If you search for Lighthouse at Twin Lakes, you may come across information about a residential community in Beltsville, Maryland, rather than a traditional coastal lighthouse. The name refers to the Lighthouse at Twin Lakes apartment community, which was built around two ponds and features a distinctive lighthouse structure as one of its main landmarks.
The name can also create confusion with Twin Lakes, Colorado, a well-known mountain destination near Leadville. Colorado’s Twin Lakes is famous for its alpine scenery, historic village, and outdoor recreation, but the sources reviewed do not establish a lighthouse there.
This guide focuses on the Lighthouse at Twin Lakes in Beltsville, Maryland, while also explaining the difference between it and Twin Lakes, Colorado.
What Is Lighthouse at Twin Lakes?
The Lighthouse at Twin Lakes is a residential apartment community in Beltsville, Maryland, in Prince George’s County. Its distinctive name comes from the lighthouse landmark located within the property and the two ponds that form part of the community’s landscaped setting.
Historical reporting describes the lighthouse as a 65-foot structure standing in the middle of a pond. It was designed as a visual landmark rather than as a navigational lighthouse for ships.
The property was formerly known as Olde Mill Landing. According to historical reporting, the community was built in the 1970s, and the structure that later became the lighthouse was originally a windmill. The property was subsequently renovated and given its nautical-themed identity.
Where Is Lighthouse at Twin Lakes Located?
Lighthouse at Twin Lakes is located in Beltsville, Maryland, near Beltsville Road and Calverton Boulevard and close to the I-95 corridor.
Public records identify the property at 11932 Twinlakes Drive, Beltsville, MD 20705, while historical records have also listed 11800 Twin Lakes Drive as an address associated with the community.
Its location provides convenient access to major roads in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. A Maryland planning document identifies the property as being north of Calverton Boulevard, west of Beltsville Road, and south of the Capital Beltway.
The History Behind Lighthouse at Twin Lakes
One of the most interesting aspects of Lighthouse at Twin Lakes is that the lighthouse was not originally created as the centerpiece of the property.
The residential community was developed during the 1970s. Historical reporting states that it was originally called Olde Mill Landing, and the structure that became the lighthouse was initially a windmill. Later renovations changed the character of the property and helped establish the nautical theme associated with the Lighthouse at Twin Lakes name.
By the late 1990s, the lighthouse had become a recognizable landmark for the community. The surrounding property included two ponds, landscaped grounds, apartment buildings, recreational facilities, and other amenities.
A later Washington Post feature described the lighthouse as an unusual feature within the residential development and noted that a small party room was located inside it.
Is the Lighthouse a Real Navigational Lighthouse?
No. The Lighthouse at Twin Lakes in Beltsville should not be confused with a traditional lighthouse built to guide ships.
The structure serves primarily as an architectural and community landmark. Historical reporting specifically describes its role as a landmark for the apartment complex rather than a navigational aid for boats.
This distinction is important because someone searching for lighthouse history may expect to find a lighthouse on a coastline or major navigable lake. Lighthouse at Twin Lakes is a different type of landmark.
What Does the Lighthouse Look Like?
The lighthouse is one of the most recognizable visual elements of the residential community. Historical descriptions identify it as a tall structure standing in or immediately associated with one of the property’s ponds.
The surrounding setting includes:
- Two ponds
- Landscaped grounds
- Apartment buildings
- Walking areas
- Recreational facilities
- Picnic areas
- Nautical-themed features
- Trees and open green space
Historical photographs and descriptions also highlight the ponds and the lighthouse as defining features of the property.
Lighthouse at Twin Lakes Apartments
The lighthouse is part of a larger residential development rather than an independent tourist attraction.
Historical sources describe the property as containing hundreds of residences, including apartments in both garden-style buildings and a high-rise. The community also included recreational and shared facilities for residents.
A Maryland planning document confirms that Lighthouse at Twin Lakes is a multifamily residential development and records planning activity involving the existing property.
