The lighthouse was moved in 1996 in a massive engineering project to protect it from cliff erosion.
The original 1797 wooden structure was the first lighthouse built on Cape Cod.
The light is visible up to 20 miles out at sea.
The 1857 tower was constructed with 1.2 million bricks.
The site was once known as the Highland House resort, frequented by artists and tourists in the early 20th century.
The lighthouse moved 450 feet west in 18 days during the 1996 relocation project.
Highland Lighthouse, also known as Cape Cod Light, is the oldest and tallest lighthouse on Cape Cod. Established in 1797 by order of George Washington, the current brick tower was constructed in 1857. In 1996, the entire 400-ton masonry structure was moved 450 feet inland to save it from the eroding cliff edge. The site features an associated museum containing maritime artifacts, including lenses and historical navigational tools. It sits atop the 120-foot high clay cliffs of the Cape Cod National Seashore. The light serves as an active aid to navigation for vessels in the Atlantic Ocean. The tower is built of brick and stands 66 feet tall. It is located within the Highland House Museum complex, which is housed in a former hotel built in 1905.
The grassy vantage point directly in front of the lighthouse looking toward the Atlantic Ocean.
Walk the perimeter of the light station to see the original 1857 foundation site markers.
Bring binoculars to scan for whales, which are frequently spotted from the cliffside.
Check weather conditions before arriving, as the cliff area is highly exposed to wind and Atlantic storms.
Do not venture beyond marked paths on the cliff edge due to unstable, eroding soil.
Operates seasonally from mid-spring through late autumn; closed during winter months.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes to navigate the sandy and uneven cliff paths.
