Take a self-guided tour of the historic 1871 Pomham Rocks Lighthouse. The last of five lighthouses situated on the Providence River, this lighthouse is still a working navigational light and has been beautifully restored both inside and out.
Recently, we celebrated the 150th anniversary of our first lighting on December 1, 1871. Part of this celebration was the return of our fourth-order Fresnel lens from the Custom House Maritime Museum in Newburyport, MA. Step into the parlor where you will see this absolutely stunning artifact of lighthouse history. Throughout the lighthouse you will be able to view many authentic artifacts including brass items that were used during the United States Lighthouse Establishment, Service and Coast Guard periods.
To get to Pomham Rocks Lighthouse, you will take a 15-minute boat ride to the island from the Edgewood Yacht Club in Cranston and sail across the Bay to the lighthouse. Our tours will also give a nod to the other lighthouses that lit the way for mariners since the nineteenth century at the northern end of the Bay.
There are numerous display boards throughout the lighthouse from which you will learn about the history of the local lighthouses and the keepers. After touring the historic interior, there is an optional climb to the lantern room where you will enjoy beautiful views of Narragansett Bay and the working port of Providence. With luck you will experience one of the huge tankers going by, seemingly so close you could almost touch it!
Our knowledgeable docents will also be available to answer any questions you may have and perhaps tell you a story or two. During the last half hour of the visit our gift shop (that is located in the former oil room) will be open for business. We accept cash, checks, or credit cards.
Please plan to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time.
If you took a tour with us last year, please note that the location of our launch has changed. The boat is now docked at the Edgewood Yacht Club in Cranston.
Please dress for the weather. It can often be up to 10 degrees cooler out on the water, so we recommend a light jacket or sweater on cooler days. Be sure to dress comfortably and have rubber-soled shoes on your feet.
Please note that visiting Pomham Rocks includes uneven grounds and stairs or steps inside and out, as well as a ladder from the watch room to the lantern room.
Since our boat has a canopy, we run tours rain or shine. However, if there are small craft warnings or thunderstorms predicted, the trip may be canceled at the captain’s discretion. Our guests’ safety is at the top of our list, and in the event that we need to cancel, you may either reschedule the tour (if one is available) or receive a full refund. Please be sure to monitor your email the night before as well as the morning of the tour in case of foul weather.
Non-Members (must be at least 6 years old): $50
FPRL Members (must be current members and at least 6 years old): $35 Children (ages 6-17): $25