Because it is a residential community, visitors should not assume that all areas of the property are publicly accessible. If you are interested in seeing the lighthouse in person, it is important to respect private-property boundaries and follow current property rules.
What Was Inside the Lighthouse?
One unusual detail about the Lighthouse at Twin Lakes is that the structure was used for more than decoration.
A 2002 Washington Post report stated that the lighthouse contained a small party room capable of holding approximately 20 people. The report also described the unusual practice of using a small rowboat to reach the structure.
This makes the lighthouse different from many decorative structures. It was incorporated into the community’s social and architectural design rather than simply being placed beside the water as scenery.
The Two Lakes and Ponds
The name “Twin Lakes” comes from the property’s two ponds, which contribute to the community’s landscape.
Historical reporting described the ponds as attractive features of the residential grounds and noted the presence of ducks, geese, and other wildlife. The ponds also contributed to the peaceful atmosphere described by residents in historical accounts.
The property’s landscaping and water features help explain why a lighthouse became a fitting visual theme for the development.
Can You Visit the Lighthouse at Twin Lakes?
The answer depends on what you mean by “visit.”
The Lighthouse at Twin Lakes in Beltsville is part of a residential apartment community, not a conventional public lighthouse museum or standalone tourist attraction. Therefore, access to the property and lighthouse may be limited to residents, guests, or people with authorized access.
If your goal is photography or sightseeing, do not enter private areas without permission. Current property access rules should always take priority over older descriptions found online.
Is There a Lighthouse at Twin Lakes, Colorado?
This is an important point for people searching the keyword online.
Twin Lakes, Colorado, is a completely different place. It is a historic mountain community in Lake County near Leadville, situated beside two large glacial lakes beneath Colorado’s high peaks. Official tourism information describes the area as being about 21 miles southwest of Leadville and 36 miles east of Aspen.
Twin Lakes, Colorado, is known for:
- Mountain scenery
- Two glacial lakes
- Fishing
- Boating
- Kayaking
- Paddleboarding
- Hiking
- Camping
- Scenic drives
- Historic buildings
- Photography
- Stargazing
However, the sources reviewed for this article do not establish a lighthouse as a recognized landmark at Twin Lakes, Colorado.
Therefore, if you saw the exact phrase “Lighthouse at Twin Lakes,” the Beltsville, Maryland residential community is the more direct match.
Lighthouse at Twin Lakes vs. Twin Lakes Colorado
These two names are easy to confuse, so the following distinction can help.
| Feature | Lighthouse at Twin Lakes | Twin Lakes, Colorado |
| Location | Beltsville, Maryland | Lake County, Colorado |
| Type | Residential community | Mountain community and recreation destination |
| Lighthouse | Yes, as a community landmark | No established lighthouse in the sources reviewed |
| Water features | Two landscaped ponds | Two natural glacial lakes |
| Main identity | Apartment community | Historic mountain and outdoor destination |
| Nearby major location | Washington, D.C. metro area | Leadville and Aspen region |
| Activities | Residential amenities | Hiking, fishing, boating, camping and sightseeing |
This distinction can prevent travelers from searching for the wrong location.
What Makes Lighthouse at Twin Lakes Interesting?
The most unusual feature is the combination of a residential community, two ponds, and a lighthouse-style structure.
Unlike a traditional lighthouse standing along an ocean coast, this landmark was integrated into a suburban residential environment. The nautical design extended beyond the lighthouse itself, with historical accounts describing nautical-themed elements throughout parts of the community.
The structure also has an interesting history because it developed from a property that was previously known as Olde Mill Landing.
Nearby Areas and Accessibility
Lighthouse at Twin Lakes is positioned in the Beltsville area of Prince George’s County. Its location near major roads makes the surrounding community accessible to residents and visitors traveling through the Washington metropolitan region.
