The Mark Twain Memorial Lighthouse was constructed during our bicentennial in 2019 and serves as a unique memorial to Mark Twain and a glowing attraction - day or night.
Mark Twain Memorial Lighthouse is a glowing monument unlike any other
Enjoy a panoramic view of Hannibal and the Mississippi River. To begin your journey up the 244 steps to our lighthouse, head to the intersection of North and Main Street in Hannibal, near the Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn Statue. You will be sure to snap some fantastic river photos, as well as pictures of Historic Downtown Hannibal.
The Mark Twain Memorial Lighthouse sits on 10 acres of park atop Cardiff Hill, a favorite play area of Tom Sawyer, Huckleberry Finn, and the gang. Cross streets are E. Rock and E. Cardiff.
Parking is available near the top. There is also a rear entrance from Cardiff Hill Drive, offering handicapped accessible parking. The area around the Lighthouse offers a panoramic view of Hannibal and the Mississippi River. Please note that the public is not allowed inside the Lighthouse.
Lighthouse History
While the lighthouse was never used for navigation along the Mississippi River, it was constructed as a lasting memorial to Hannibal’s most famous citizen, Mark Twain, on the 100th anniversary of his birth. A storyboard telling of the many changes the lighthouse has been through is at the top of the steps. The lighthouse was reconstructed during Hannibal’s Bicentennial in 2019.
