Gulf Shore Getaway

Dauphin Island's lighthouse, known as the Sand Island Lighthouse, is about to undergo a full assessment to learn the extent of damage, wear and tear from time and the elements. Hard as it might be to believe, no one has checked up on the lighthouse since Hurricane Katrina tore through the area.

Local officials and the Alabama Lighthouse Association, who share ownership and stewardship of the lighthouse, have plans to renovate the structure and turn it into a tourist destination.

Beginning next month a safety crew will inspect the lighthouse to ensure it's safe for future crews of workers who will perform repairs. Their primary concern will be access - the stairs and walkways workers will need to use extensively to do any work on the 134 year old structure.

The Town of Dauphin Island and the Alabama Lighthouse Association believe it may cost as much as $2 million to renovate and restore the Sand Island Lighthouse. The full extent of the work required is unknown, but they believe the lighthouse is in very poor shape. The walls have extensive cracks, the roof is heavily damaged and little protective foundation remains. Their renovation plan would provide for shoring up the foundation and affecting all repairs and renovations needed in order to make the Sand Island Lighthouse into an attraction for tourists and vacationers.

Learn more about the Sand Island Lighthouse