Built in 1872 on what is now Roosevelt Island, this Gothic-style stone lighthouse stands at the northern tip of the island overlooking the East River. Constructed by an asylum patient reportedly named Thomas Maxey, the octagonal gray gneiss tower is one of New York City’s most charming hidden landmarks. The lighthouse was deactivated and is no longer an active navigational aid. It is not open to the public and visitors cannot climb the tower, but the surrounding Lighthouse Park offers excellent ground-level views. Golden hour and sunset provide the best photography, with dramatic Manhattan skyline backdrops. Nearby attractions include the Roosevelt Island Tramway, FDR Four Freedoms State Park, and the Smallpox Hospital ruins.

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