If you’ve lived in Massachusetts, you’ve definitely tunneled your way through a bowl of Cape Cod Potato Chips. These crispy golden delights are an iconic part of the Bay State snack landscape, just like the stunning lighthouse on the bag. However, plenty of Massachusetts natives don’t know that the so-called Cape Cod Potato Chip lighthouse actually exists and that you can visit it today.

The red and white lighthouse on millions of bags of Cape Cod Potato Chips is a real place.
Flickr/Atsushi Hyogo
Far from just a pretty illustration, the iconic lighthouse is actually located in Eastham and has been guarding the shores of Cape Cod since 1877.
Getty/Thomas A. Mitchell
Nausea Light is 48 feet tall and was once one of three lighthouses set about 150 feet apart on the beach.
Getty/Westhoff
Though its two sister lights were taken down years ago, Nauset Light continues to impress visitors and locals alike with its cheerful stripes and picture-perfect good looks.
Getty/Kristin Hughes
In 1996, Cape Cod Potato Chips adopted the lighthouse as its mascot. They asked local Hyannisport artist Elizabeth Mumford to paint the beacon for use on merchandise.
Getty/Sara Grey

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That same year, the lighthouse was actually scooted back away from the water by about 360 feet to save it from falling into the sea.
Getty/Paul Souders
Though the bag design was revamped in 2010, the memorable lighthouse design was preserved and now graces grocery store shelves across New England and the world.
Getty/Ken Weirderman
You can visit the lighthouse for a tour on Sunday from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. May through October. There are extended tour hours in July and August.
Getty/Chris Cook
Tours are totally free (though donations are welcome) and open-house style, so you can explore at your own pace. Climb the lighthouse to check out the lookout room and enjoy unparalleled sea views.
Getty/Chris Weinhard
Snackers and history buffs will love visiting this hidden seaside treasure in Massachusetts.
Getty/mirceax

You can find out more about visiting Nauset Light by visiting the Nauset Light Preservation Society website. Looking for another great Massachusetts day trip? Check out this oceanside tower with incredible views.

Address: 120 Nauset Light Beach Road, Eastham, MA, 02642

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