Gain Private Access to the Top of NYC's Little Red Lighthouse

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The Little Red Lighthouse, a beloved beacon tucked beneath the George Washington Bridge, rarely opens its doors. This June, you can gain exclusive access inside the historic lighthouse to climb to the top with Untapped Cities Insiders. Led by an Urban Park Ranger, you will learn the history of this unique landmark and the surrounding area of Fort Washington Park, The George Washington Bridge and the Hudson River. After a walk through the park you will get to go inside the lighthouse and climb the original 48 cast iron plate steps all the way to the top. This free tour is open to Untapped Cities Insiders and registration for tickets for both dates offered opens today at noon. Not an Insider yet? Become a member today to access free behind-the-scenes tours and special events in New York City all year long!

DATES: Friday, June 7th, 2019 12:00PM-1:30PM and Friday, June 14th, 2019 12:00PM-1:30PM

PRICE: FREE for Untapped Cities Insiders! CAPACITY: 30 guests. Spots allocated a first come, first served.

REGISTRATION: Open now!

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The Little Red Lighthouse was originally erected in 1880 in New Jersey. Officially named The Jeffrey’s Hook Lighthouse, it moved to its current site in 1921. When the George Washington Bridge opened in 1931, the brighter lights of the bridge made the tiny lighthouse obsolete. It was decommissioned by the Coast Guard in 1948. When the Coast Guard moved to tear down the lighthouse in 1951, public disapproval of the plan led to the site being turned over to the Parks Department. Affection for the site was garnered by the release of a children’s book, The Little Red Lighthouse and the Great Gray Bridge, written by Hildegarde Swift and Lynd Ward in 1942. This is also where the site got its nickname, though it is unknown when exactly the lighthouse was painted red, as that was not its original color.