Three Sisters: The Unique Triple Beacon Story
QUICK FACTS
📍 Location: Nauset Light Beach Road, Eastham (near Nauset Light)
🎟️ Admission: FREE
⏰ Hours: Dawn to dusk, year-round
🚗 Parking: Share parking with Nauset Light
📏 Status: Historic wooden replicas (not original towers)
⭐ Must-See Rating: 3/5 - Unique history, easy visit
WHAT MAKES THREE SISTERS SPECIAL
The Three Sisters Lighthouses represent the only triple lighthouse configuration ever built on Cape Cod. Originally constructed in 1838, these three small wooden towers were built to distinguish Nauset Beach from other single lighthouse locations along the coast.
The current structures are faithful replicas, built in the 1960s and relocated to their present site in the 1980s. While not the original lighthouses, they tell the fascinating story of how maritime navigation evolved and how communities adapted to changing coastlines.
Set in a peaceful wooded area just minutes from the busy Nauset Light, the Three Sisters offer a quiet, contemplative lighthouse experience perfect for families and those interested in maritime history.
FASCINATING HISTORY
The original Three Sisters were built because mariners needed to distinguish Nauset from other lighthouse locations. Three lights in a row created an unmistakable signature that could be identified from sea.
By 1911, coastal erosion threatened the original towers, and they were moved inland. In 1918, the configuration was reduced to just one lighthouse (which became the current Nauset Light), and the other towers were sold and converted to private cottages.
The current replica towers were built in the 1960s to preserve the historical memory of this unique lighthouse system. While they never served as active lighthouses, they accurately represent the size, design, and arrangement of the originals.
WHAT YOU'LL SEE
- Three Wooden Towers: Faithful replicas showing original design
- Historical Markers: Information about original lighthouse operation
- Nature Setting: Peaceful wooded area with walking paths
- Educational Displays: Story of the unique triple light system
- Easy Walking: Level paths suitable for all ages
BEST TIMES TO VISIT
- Morning: Peaceful, good lighting for photography
- Combined Visit: Perfect addition to Nauset Light visit
- Fall: Beautiful foliage surrounds the lighthouses
- Any Season: Accessible and interesting year-round
VISIT DURATION
Plan 20-30 minutes for the Three Sisters. Most visitors combine this with Nauset Light for a comprehensive lighthouse experience in one location.
