A multifaceted Grand Opening Celebration for the restored Eldred Rock Lighthouse will commemorate the 120th anniversary of its commissioning on June 1, 1906. This marks the culmination of years of volunteer-driven restoration work by the Eldred Rock Lighthouse Preservation Association, transforming Alaska’s oldest original lighthouse into a safe, accessible historic site for public visits and Keeper Quarters rentals. The Grand Opening includes two complementary components:
In-town events: held in the communities Haines and Juneau, designed to recognize and celebrate the contributions of local volunteers, donors, and in-kind supporters who have made the restoration possible. These events foster community pride, education about maritime heritage, and ongoing support for the lighthouse’s preservation.
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at Eldred Rock: Grand Opening cruises departing from the ports of Juneau (approximately 55 miles south) and Haines (approximately 17 miles north), converging at Eldred Rock island in North Lynn Canal for a shared on-site ceremony. This maritime-based format highlights the lighthouse’s remote location and its historic role as a U.S. Lighthouse Establishment, U.S. Lighthouse Service, and U.S. Coast Guard aid to navigation. As Alaska’s oldest original lighthouse, this ceremony will highlight its’ contributions to American history during the Gold Rush Era. The Alaska and American flags will be flown for the first time in over 50 years since automation of the lighthouse in 1973
We have worked hard to prepare the lighthouse Keeper Quarters and Light Tower for public use, fulfilling our mission to RESTORE, PRESERVE, SHARE. Tourism and overnight rentals will begin June 4th, as well as the continuation of the Volunteer Keeper Program. After 53 years, since automation of the light in 1973, “The Rock” will once again be lived in and enjoyed (seasonally May-September).
Event planning is ongoing, and will include the following events:
Friday, May 1: First Friday Grand Opening Event at the Haines, AK Sheldon Museum; free and open to the public.
Friday, May 22: Grand Opening Event in Juneau, AK at Forbidden Peak Brewery in Auke Bay; free and open to the public. (Food for purchase).
Saturday May 30: Grand Opening Cruise Juneau, donated by Goldbelt Transportation. Participants will depart Auke Bay, AK at 0800 via passenger van to embark on cruise to Eldred Rock from Yankee Cove. Board of Directors and some participants will transfer to the island via M/V Cleat, a landing craft donated by the Marine Exchange of Alaska, for a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony (weather permitting). If boating weather makes transferring passengers unsafe, the ceremony will be conducted on board.
Saturday May 30: Grand Opening Cruise Haines, chartered to M/V NW Adventurer (who will begin tourism at Eldred Rock beginning on June 4, 2026.) Departure time from Haines Harbor TBD. If boating weather cancels the cruise, it will be rescheduled.
Tickets for Grand Opening Cruises will be offered first to Board of Directors and guests, US Coast Guard and state representatives, past Eldred Rock Keepers and/or descendants, and Commissioner Level Founding Members. Space is limited, so we encourage all supporters to attend in-town events. To become a member or renew your membership, donate here: ERLPA online membership