The historic Biloxi Lighthouse is one of the most photographed sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Its structure is a signature landmark in Biloxi and the only lighthouse that can be found right in the center of a major highway. If you are looking to visit Biloxi, the Biloxi lighthouse is a must-visit attraction so you get to experience for yourself its specialty.
About the Biloxi Lighthouse
Regardless of whether you are an avid history lover or simply an enthusiast of everything nautical, you will have a great time at the Biloxi Lighthouse. It is an equally enjoyable senior activity that is calming and educational.
Lighthouse History
The development of Biloxi Lighthouse took place in 1848 and it was one of the first cast-iron lighthouses of the South. It was civilian operated until 1939 and was infamous for employing multiple female lightkeepers like Maria Younghans who was working at the lighthouse for more than five decades. The responsibility of the lighthouse was assumed by the United States Coast Guard in 1939 and was deeded to Biloxi City in 1968. Over the years, the lighthouse weathered through testing storms and a third of the lighthouse’s height was engulfed by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, which also broke its windows, knocked off many bricks, and destroyed the electrical system. After a $400,000 restoration project that took 14 months, the lighthouse was re-opened to the public in 2010 and it is still signifying the city’s resilience through Katrina and other storms.
Visiting the Biloxi Lighthouse
The lighthouse measures 65 feet tall and it is open to the public for tours. Visitors can climb all the way to the top, trekking 57 spiral steps before climbing an eight-rung ladder, and passing through a 19×23” lightroom trapdoor. As visitors climb to the top, the waterlines created during hurricanes from as long as 100 years ago can be observed below. Visitors will also be able to enjoy scenic views of the Gulf at the top which they cannot get anywhere else in Biloxi. If you intend to visit the Biloxi Lighthouse as a recreational activity with an elderly, please take note that the climb to the top can be extremely strenuous for some. If your aging loved one has issues climbing multiple steps, please exclude them in the tour for safety reasons. If the weather permits, the lighthouse is open to the public every single day. Children aged 12 and under pay $2 and adults pay $5 for entrance.
Enjoying Retirement in Biloxi, MS
Visiting the Biloxi Lighthouse to strike off an item on your bucket’s list is definitely a good challenge to take on. However, we highly recommend testing your physical capacity prior to making the trip down to the lighthouse. It is a sure thing that you will enjoy a fun-filled day at the lighthouse but always prioritize your health before anything else if you intend to climb up to the top of the lighthouse to enjoy the stunning views of the Gulf.