Historical reporting noted convenient access to shopping and other local services, while planning documents confirm its location near Calverton Boulevard, Beltsville Road, and the Capital Beltway.
For anyone planning to visit the area, it is useful to distinguish between getting to Beltsville and accessing the residential property itself. Reaching the neighborhood does not automatically mean the lighthouse is open to public tours.
Photography Tips for the Lighthouse
If you have authorized access and want to photograph the lighthouse, the surrounding water features can provide an interesting composition.
Try these approaches:
- Include the pond in the foreground.
- Photograph the lighthouse with surrounding trees.
- Look for reflections on calm water.
- Shoot during soft morning or evening light.
- Use a wider composition to show the relationship between the lighthouse and the pond.
- Avoid photographing residents or private areas without permission.
- Check current property rules before using professional equipment.
The lighthouse’s unusual suburban setting can make it more visually distinctive than a standard architectural photograph.
Things to Know Before Going
Before making a special trip to Lighthouse at Twin Lakes, keep these points in mind:
- It is a residential community.
- The lighthouse is a private-property landmark rather than a conventional public lighthouse.
- Older online information may describe amenities or access that have since changed.
- Do not assume historical features are still used in the same way today.
- Respect residents and property boundaries.
- Confirm current access information before visiting specifically to photograph the lighthouse.
- If you are actually looking for the famous mountain lakes, verify that your destination is Twin Lakes, Colorado, rather than Beltsville, Maryland.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Lighthouse at Twin Lakes?
Lighthouse at Twin Lakes is a residential apartment community in Beltsville, Maryland, in Prince George’s County. Public records identify an address on Twinlakes Drive in Beltsville.
Is Lighthouse at Twin Lakes in Colorado?
No. The documented Lighthouse at Twin Lakes is in Beltsville, Maryland. Twin Lakes, Colorado, is a separate mountain destination near Leadville.
Is the lighthouse at Twin Lakes a real lighthouse?
It is a lighthouse-style landmark, but it is not a traditional navigational lighthouse. Historical reporting describes it as a landmark within the residential community.
Why is it called Lighthouse at Twin Lakes?
The name reflects the property’s distinctive lighthouse structure and its two ponds, which form part of the community’s landscape.
Was the lighthouse always a lighthouse?
No. Historical reporting says the property was formerly known as Olde Mill Landing and that the structure was originally a windmill before becoming associated with the lighthouse-themed community.
Can the public tour the lighthouse?
It should not be assumed that the lighthouse is open for public tours. It is part of a residential property, so access depends on current property rules and authorization.
Is Twin Lakes Colorado worth visiting?
Twin Lakes, Colorado, is a separate destination known for its alpine lakes, historic village, mountain scenery, and outdoor recreation. Colorado tourism sources list activities including hiking, fishing, boating, kayaking, camping, and photography.
Final Thoughts
The Lighthouse at Twin Lakes is an unusual landmark because it is connected to a residential community rather than a traditional maritime setting. Located in Beltsville, Maryland, the property developed from the former Olde Mill Landing and became known for its lighthouse, two ponds, and nautical-themed character. Historical sources document the lighthouse as a distinctive feature of the community and even describe a small party room inside the structure.
If your search is actually about Twin Lakes, Colorado, be careful not to confuse the two locations. Colorado’s Twin Lakes offers a very different experience, centered on alpine lakes, historic buildings, and Rocky Mountain recreation rather than the Beltsville lighthouse.
Hi, I’m Henry Ashford, a writer with a lifelong interest in lakes, landscapes, and the natural environment. I love exploring how lakes influence wildlife, local communities, tourism, and history. My goal is to create informative content that encourages readers to appreciate and protect freshwater environments.
Every article I write is based on careful research and presented in a straightforward, engaging style that makes learning enjoyable.
Books I’ve Written:
- Discovering the World’s Great Lakes
- Freshwater Landscapes: Stories from Around the Globe
Charlotte Pembroke