbing to the top if you suffer from acrophobia!
Built in 1860, the Jupiter Lighthouse has lit the way through the Civil War, both World Wars, and numerous hurricanes. Sitting atop a hill of sand and oyster shells on the banks of the Loxahatchee River, the lighthouse is on US Coast Guard property. The Loxahatchee River Historical Society has been devoted to the preservation of the beautiful red and black lighthouse, along with the area's heritage, since 1971. They operate the lighthouse tours, grounds and gift shop, which boasts gifts and souvenirs of all prices.
The museum is a restored World War II barracks. The tour begins with a visit to the museum where you can view the educational video with the fascinating history of the lighthouse. The remarkable artifacts are a testament to the region's compelling history. Be sure to plan for plenty of time to see all of the museum exhibits. The tour guide will tell you about the trees and plants on the grounds, which are all native to Florida, with the exception of the glorious Banyan tree which sits majestically at the base of the lighthouse. At the end of your tour, you may want to rest on a bench under the Banyan tree to cool off. While Jupiter isn't officially considered part of the Treasure Coast, your visit to the Treasure Coast wouldn't be complete without being lit up by the Jupiter Lighthouse.
The Jupiter is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
