The Tallest (and Oldest) Lighthouse on Cape Cod Is a Towering 66-Foot Behemoth

Cape Cod is a beautiful peninsula in Massachusetts with a lot of history and things to do. It’s a popular location to visit and offers wonderful views of the ocean, including impressive animals. Did you know that the oldest lighthouse in Cape Cod is also the tallest? However, the oldest lighthouse in Cape Cod is not the oldest in the state. Follow along to discover the tallest and oldest lighthouse on Cape Cod.

What is the Tallest and Oldest Lighthouse on Cape Cod?

The tallest lighthouse in Cape Cod is Highland Light at 66 feet tall. Highland Light, previously called Cape Cod Light, is on the Cape Cod National Seashore in North Truro, Massachusetts. This beautiful lighthouse is very old but technically has two different dates. For example, the original building was constructed in 1797. However, it was rebuilt in 1857. In other words, Highland Lighthouse is about 226 years old.

About Highland Light

Highland Light’s history began when George Washington authorized a station with a wooden lighthouse in 1797. About 36 years later, the wooden lighthouse was replaced with a brick tower. However, the tower was dangerous and demolished in 1857. For $17,000, Highland Light was rebuilt with brick. It was lit the same year. Still, every few decades, more changes came.

For instance, in 1900 the light was replaced with a flashing light. Now, the still active lighthouse is electric and automated. Although this is the oldest and tallest lighthouse in Cape Cod, it’s in a different location. The lighthouse was in danger because of erosion of the cliff. It took 18 days to fully move the Highland Light Station 450 feet back.

Can You Visit Highland Light?

Amazingly, you can visit Highland Lighthouse, however, the season varies. Not only can you walk in the Cape Cod National Seashore but also climb the tallest and oldest lighthouse on Cape Cod. However, to climb the lighthouse, children must be at least 48 inches tall. For safety, visitors can’t wear flip-flops, only closed-toed shoes.

You can visit the Highland Lighthouse from May through October between 9 am to 5 pm. The last tour starts at 4:30 pm. Tours take about 20 minutes. During the tour, visitors walk up 69 steep steps and a ladder to the Lantern Room. Tour groups are limited to 10 people. Adjacent to the lighthouse is the Highland House Museum.

Animals Near Highland Light

The Highland Light is beautiful and interesting. Still, one of the best parts of the lighthouse is the spectacular view. While looking down from the top of the lighthouse you may see some stunning animals. Many of the animals on this list live on or near the Cape Cod National Seashore. Follow along to discover animals near the tallest and oldest lighthouse on Cape Cod.

White-footed Mouse

The first animal on our list is the white-footed mouse, native to North America. They are found from Ontario, Canada to parts of Mexico. White-footed mice are small, only measuring about 3.5 inches long, not including their tails. These adorable rodents live about 45 months, with a maximum of 96. White-footed mice are shy and stay clear of humans. They mainly consume seeds and insects. As adorable as these mice are, you should never touch them! White-footed mice can spread hantaviruses.

Spadefoot Toad

Next on our list of animals near the tallest and oldest lighthouse on Cape Cod is the spadefoot toad. These round and stocky toads have large and bulging eyes. Spadefoot toads are 2 to 3 inches long. These unique toads camouflage well because of their grey, white, and dull brown or green skin. They spend most of their lives underground and live near bodies of water like ponds or creeks.

Fin Whale

Can you imagine walking near the Highland Light and seeing a fin whale? Fin whales are found throughout the world. They are the second largest whale species in the world. Fin whales are sometimes also called finback whales. These large mammals have a distinct fin that sticks out. Sadly, fin whales are endangered. Commercial whalers during the 1900s killed many fin whales, and the population is still not restored. We still don’t know a lot about these lovely mammals. However, they can live up to 90 years. Experts have also observed and recorded blue whale and fin whale hybrids.

Big Brown Bat

Another animal near the Highland Lighthouse is the big brown bat. This bat species is native to North America, parts of South America, and the Caribbean. They are about 5 inches long with a 13 to 16-inch wingspan. Although called big brown bats, they typically weigh less than a pound. Big brown bats are nocturnal and consume insects. They are frequently found near light poles at night hunting for flying insects.

Atlantic White-sided Dolphin

The Atlantic white-sided dolphin lives in the North Atlantic Ocean. Apart from Cape Cod, you can see these playful dolphins off the coast of North Carolina and Maine. Atlantic white-sided dolphins are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Although considered small for a dolphin, they reach about 8 to 9 feet long and can weigh about 360 to 505 pounds. These fast swimmers are very social, living in groups of up to 50. Although not as common, Atlantic white-sided dolphins have been recorded in groups of hundreds or thousands of animals.

Eastern Screech Owl

The eastern screech owl is a small and eye-catching owl. It’s found throughout North America. They are common in the eastern United States, including Cape Cod. These lovely birds weigh less than 9 ounces and are about 6.5 to 10 inches tall. They have large heads and stocky bodies with red, brown, grey, and white feathers. They blend in well amongst bark and trees.

Where Is Highland Light Located on a Map?

The Highland Lighthouse is on the Cape Cod National Seashore in North Truro, Massachusetts.  Cape Cod, southeast of Boston, is a peninsula extending out from the mainland of Massachusetts. It is owned by the National Park Service and maintained by a nonprofit organization. This active lighthouse is operated by the U. S. Coast Guard.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Lucky-photographer/Shutterstock.com