Channel Point or Hyannis Inner Harbor Lighthouse
The Channel Point Lighthouse is one of the most visible lighthouses on Cape Cod due to its location right on busy Hyannis Harbor. Ferry boats to Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard, fishing vessels and pleasure craft leaving the Hyannis Harbor go right by this lighthouse. Interestingly, this is the newest lighthouse on Cape Cod, built in 1976-1977. And, as easy as it is to see from the Harbor, it is often confused with the Range Rear Lighthouse which is only a mile or so away. The 26 foot tall wooden lighthouse that flashed green is known by several names, Channel Point Lighthouse after the promontory in Hyannis that it is built on, Lewis Bay Lighthouse after the bay that it overlooks, and Hyannis Inner Harbor after its location right next the the main harbor. Probably the best name is Channel Point, as most
lighthouses are named after the promontory on which they are located.
The intent of the builder of the lighthouse, Kenneth Shaughnessy, was to create an exact replica of the Brant Point Lighthouse which itself can be seen entering the harbor on Nantucket. He was a builder, and probably did the work as a fun project Shaughnessy sold the property in 1988, and it has since been owned by three other owners. The Channel Point light has 3 windows instead of 2, and is also trimmed above the door with black paint instead of green as at Brant Point.
The Channel Point light is a private navigation aid.
You can view the Channel Point Lighthouse on any boat that leaves the Hyannis Harbor, including the ferries. You can also park a few streets away at a water right of way, then walk back to view the lighthouse. From Ocean Street, turn left onto Old Harbor Road. Keep to the right at the intersection, then continue to the Town Water access at the intersection of Old Harbor Road and Bay Shore Road. Park at the public water access, then walk away from the water and walk immediately right on the residential street (Daisy Bluff) past ten waterfront homes on the right. This will bring you to another water access, with no parking. Here you can walk to the the water and see the lighthouse a few hundred yards to the left. Remember, though, that the lighthouse and shore properties are private dwellings, not to be visited closely.
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