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East Point Lighthouse: Delaware Bay History and Status
Current access: lighthouse closed. East Point Lighthouse at the mouth of the Maurice River has been closed to public access since September 2024. In October 2026, New Jersey announced that Cumberland County would take over daily operations and plan a reopening. No public tour date was announced. Treat this page as a history and status guide until the county posts visitor arrangements.
Original lighthouse rendering; not a photograph of East Point Lighthouse.
Heislerville
Cumberland County
10 Lighthouse Road
Heislerville, NJ 08324
A different kind of South Jersey lighthouse
Built in 1849 and first known as the Maurice River Lighthouse, East Point is a two-story brick residential lighthouse rather than a tall freestanding tower. Its position where the river reaches Delaware Bay linked navigation to the region's fishing, shipping and marshland economy. The New Jersey DEP announcement places it within the Heislerville Wildlife Management Area.
A new stewardship chapter
The state's October 8, 2026, agreement gives Cumberland County responsibility for daily operations, routine maintenance and future visitor programming, while DEP retains preservation oversight. The county is developing a reopening plan. That is promising for heritage tourism, but it does not reopen the building by itself; do not rely on older tour schedules or event listings.
Where it is and what access means
The county's directory gives 10 Lighthouse Road, Heislerville, NJ 08324. DEP's Heislerville area guide describes access via East Point Road and Lighthouse Lane. As of October 11, 2026, the lighthouse itself remains closed; confirm whether the road, parking area or nearby wildlife-management lands are open under current rules before traveling. Do not enter fenced or posted areas.
A Delaware Bayshore alternative
For another history stop, browse the Cumberland County hub or the WheatonArts Museum of American Glass guide. If your main interest is climbing a lighthouse, check the Cape May Lighthouse guide and its operator's present hours instead.
Good to know before you go
Is East Point Lighthouse open for tours?
No. DEP says it has been closed to public access since September 2024; a reopening plan is being developed.
When was it built?
In 1849, originally under the name Maurice River Lighthouse.
Where is it?
The county directory lists 10 Lighthouse Road, Heislerville, New Jersey 08324, at the Delaware Bay end of the Maurice River.
Has a reopening date been announced?
No confirmed public tour date appears in the October 2026 state announcement.
What can I visit instead?
Explore Cumberland County or check current access at Cape May Lighthouse.
Next step: Check the October 2026 DEP East Point announcement and Cumberland County updates before planning travel. Status last checked October 11, 2026.