Huntington Lighthouse celebrates 40 years of preservation, kicks off 2025 tour season

The Huntington Lighthouse Preservation Society (HLPS) is marking its 40th anniversary this year with expanded public tours, a new website and ongoing renovation efforts to maintain the 113-year-old landmark.

Founded in 1985 to save the offshore lighthouse from demolition, HLPS has since raised over $3.5 million for preservation and restoration, relying entirely on volunteers, donations, grants and seasonal events.

The 2025 tour season is now underway, with the next public lighthouse tour set for Sunday, July 13. Tours continue on select Sundays through September. New this year, visitors can reserve and prepay online. Each 90-minute experience includes a round-trip boat ride from Gold Star Battalion Beach in Huntington to the lighthouse, where guests can explore the structure and learn about its history. Tours are open to ages 5 and up and are weather-dependent.

Remaining 2025 tour dates include: July 13, July 27, August 10, August 24, September 14 and September 28.

Restoration efforts remain a key part of HLPS’s mission. This spring, custom-fabricated windows – designed to match the originals – were installed thanks to funding from the Gardiner Foundation and a matching private donation. Other upcoming projects include roof and masonry repairs, new railings and installation of a watch deck door. 

Because of the lighthouse’s offshore location, all work and materials must be transported by boat and completed within a limited seasonal window.

HLPS also recently launched a redesigned website to support online bookings and merchandise sales. In partnership with Discover Long Island, the lighthouse is featured in a new commercial airing this summer to promote it as a local tourism destination.

Visitors may also spot the lighthouse’s resident ospreys, who returned to their reinforced nesting platform earlier this season. Two eggs have been spotted in the nest, with updates expected as the summer progresses.

For tour reservations, updates and more information, visit huntingtonlighthouse.org or follow along on Facebook and Instagram.