Built in 1868, Bowlers Rock Light guided mariners along Virginia’s Rappahannock River for decades. This screwpile lighthouse was one of several that once dotted the Chesapeake Bay watershed, marking dangerous shoals for commercial and military vessels. The light was eventually deactivated and is no longer an active aid to navigation.

The lighthouse is not open to the public and cannot be climbed, but it remains a striking sight from the water. Golden hour and early morning offer the best photography conditions, with soft light reflecting off the Rappahannock. Nearby attractions include the Northern Neck wine trail, historic Kilmarnock, and the Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge—all within easy driving distance.

Explore Nearby

• Belle Isle State Park — State Park in Virginia
• Westmoreland State Park — State Park in Virginia
• Colonial Parkway — Scenic Byway in Virginia
• Douglas Point Special Recreation Management Area — Public Land in Maryland
• Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway — Scenic Byway in Maryland