Lilac Historic Lighthouse Ship
229 West Street, New York, New York 10013, United States
Free

Tour summary
Trade fueled the U.S.'s rise as an economic powerhouse, and vessels like the Lilac played a vital role by maintaining the Delaware River's waterways, connecting key cities like Philadelphia to the Atlantic. Explore the Lilac, the only remaining steam-powered lighthouse ship in the U.S.!
Tour Details
Country
United States (US)
No of POI
14
Mode
Family
Yes
Alias/name
Brett Williams
Category
History
Sub-Category
Maritime
Price
Free
Original Tour Language
English
Highlights
Discover the history of the Lilac, its mission, and the crew who served aboard. Lilac is the last surviving steam-powered lighthouse tender in the United States. Built to ensure safe, clearly marked waterways vital for commerce, this unique vessel features steam engines and a riveted hull.
Entry is free but a donation is recommended. There are donation points near the gangway entrance on board.
Now, step aboard and explore this rare Coast Guard relic firsthand.
Places you will see
Access almost all areas on this tour:
.: Wheelhouse
See the view as the Captain would have.
.: Afterhouse
See how the crew lived and worked.
.: Cabins
Explore the cabins and instruments that sailors used.
.: Crew mess
See where the crew dined and discussed the day (or nights) events.
.: Deck
The business end of the ship. See how it lifted buoys and supplies onto the decks.
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Inclusions
Our tour markers are all at freely accessible locations.
Features to make exploring easy:
- Map with GPS dynamic navigation
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Exclusions
- Transport during the tour.
- Entry tickets to paid attractions along the route.
Authenticity
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Know before you go
Transport
We create our tours with accessibility in mind. Our goal is to start tours close to public transport. You will need to make payment for any public transport you use.
Comfort
With so much to see, comfort is key. Wear appropriate shoes and dress for the weather.
Battery
Make sure you have sufficient battery charge so you can run the tour and take plenty of photos and videos. Consider bringing a portable charger.
Safety
Navigating unfamiliar locations can be chaotic. It's essential to stay safe by always looking both ways before crossing the street and obeying traffic laws. You are responsible for your own safety.
Travel usually involves crowds, particularly during peak times. Keep calm and carry on.
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Tour Locations
229 West Street, New York, New York 10013, United States
Before stepping aboard, find out the need for Lilac in the first place.



229 West Street, New York, New York 10013, United States
Buoys are the road markers of the sea. Without them ships can become grounded or sink.



229 West Street, New York, New York 10013, United States
All about the Lilac. Find out about the only steam powered tender in the US.



229 West Street, New York, New York 10013, United States
Launched in 1933, Lilac was one of the last of a generation of steam powered vessels built.



229 West Street, New York, New York 10013, United States
Find out the design and how it came to be one of the last of a generation of ships using steam.



229 West Street, New York, New York 10013, United States
As WWII loomed, changes were made to ready the nation, including the maritime fleet.


229 West Street, New York, New York 10013, United States
Get a sense of how the officers lived in this cabin.



229 West Street, New York, New York 10013, United States
Everyone loves a canon but this one doesn’t hurt anyone. Rather it saves. Find out how.



229 West Street, New York, New York 10013, United States
The wheelhouse on a ship serves as the command center for the ship's steering and navigation.



229 West Street, New York, New York 10013, United States
War changed the profile and tasking of Lilac.



229 West Street, New York, New York 10013, United States
The main event and central to the ships purpose. The crane, used to remove buoys from the sea.



229 West Street, New York, New York 10013, United States
See where the crew ate, gossiped and relaxed.



229 West Street, New York, New York 10013, United States
The business end of the ship. This is where buoys were brought aboard, assessed and repaired.



229 West Street, New York, New York 10013, United States
Everything ends. The world had changed and Lilac was discharged from service.



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Brett Williams
Your tour guide
Welcome aboard the historic Lilac!
I’m excited to take you on an incredible journey through time as we explore the story of this remarkable vessel — the last surviving steam-powered lighthouse tender in America.
New York City is full of hidden gems, and the Lilac is no exception. She stands as a proud tribute to our maritime history, moored right here along the Hudson River. From guiding ships safely to sea to now serving as a floating museum, the Lilac has seen decades of change and service.
A heartfelt thank you to Museum Director Mary Habstritt and the entire Lilac crew for helping make this tour possible — and for preserving this extraordinary piece of nautical heritage.
Let’s step back in time, uncover the ship’s secrets, and celebrate the legacy of those who kept the lights burning.
Happy travels
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Overall Rating
Tour Id: 18465