The Key West Lighthouse and Keeper’s Quarters Museum, at 938 Whitehead Street, pairs a climb up an 88-step spiral staircase with exhibits about the island’s maritime past. From the top, you can look across Key West and the surrounding water; back below, the former keepers’ quarters hold historical displays about the people who maintained the light. The current lighthouse dates to 1848, after a hurricane destroyed the earlier tower. It is a rewarding stop for history and views, but the narrow, steep stairs are unsuitable for some visitors.
A lighthouse rebuilt after a hurricane
The first Key West lighthouse was built in 1825 to help ships navigate the reefs around the island. The Great Havana Hurricane destroyed that tower in 1846, and the current lighthouse was completed in 1848. The light station helped guide vessels through hazardous waters for more than a century before the lighthouse was decommissioned in 1969.
The tower changed over time, including being raised in 1894. Its history connects the structure to the ships that relied on the light and to the people responsible for keeping it working. Today, the lighthouse and its former keepers’ quarters are preserved as a museum.
The keepers and their quarters
The museum in the Keeper’s Quarters focuses on the lives and work of the lighthouse keepers and their families. Displays include maritime artifacts, historic photographs, antique furnishings and personal belongings. Audio and visual material adds context to the exhibits, and a short film is available.
The history also includes women who served as keepers. The first keeper of the lighthouse was a woman, an uncommon appointment in the 19th century. Barbara Mabrity is among the women associated with the station’s story. Their work helped maintain the light and guide ships through the waters around Key West.
Climbing the tower
The climb to the top follows 88 iron steps in a spiral staircase. The stairway narrows and steepens near the top, and the viewing balcony is narrow. Take your time on the stairs and use the handrail. The climb is not a good fit for visitors who have mobility difficulties, dislike heights or are uncomfortable with confined spaces.
At the top, the view takes in Key West and the surrounding water, with sightlines toward the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. Placards help identify nearby historic places. The climb is the main physical challenge of the visit, so decide whether it suits you before starting.
Planning a visit
The lighthouse is at 938 Whitehead Street, directly across from the Hemingway Home and Museum, so the two sites can be paired in one outing. The grounds, tower and Keeper’s Quarters are all part of the visit. Comfortable shoes are useful for the stairs, and advance ticket purchase is recommended. If avoiding crowds matters to you, plan for an off-peak time.
The visit combines the climb with time among the museum displays, so allow room for both if you want to see the exhibits as well as the view. A gift shop is on site.
FAQ
How many steps are there in the Key West Lighthouse?
There are 88 iron steps in the spiral staircase to the top.
What can you see at the Keeper’s Quarters Museum?
The exhibits cover lighthouse keepers and their families, with maritime artifacts, photographs, antique furnishings and personal belongings. Audio and visual material is also available.
Is the lighthouse climb suitable for everyone?
The staircase is narrow and steep, and the viewing balcony is narrow. It is not suitable for some visitors with mobility concerns or discomfort with heights or confined spaces.
Can you visit the Hemingway Home and the lighthouse together?
Yes. The Hemingway Home and Museum is directly across Whitehead Street from the lighthouse.
