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
Christmas in July -- July 17 & 18
Christmas decorations of yesteryear adorn rooms in the historic Victorian-era lighthouse. Santa Claus and his elves (dressed in summer garb) greet visitors arriving 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 -- $22.00 adults … $12.00 children ages 4-12 … $5.00 children ages 3 and younger. Reservations are recommended – 203-838-9444.
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.
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 (only two rooms are kept dark). This fun-filled, child-friendly haunted attraction includes activities for young visitors.
Haunted Lighthouse activities are free, but participants must purchase round-trip ferry tickets -- $22.00 adults … $12.00 children ages 4-12 … $5.00 children ages 3 and younger. Reservations recommended – 203-838-9444.
NSA Ferry cruises to Sheffield Island depart at 11:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. 
Cruises & Lighthouse Tours -- through September 26
Opening date for cruises TBA .. weekend cruises run through September 26. Weekday cruises run from June 28-September 9. There are no cruises to Sheffield Island during the weekend of the 33rd Norwalk Seaport Association Oyster Festival on September 10-12. Reservations are not required but are strongly reccommended.Round-trip ferry tickets are $22.00 adults … $12.00 children ages 4-12 … $5.00 children ages 3 and younger.
Thursday Cruises & Clambakes -- June 24-September 30
Following a cruise to Sheffield Island, participants dine in the festive tented pavilion adjacent to the 1868 Lighthouse. Tours of the historic lighthouse also are included.
Reservations are required. The price of the roundtrip cruise and dinner is $55.00 ir $75.00 per person (depending on entree). NSA Thursday night cruises depart at 6:00 p.m. Please note: in order to sail, we require a minimum of 20 reserved spots. Call the Seaport Association for additional clambake dates.
Visitors can board the Seaport ferry at the Sheffield Island dock, adjacent to Stroffolino Bridge, corner of Washington and Water Streets, South Norwalk 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
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