Monmouth Discovery

History & Lighthouses · Highlands

Twin Lights Historic Site

The Navesink Twin Lights, built in 1862, a state historic site on the Highlands with a free museum and a paid tower climb in season.

The north tower and brownstone fortress-style buildings of Twin Lights in Highlands under a clear blue sky.
Photo: Acroterion, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The current Twin Lights were built in 1862, though the Highlands of Navesink were in use for watching shipping long before that. The hills overlook the entrance to New York Bay and are among the highest points on the eastern seaboard. The site is operated by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, with the Twin Lights Historical Society running the museum store.

The grounds are open daily from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm year-round. Museum, grounds and outer buildings are free. Climbing the tower costs $5 for adults and $2 for children under 12 from Memorial Day to October 31, and one ticket covers both the North and South Towers. Last climbs are at 3:50 pm. Guided tours are $12 for adults and $2 for children under 12.

The society lists two schedules for the museum and tower, one daily from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm and one Wednesday through Sunday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, so call 732-872-1814 for current days. Touring is self-guided, with wayfinding signs, information panels and interactive features.

Good for

  • History
  • Rainy day

Last checked 2026-10-24. Spotted something wrong? Suggest an edit

More in History & Lighthouses

The white Sandy Hook Lighthouse tower and keeper's house under a sky of scattered clouds.

History & Lighthouses · Sandy Hook

Sandy Hook Lighthouse

Completed in 1764, the oldest operating lighthouse in the United States, with ranger-led tower tours at Gateway National Recreation Area.

Two yellow officers' houses at Fort Hancock on Sandy Hook with a windswept tree between them.

History & Lighthouses · Sandy Hook

Fort Hancock

The Fort Hancock and Sandy Hook Proving Ground National Historic Landmark, with batteries and Army buildings on Sandy Hook and free parking.

A split-rail fence beside a mown path at Monmouth Battlefield State Park, with woods behind.

History & Lighthouses · Manalapan

Monmouth Battlefield State Park

State park on the 1778 Battle of Monmouth site, with a visitor center, a gift shop and a large June living history reenactment.