Lightship Overfalls LV-118
Lightship Overfalls LV-118 things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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This historic 1930s lightship is in fantastic condition. Below decks requires a guide. It's not an arduous tour, and is very interesting - the guides are knowledgeable and the whole thing takes about 45 minutes top to bottom. The tour covers the pilothouse (the bridge), radio room, and then down across the first level below, stem to stern. Tours do not go to the lowest deck where the engines and generators are. There is also no access to the upper deck where the mast is. So visitors can see the main deck, and the lower level, as well as the interior of the superstructure. I really enjoyed seeing the different seakeeping features of the ship. The surrounding park was also very nice. The lightship folks own the little historic Monomoy surfboat under the pavilion, while Lewes Historical Society operates the Life-Saving Museum - a great companion site to the lightship & surfboat - immediately next door. In my opinion, these are all very related topics (Lifesaving Service and Lighthouse Service) and should be visited together. Check the website for specific hours, as the days open depend on the season. There is ample parking in the gravel parking lot for the Canalfront Park, but I would recommend considering parking on the street up by the Episcopal Church if its a Little League game day (assuming the parking lot fills up quickly on those days).
Evan DwyerEvan Dwyer
00
We went during the off season, so I wasn't expecting much but to our pleasant surprise the whole ship is lit up at night! Sure we didn't get the tour but I had never heard of a light ship and I had to see one and I certainly wasn't disappointed! She is a beauty still. Gorgeous at night! I wish that they were open so that we could at least donate some money for her up keeping. They also have what is advertised as "the world's largest bobber" next to the ship. It's a quick stop but definitely worth it. On your way through town you can also see all of the historic buildings it's a very nice little town.
Ms. FentonMs. Fenton
30
I loved touring the Overfalls ship. I've been looking at it for years and never got to see what it was all about. They were doing free tour day because of September 11. Dave our tour guide was great. He knew everything and more about the ship and we got to see all the different parts. Thankfully it was just us in the group so we got our own private tour. It's really great they keep pieces of history like this in good condition. They have a gift shop too with very moderately priced trinkets.
Doug QuaidDoug Quaid
10
I am not usually a fan of guided tours, I typically like to just explore at my own pace. However, I was treated to a splendid tour by a retired Navy Vet who, despite saying he was pretty new, knew the lightship inside and out. His comparisons to his experience aboard ship he served on helped add perspective to his details about life on board a lightship. It was a pleasure to visit, and I highly recommend making a stop to Lightship Overfalls, should you find yourself in Lewes.
Brandon BondBrandon Bond
10
The playground was tiny and geared toward kids that are six and under so my daughter really didn’t feel like she had anywhere to let off some steam so we did not stay long. The tour had to be shut down because of the heat for the life boat and I would say it would be a good place for adults and young children. If you have any middle schoolers highschoolers, there’s nothing for them to do and it’s very quick stop look at the boats OK goodbye not much else to do.
Jenny MathenyJenny Matheny
00
Ship shape and ready to tour! The Overfalls is a local treasure and the locals have done much to preserve it! There is a foundation that had this historic ship completely refurbished recently. An amazing amount of history is told here told by an army of volunteers! Even more is the adjacent park including an extensive young children playground, benches to watch boats on the canal and a dock to welcome boats and to fish. Come visit soon!
Diane AlbaneseDiane Albanese
10
Nearby Attractions Of Lightship Overfalls LV-118
Dogfish Inn
Lloyd's Market
Zwaanendael Museum
The Lewes Historical Society Main Campus
Hotel Blue
Heidi Lowe Gallery and Lovely Rings by Hand
Historic Lewes Farmers Market
Quest Kayak
Ryves Holt House
The Lewes Maritime Museum at the Cannonball House

Dogfish Inn
4.9
(257)Click for details

Lloyd's Market
4.6
(213)Click for details

Zwaanendael Museum
4.5
(133)Click for details

The Lewes Historical Society Main Campus
4.8
(131)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of Lightship Overfalls LV-118
Irish Eyes Pub & Restaurant
Touch of Italy
Agave Mexican Restaurant
Honeys Farm Fresh Gourmet Kitchen Breakfast&Lunch
Wheelhouse
Striper Bites
Nectar Cafe & Juice Bar
Lewes Oyster House
Lewes Bake Shoppe & Notting Hill Coffee Roastery
Pig & Publican

Irish Eyes Pub & Restaurant
4.4
(943)Click for details

Touch of Italy
4.6
(573)Click for details

Agave Mexican Restaurant
4.4
(915)Click for details

Honeys Farm Fresh Gourmet Kitchen Breakfast&Lunch
4.6
(515)Click for details
Basic Info
Address
219 Pilottown Rd, Lewes, DE 19958
Map
Website
overfalls.org
Visit
Reviews
Overview
4.7
(92 reviews)
Ratings & Description
cultural
scenic
family-friendly
accessibility
Description
Lightship Overfalls (LV-118) was the last lightvessel constructed for the United States Lighthouse Service before the Service became part of the United States Coast Guard. She is currently preserved in Lewes, Delaware as a museum ship.
attractions: Dogfish Inn, Lloyd's Market, Zwaanendael Museum, The Lewes Historical Society Main Campus, Hotel Blue, Heidi Lowe Gallery and Lovely Rings by Hand, Historic Lewes Farmers Market, Quest Kayak, Ryves Holt House, The Lewes Maritime Museum at the Cannonball House, restaurants: Irish Eyes Pub & Restaurant, Touch of Italy, Agave Mexican Restaurant, Honeys Farm Fresh Gourmet Kitchen Breakfast&Lunch, Wheelhouse, Striper Bites, Nectar Cafe & Juice Bar, Lewes Oyster House, Lewes Bake Shoppe & Notting Hill Coffee Roastery, Pig & Publican
