6 Best Lighthouse on Lake Eerie to Visit

• Address: 10 Lighthouse Dr, Marblehead, OH 
• Best for: Historical experience via museum

Care to take a time-traveling trip back to 1822? That’s when the 55-footMarblehead Lighthouse was built by the first stonemason of Sandusky, William Kelly. You can find this landmark at Marblehead State Park, a gorgeous slice of nature, views, and family-friendly amenities a short 20-minute drive from Port Clinton. 

This lighthouse has a rich history and grew in necessity as ships traversing the Great Lakes needed more and more light as their journeys took them deeper into the water. 

Fun fact: it’s also one of the first lighthouses to have had women manning the light! 

You can learn more about the history at the on-site museum. But, if you prefer to simply hang out with some snacks on a picnic table and take in gorgeous views of Marblehead State Park instead? We can’t think of a better afternoon. 

2. Port Clinton Lighthouse

• Address: W State Route 163, Port Clinton, OH 
• Best for: Local festivals and events

ThePort Clinton Lighthouse is one of this town’s most precious gems. It stands tall on the edge of Waterworks Park, a short walk from the southern Lake Erie coastline. Similar to the Marblehead Lighthouse, this lighthouse’s proximity to a local park makes it easily accessible and convenient for families, as you can find ample seating spaces like picnic tables and public restrooms. 

The best part about the Port Clinton Lighthouse? It’s center stage of all the must-visit festivals of Port Clinton, like the Summer Maritime Festival, filled with local vendors, kids’ activities, and historical talks, as well as the Walleye Festival, which takes your taste buds on a satisfying, fishy ride!

And if you decide to stay longer or visit more frequently, you could become part of the Port Clinton Lighthouse community by becoming a Keeper! This is a membership that supports the lighthouse’s operations and gives you access to special events and promotions year-long. 

Final tip? Don’t forget to check out the abundant, deliciousrestaurants in Port Clinton nearby. A personal favorite is Jolly Roger’s for fresh fish catches and mouthwatering seafood plates!

3. Cedar Point Lighthouse

• Address: 1 Beacon Bywy, Sandusky, OH 
• Best for: Families who like amusement parks, too.

Also known as Lighthouse Point, theCedar Point Lighthouse is shorter than most, sitting atop a limestone home where the lighthouse keeper used to live, at least for the time that he operated the lighthouse (until 1909). You can see the lighthouse and historical home during operating hours.

You’ll have to drive about half an hour from Port Clinton to get here, but trust us; it’s worth the short distance, especially if your kids like amusement parks. You’re just a stone’s throw away from Cedar Point Park, which features roller coasters, buggies, carousels, and many other rides to give your kids the getaway of their dreams! 

And for the adults? Enjoy a unique experience like a fishing boat charter or visit the glassblowing studio to participate in the ancient craft. 

4. Vermillion Lighthouse

• Address: 480 Main St, Vermilion, OH 
• Best for: Tranquil views and beach walks

Port Clinton is our home, but we won’t lie — the Port Clinton beach and lighthouse certainly gets crowded during peak times. If you crave a more relaxed outing (with a lighthouse to marvel at, of course) you might opt for Ohio’s Vermillion Lighthouse. 

It’s only a 40-minute drive from Port Clinton and a great spot to take in views of the horizon or meander through the Main Street beach. You’ll find ample seating space on the city’s wide Muskoka chairs just behind the lighthouse. 

This lighthouse is relatively short and doesn’t have the same tours or hype as some of the others on this list. However, it’s a great opportunity to visit and take a few family photos on a restful day. Fun fact — you can actually see Cedar Point from this lookout spot. 

Pro tip: VisitSusie’s Homestyle Cafe for comfort food like meaty macaroni and cheese, ribs, and meatball subs!

5. Huron Harbor Lighthouse

• Address: Huron, OH 
• Best for: Gardens and birdwatching

Nature lovers unite at the Huron Harbor Lighthouse, a short 30-minute drive from Port Clinton, Ohio. After Labor Day, you won’t find many tourists around here, but then again, there aren’t any lighthouse tours either. The Huron Harbor Lighthouse offers you calming, gentle views of the Lake Erie horizon and plenty of opportunities to see the area’s local birds. 

Keep in mind that while there used to be a walkway leading all the way to the lighthouse, you can’t actually access it anymore. Instead, it ends at a viewing platform to see the lighthouse from a distance — but it’s still a great view from there. 



Don’t forget to visit Huron’s Old Fish House, which is a patio restaurant with views of the water and lighthouse. Their freshly squeezed lemonade and chicken tenders are great for the kiddoes, and the bloody marys will have grandma opening up and laughing a lot, too!

6. South Bass Island Lighthouse

• Address: 2368 Langram Rd, Put-In-Bay, OH 
• Best for: Boat rides and serene views

Just the journey alone to South Bass Island Lighthouse is enough to give the whole family an exciting thrill! This lighthouse is about 45 minutes away from Port Clinton, but sits in the vast waters of Lake Erie in the Put-In-Bay township. 

The South Bass Island Lighthouse has been around since the late 1800s and stands atop a brick structure with Queen Anne architecture. 

Unfortunately, you can’t actually go inside this lighthouse. However, you’ll notice helpful staff to guide you around the area with insider knowledge of the history. Pro tip? Stay vigilant and look where you walk — the island is known to have some snakes slithering about, but they’re often harmless!

Honorable Mentions: Nearby Port Clinton Lighthouses

• Toledo Harbor Lighthouse: Stands 64 feet high in the middle of Lake Erie, with active restoration efforts.
• Ashtabula Lighthouse: Three storeys tall and manned by lighthouse keepers all the way to 1973; known for on-site fish fries at the foot of Ashtabula Harbor.
• Presque Isle Lighthouse: Located in Erie, Pennsylvania, and open for you to climb its 113 steps.
  
  

Stay Near the Best Lighthouses with Commodore Perry

The Lake Erie islands and coastline offer a spectacular vacation experience to anyone who visits. You don’t have to visit all the historical lighthouses on our list to have an incredible time. But we must insist you at least visit the Port Clinton Lighthouse, especially during the fall season, for crisp weather and fewer crowds. 



Once you’ve had your fill of American history and views, you can mosey on back to your cozy accommodations with Commodore Perry. All our suites have modern, comfortable beds, fresh linens, lakeside views, and in-suite kitchens to hold you over until a more filling meal at one of the city’s delicious fish restaurants. 

Book your Port Clinton getaway today!