Lighthouse Point Park & Carousel
City: New Haven
Lighthouse Point Park is an 82-acre waterfront park located at the eastern tip of New Haven Harbor. The park is famous for its historic lighthouse, which has been standing since 1847 and is a symbol of the city’s maritime history. The Five Mile Point Lighthouse, located on a point of land five miles from the New Haven Green, is an imposing 70-foot structure made of sandstone quarried from East Haven with a solid brick interior. The current tower was built in 1845, replacing the original 1805 lighthouse.
Visitors to Lighthouse Point Park can enjoy stunning views of Long Island Sound, relax on the sandy beach, and explore the park’s hiking trails and picnic areas. The park also has several activities, including a carousel, playground, and bird sanctuary, which offer visitors a chance to have fun, relax, and observe wildlife in Connecticut’s beautiful coastal setting.
The carousel is a beloved attraction that was originally built in 1916 by the Murphy Brothers Carousel Company. It features intricately carved wooden horses, chariots, and other fanciful figures. It is one of the few surviving examples of a classic amusement ride from the early 20th century and holds historical significance as a cultural treasure. The carousel has been restored to its original glory and continues to captivate visitors with its nostalgic charm and timeless appeal. It has 69 horses, one camel, and two dragon chariots. The outer rim of the carousel contains original oil paintings of local scenes of New Haven, as well as various boats, trains, mermaids, and lighthouses.
Both the lighthouse and carousel are listed on the National Registry of Historic Places.
Season runs: April 1-November 1. Gates open 7 a.m.-sunset year round. Carousel, weekends & holidays noon-4 p.m. Parking fees. Carousel rides: 50 cents.
2 Lighthouse Rd, New Haven, CT 06512, USA
203-946-8027
