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White Island State Historic Site, Rye, NH

Photo: Nancy, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and resized.

Sightseeing

White Island State Historic Site

A small island site in the Isles of Shoals off Rye, anchored by a brick and stone lighthouse and reached only by boat.

White Island, Rye, NH 03870 · Rye, NH

About White Island State Historic Site

White Island sits offshore from Rye and holds the Isles of Shoals Light, a lighthouse that guided mariners along the rocky coast. Its first lighthouse dates to 1820, and the present tower was rebuilt in 1859 by the federal government to strengthen coastal defenses. The state took over the island in 1993 and now manages it through its historic sites bureau. A wooden walkway linking the keeper's cottage to the tower was washed away in 2007 and replaced in 2013. Visitors cannot reach the island by land, and the park is generally unstaffed, so arrangements should be made before going. Scenic cruises from nearby harbors pass the lighthouse, which offers a view for those who stay on the water.

  • #lighthouse
  • #island
  • #historic site
  • #Isles of Shoals
  • #boat access

What's around here?

The closest stops to White Island State Historic Site, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

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