Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse
Maryland's oldest screw-pile lighthouse, relocated to Baltimore's Inner Harbor, offering history and views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Maryland's oldest screw-pile lighthouse, relocated to Baltimore's Inner Harbor, offering history and views.
"Amazing historical gem with great views, a must-visit in the Inner Harbor!"
Confirm Hours Before Visiting
Hours depend on staffing; email ahead to avoid disappointment. :iphone:
Small Fee, Big History
Admission is usually $1-$3, often cash or card. :ticket:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Screw-Pile Design
Pier 5, Inner Harbor
Marvel at the unique screw-pile foundation, a testament to 19th-century maritime engineering.
Panoramic Harbor Views
Top of the lighthouse
Ascend the stairs for stunning 360-degree views of Baltimore's Inner Harbor and beyond.
Lighthouse Keeper's Life
Inside the lighthouse museum
Explore exhibits detailing the history, tools, and isolated life of lighthouse keepers.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Know Before You Go
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Confirm Hours Before Visiting
Hours depend on staffing; email ahead to avoid disappointment. :iphone:
Small Fee, Big History
Admission is usually $1-$3, often cash or card. +1 :ticket:
Climb to the Top!
Sturdy stairs lead to great harbor views. +1 :athletic_shoe:
Photography Opportunities
Capture unique shots of this historic structure against the harbor backdrop. +1 :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
Confirm Hours Before Visiting
Hours depend on staffing; email ahead to avoid disappointment. :iphone:
Small Fee, Big History
Admission is usually $1-$3, often cash or card. +1 :ticket:
Climb to the Top!
Sturdy stairs lead to great harbor views. +1 :athletic_shoe:
Photography Opportunities
Capture unique shots of this historic structure against the harbor backdrop. +1 :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse a charming and historically significant stop in Baltimore's Inner Harbor. While some note its small size and variable hours, most appreciate the unique screw-pile design, the informative exhibits on lighthouse keepers, and the rewarding panoramic views from the top. It's considered a quick, worthwhile visit for those interested in maritime history or seeking a different perspective of the harbor.
"Do some research before you visit somewhere and then leave a review/comment.....you got a brain, put it to use. This place is amazing!!, even if you can't go inside. Why complain about; spending $2? closed when you went? smaller than you expected? I bet you also whine when your fire is too hot and your ice is too cold"
Jay
"$1 cash to visit the lighthouse. We paid the woman that was inside the lighthouse at the counter and then walked around inside. Great views inside of the lighthouse looking outside at the harbor, federal hill park, etc. Stairs to go up to the lighthouse is very sturdy and I felt safe. They have information in the light house about its history, what they used in it, tools, bed, past lighthouse keepers, etc. I had e-mail correspondence with Dayna and she was very helpful with pricing and hours of operation for the lighthouse since the hours for it really depend on staffing each day."
Andrea Grumbles (cat)
"It doesn't get a lot of foot traffic because of its obscure location but is definitely worth a visit. The view from here is quite nice that someone during our visit chose it to propose to his girlfriend (it appeared that she said yes). There is a small museum inside that tells the story of the lighthouse and how it was moved to its current location after it stopped operating. Admission is free. Come visit if you have at least half an hour to spare."
G Aquino
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse is located at Pier 5 in Baltimore's Inner Harbor. It's easily accessible on foot if you're already exploring the Inner Harbor attractions. Parking is available nearby, but can be pricey.
Yes, there are several parking garages and lots around Baltimore's Inner Harbor, including near Pier 5. Be prepared for typical city parking rates.
Absolutely! The lighthouse is a prominent feature of the Inner Harbor skyline and can be seen from various vantage points along the waterfront, including Federal Hill Park.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is typically a small fee, often around $1 to $3 per person. Some reviews mention it being free with a historic ships ticket, while others state a cash or card fee. It's best to confirm the current pricing. +1
The operating hours can vary daily as they depend on staffing. It's highly recommended to contact them via email or check their social media for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
Yes, when open, you can go inside the lighthouse. Visitors can explore the museum exhibits and climb to the top for views.
No, it's not always open. Hours are dependent on staffing, so it's crucial to check in advance. Some visitors have reported it being closed when they arrived.
Generally, advance booking isn't required for the Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse. You can usually purchase tickets upon arrival, provided it's open and staffed. +1
📸 📸 Photography
Consider framing the lighthouse with the Inner Harbor's modern skyline in the background for a striking contrast. +1 The circular structure also lends itself to interesting compositions from different sides.
While the lighthouse itself is beautiful at any time, sunset can offer lovely light reflecting off the harbor. Sunrise might be less ideal due to the orientation of the Inner Harbor.
For capturing the lighthouse's details and the surrounding harbor, a tripod is recommended for sharper images, especially in lower light. Experiment with aperture for depth of field. +1
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, always be respectful of other visitors and any posted guidelines within the lighthouse museum.
Its unique screw-pile design, historic architecture, and prominent location in the bustling Inner Harbor make it a visually appealing subject.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 Consider capturing it with the modern Baltimore skyline as a backdrop for a striking contrast. ⚓ Maritime History Buffs
The preserved interior offers a direct look into the lives of lighthouse keepers, complete with historical artifacts and information about its relocation. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Beacon of History: The Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse
+1 Its distinctive screw-pile foundation allowed it to be anchored in the shallow waters, a clever engineering feat for its time. After its operational life ended in 1948, it was thankfully preserved and relocated to its current, more accessible location at Pier 5 in Baltimore's Inner Harbor. Visiting the lighthouse offers a tangible connection to the past. Inside, you'll find exhibits detailing the history of lighthouse keeping, showcasing the tools, furniture, and daily life of the keepers who manned this isolated post.
While the lighthouse itself is a compact attraction, its historical significance and the panoramic views make it a worthwhile stop for anyone interested in maritime heritage or simply looking for a unique spot in the Inner Harbor.
Navigating Your Visit: Practicalities and Perspectives
Once you're there, the experience is relatively brief but rewarding. The climb up the lighthouse stairs is described as sturdy and safe, leading to a vantage point offering great views of the harbor.
For photographers, the lighthouse presents a unique subject. The unique architecture and its harbor setting offer opportunities for interesting shots, especially when framed against the modern city skyline.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit