Built in 1868, the small lighthouse, build on the then-Smith Island, has a tumultuous past, on a tiny piece of land that changed hands several times over since the American Revolution. Built for the nearby Norwalk Harbour, the lighthouse had been inactive from 1902 (officially decommissioned in 1914!) all the way until 2011, when it was restored and reopened as an attraction, with 10 period-style rooms and tours.

A quirky and strange history, you can learn about the history of the lighthouse and the tiny island, like how the last keeper had a cow that abandon her milk-giving duties and take a swim to the mainland 2 miles away when she felt like it. With the Stewart B. McKinney Wildlife Refuge nearby, you can spot local wildlife like egrets and other waterfowl, or even walk down the rocky beach. They even have an option to dine on Thursday evenings during the summer months on Sheffield Island, an amazing way to end your trip with food and the sunset.