Activated in 1868, the Sheffield Island Lighthouse - now listed on the National Register of Historic Places - was in service for 34 years until its retirement in 1902. Today the Norwalk Seaport Association’s volunteers maintain the lighthouse and grounds as a museum and nature preserve.

Carver campers boarded the Seaport ferry at the Sheffield Island dock, adjacent to Stroffolino Bridge, corner of Washington and Water Streets, South Norwalk for their trip to the island. More Carver campers will still make this exciting journey later in the summer. The ferry took our campers back to a time when this and other lighthouses were critical to coastal and oceangoing shipping.

Once on the island, the Carver campers saw the lighthouse up close. The 10-room lighthouse showcases period furniture, and offers a chance to see what life was like for the families of 19th century light keepers.

Another island attraction is the Nature Trail through the Stewart B. McKinney Wildlife Refuge, which completed by the Seaport Association in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. From a viewing platform, a variety of wildlife including nesting herons and other birds could be observed.

Cool, salt-scented breezes invigorated the campers' senses, as you they journeyed to and from the island. first cruise past its sibling islands. Sheffield is the westernmost outpost, and, at 52 acres, one of the chain's largest islands within the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge.

Colorful stories of pirates, rumrunners and more local history—including Norwalk's enduring oyster industry—make the excursion fly by!