Barnegat Lighthouse State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
IUCN Category III (Natural Monument)
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| Location | Barnegat Light, Ocean County, New Jersey, United States |
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| Area | 0.13 km2 (0.050 sq mi) |
| Established | 1951 |
| Website | Barnegat Lighthouse State Park |
Barnegat Lighthouse State Park is a cool place to visit in New Jersey, USA. It's located at the very top of Long Beach Island in Ocean County. This park is famous for its tall lighthouse, which has been a super important guide for ships for a long time.
Ships sailing to and from New York Harbor really depended on the Barnegat Lighthouse. It helped them avoid dangerous sandbars and tricky currents near the shore. Even experienced sailors found these waters challenging! The park is also part of the New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail Route, which highlights important coastal spots. The New Jersey Division of Parks and Forestry takes care of the park.
Contents
Exploring Barnegat Lighthouse State Park
This park offers lots of fun things to do and see. It's a great spot for families and anyone who loves nature or history.
The Famous Barnegat Lighthouse
The lighthouse itself is a major attraction. From the top, you can see amazing views of Island Beach, Barnegat Bay, and Long Beach Island. It's a perfect spot for taking pictures! You can usually climb the lighthouse from Memorial Day to Labor Day, as long as the weather is good.
Fishing Adventures
If you enjoy fishing, you're in luck! You can catch saltwater fish right along the bulkhead next to the picnic area. Some of the fish you might reel in include striped bass, bluefish, weakfish, and summer flounder. There are also tautog, winter flounder, and black sea bass. The area is easy to access for everyone.
Picnic Fun
The park has nice areas for picnicking. You'll find picnic tables along the Barnegat Inlet, which is a great spot to enjoy your meal with a view. There are also two covered picnic shelters. Remember, fires, portable stoves, and alcoholic drinks are not allowed to keep the park safe and clean for everyone.
Birdwatching Wonders
Barnegat Lighthouse State Park is a fantastic place for birdwatching. You can spot many different kinds of shorebirds and wading birds. Keep an eye out for black-crowned night herons, snowy egrets, and even brown pelicans. In the winter, you might see special ducks like Harlequin Ducks, Long-tailed Ducks, and Common Eiders. All three types of scoter ducks also visit, along with Purple Sandpipers and "Ipswich" Savannah Sparrows.
Nature Trails
- Maritime Forest Trail: This trail is about 1/5 of a mile long. It's a loop that takes you through a rare part of a maritime forest, which is a forest that grows near the ocean. You can explore it on your own. The trail is considered easy to moderate, so most people can enjoy it.
- All trails in New Jersey State Parks are described and classified by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.
Learning About History
The Barnegat Lighthouse Interpretive Center is a great place to learn more about the lighthouse and the natural environment around it. It's a good stop if you want to understand the history of this important landmark.
