Mark Twain Memorial Lighthouse
A white memorial lighthouse on the summit of Cardiff Hill behind the boyhood home. Climb over 200 steps for views of the old town, the bridge and the Mississippi River.
This white lighthouse was built in 1935 to mark the 100th anniversary of Mark Twain's birth and was rebuilt later. President Roosevelt lit it remotely from the White House. It stands atop Cardiff Hill, the 'Cardiff Hill' where Tom and Huck played in the novel. From the foot of the hill, beside the statue of Tom and Huck on North Main Street, about 240 steps lead to the top, a climb of around 10 minutes. From the summit you can see the old town's red-brick roofs, the Mark Twain Memorial Bridge and the wide Mississippi River. It is Hannibal's most classic photo spot, especially beautiful at sunset. The lighthouse itself is not open to the public, but the summit is free to visit. The steps are steep and slippery after rain. You can also drive to the hilltop park.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Tom & Huck Statue
- Jim's Journey: The Huck Finn Freedom Center
- Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum
- Molly Brown Birthplace & Museum
- Historic Downtown Hannibal
- Mark Twain Riverboat
- Rockcliffe Mansion
- Lover's Leap