Right in the heart of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, we’ll find a charming red lighthouse with a story that stretches back to 1855.

The Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse isn’t just a historical structure—it’s a fully walkable museum that gives us a peek into 19th-century maritime life. It’s perfect for a quick visit or as part of a bigger Inner Harbor day trip.

<h3>Quick Facts at a Glance</h3>

- Location: Pier 5, Inner Harbor, Baltimore, Maryland

- Hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

- Tickets: Included with admission to Historic Ships in Baltimore

- Adults: $15 USD

- Children (6–14): $7 USD

- Children under 6: Free

- Seniors (60+): $13 USD

- Best Time to Visit: Spring (April–May) and Fall (September–October)

- Public Transit: Accessible by Light Rail, local bus routes, and Water Taxi

<h3>How to Get There</h3>

The lighthouse is conveniently located at the south end of Pier 5, just a 5-minute walk from the National Aquarium. If we’re using public transport:

- From Penn Station, we can take the Light RailLink south and get off at Camden Station. From there, it’s about a 15-minute walk to the Inner Harbor.

- Bus lines CityLink Navy or Silver also stop near the harbor.

- For a fun option, try the Baltimore Water Taxi, which stops directly near Pier 5.

<b>Driving? There are multiple garages nearby:</b>

- Pier V Parking Garage at 711 Eastern Ave

- Lockwood Place Garage at 124 Market Pl

Parking typically costs around $10–$20 USD depending on the day and duration.

<h3>What Will We See Inside?</h3>

Once we enter, we’ll be walking inside the actual living quarters where lighthouse keepers stayed—no mannequins or staged exhibits, but real furniture, lantern equipment, tools, and the Fresnel lens still on display.

There are:

- Interpretive panels with stories about past keepers

- Photos of the lighthouse before and after relocation

- A restored lantern room with a fantastic view over the Inner Harbor

Kids will love the interactive displays and model ships, while history fans can appreciate the details of how a screw-pile lighthouse worked.

<h3>Best Time to Visit</h3>

The best months to visit are April to May and September to October, when the weather is mild and the harbor isn’t overly crowded. Weekdays are quieter, but weekends offer more live events, like street music and waterfront festivals nearby.

Avoid winter if you prefer outdoor walks—winds can be strong along the harbor. Summer is lively, but parking might be tricky, and it gets hot fast on the iron structure.

<h3>Tips for an Easy Visit</h3>

- Buy tickets online in advance to skip the line.

- Bring a hat or sunscreen—the roof deck can be bright and there’s little shade.

- Don’t forget your camera—the view from the lantern room is surprisingly good for photos.

- Bring water—especially in summer, the iron walls hold heat.

- Combine your trip with visits to other iconic maritime landmarks—all included with the same ticket!

<h3>Why This Lighthouse Matters</h3>

This is Maryland’s oldest surviving screw-pile lighthouse, once standing out in the middle of Chesapeake Bay and guiding ships for over 130 years. When it was deactivated in 1988, instead of being scrapped, it was relocated to land in 1997 and preserved as a floating museum.

It’s a reminder of how innovation shaped coastal life. The screw-pile design—anchored deep into the seabed—was a smart solution to soft, muddy bay bottoms.

<h3>Let’s Meet at the Lighthouse!</h3>

So Lykkers, the next time we find ourselves wandering along Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, let’s not miss the chance to explore the Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse. This little red gem isn’t just about history—it’s about stepping into a story that still glows with character and charm. With an easy walk, a small ticket, and a big view, it’s the kind of stop that leaves us inspired. Ready to uncover more hidden treasures? Let’s keep the adventure going—together!

Five Minute Histories: The Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse

Video by Baltimore Heritage