Activated in 1868, the Sheffield Island Lighthouse - now listed on the National Register of Historic Places - was in service for 34 years until its retirement in 1902. Today the Norwalk Seaport Association’s volunteers maintain the lighthouse and grounds as a museum and nature preserve.
Sheffield Island Lighthouse
and Nature Trail
2010 SUMMER ACTIVITIES ON SHEFFIELD ISLAND
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Summer Adventure Program
Ages 8-12
Ages 8-12Date TBA
The Summer Adventure program designed by the Seaport Association education staff includes outdoor survival skills; marine biology, science and nature education (based on three different ecosystems on the island); team building; and the historical significance of the Sheffield Island and its 141-year-old lighthouse.
Participants board the NSA ferry to Sheffield Island at 9:00 a.m. and return at 2:00 p.m. You can register for a day, a week or several days. Fees are $75.00 per day and $325.00 for any five days. Norwalk Seaport Association members receive a 10 percent discount.
Christmas in July -- July 17 & 18
For one weekend, Christmas decorations of yesteryear adorn rooms in the historic Victorian-era lighthouse and Santa Claus – dressed in summer garb – greets visitors when they land on Sheffield Island. Family amusements include breakfast with Santa (Saturday only), activities for children and early holiday shopping for ornaments and gifts with a nautical theme.
Christmas in July activities are free, but participants must purchase ferry tickets -- $20.00 adults … $12.00 children ages 4-12 … $5.00 children ages 3 and younger. Reservations are recommended – 203-838-9444. Box lunches can be provided for an additional fee.
NSA Ferry cruises to Sheffield Island depart on Saturday at 11:00 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. and on Sunday at 11:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. from the Seaport Dock, adjacent to the Stroffolino Bridge at the corner of Washington and Water Streets, South Norwalk.
Haunted Lighthouse -- August 14 & 15
Ghosts, ghouls and goblins greet visitors to the historic Sheffield Island Lighthouse, which is decorated to provide thrills and chills for youngsters of all ages. The Norwalk Seaport Association’s annual Haunted Lighthouse has become a popular child-friendly haunted attraction (only two rooms are kept dark). Activities for young visitors also are part of this fun-filled special event.
Haunted Lighthouse activities are free, but participants must purchase round-trip ferry tickets -- $20.00 adults … $12.00 children ages 4-12 … $5.00 children ages 3 and younger. Reservations are recommended – 203-838-9444. Box lunches can be provided for an additional fee.
NSA Ferry cruises to Sheffield Island depart at 11:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m. and
3:30 p.m. from the Seaport Dock, adjacent to the Stroffolino Bridge at the
corner of Washington and Water Streets in South Norwalk.
Cruises & Lighthouse Tours -- May-September
Weekend and holiday cruises run from May 29-September 26. Weekday cruises run from June 28-September 10. There are no cruises to Sheffield Island during the weekend of the 33rd Norwalk Seaport Association Oyster Festival on September 1. Reservations are not required but are strongly reccommended.Round-trip ferry tickets are $20.00 adults … $12.00 children ages 4-12 … $5.00 children ages 3 and younger.
Thursday Cruises & Clambakes -- June 24-September 30
On Thursday evenings during the summer you can make reservations for a cruise to Sheffield Island, where they dine in the festive tented pavilion adjacent to Sheffield Island Lighthouse. Tours of the historic lighthouse also are included.
Reservations are required. The price of the roundtrip cruise and basic dinner (entrée of barbecue pork or chicken, rib eye steak, salmon or breast of chicken) is $55.00 per person or $75.00 for a lobster dinner. NSA Thursday night cruises depart at 6:00 p.m. from the Seaport Dock, adjacent to the Stroffolino Bridge at the corner of Washington and Water Streets in South Norwalk. Please note: in order to sail, we require a minimum of 20 reserved spots. Call the Seaport Association for additional clambake dates.
Nature Photography Classes at Sheffield IslandAges 12-17
Ages 12-17Date TBA
Beginning and more experienced participants (ages 12-17) can spend 5 days gaining hands-on experience in photography techniques using digital cameras and photo editing software. These classes take advantage of the natural surroundings on Sheffield Island to help youngsters develop their photographic skills and learn how to achieve a natural effect in photos while gaining an increased awareness of nature in their surroundings.
Participants board the Seaport Association ferry to Sheffield Island at 9:00 a.m. and return at 2:00 p.m. The fee for each week is $325.00 includes materials, use of camera and printing. Norwalk Seaport Association members receive a 10 percent discount.
Visitors can board the Seaport ferry at the Association’s dock, adjacent to Stroffolino Bridge, corner of Washington and Water Streets, South Norwalk, CT, for their trip to the island, the lighthouse or harbor cruises.
Each year the ferry takes thousands of visitors back to a time when this and other lighthouses were critical to coastal and oceangoing shipping.
Once on the island, visitors are treated to a tour of the lighthouse, including a chance to climb up into the light tower itself, where on clear days, the New York City skyline can be seen. The 10-room lighthouse showcases period furniture, and offers a chance to see what life was like for the families of 19th century light keepers.
Another island attraction is the Nature Trail through the Stewart B. McKinney Wildlife Refuge, which completed by the Seaport Association in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. From a viewing platform, a variety of wildlife including nesting herons and other birds can be observed.
Norwalk Seaport Association
Friends of the Norwalk Islands
