Visiting Lake Erie Shores Lighthouses #LakeErieLove

*Lake Erie Shores and Islands sponsored this trip, however, my love for lighthouses is all my own.*

When I was about 10, my main travel goal in life was to see, visit and photograph every lighthouse in the US. If you are slightly chuckling to yourself, you know how lofty a goal that really is. See, my young mind had my first taste of lighthouse love on the east coast, and I was set. What I didn’t take into account was one, the cost to get to each one, photographing (and developing the film back in those days) was an expense, and realizing just HOW MANY fabulous houses are out there.

When most people hear of lighthouses, we think of Hatteras, Diamond Lady, Pigeon Point, New London Ledge, etc. Have you taken the time to research if your local lakes have standing lighthouses? Did you know Ohio is home to some fabulous ones? I did, but never took the time to drive north to experience them. I didn’t know what I was missing!

Marblehead Lighthouse is one of Lake Erie’s most photographed landmarks. It is the oldest lighthouse in continuous operation on the Great Lakes and has guided sailors safely along the rocky shores of Marblehead Peninsula since 1822. One of the fun facts I learned when visiting, was that of the 15 keepers for the house, two of them were women! My family and I loved this area, as the grounds are a park like setting. We had a picnic, dipped our toes int he water and explored the Marblehead lighthouse history.

South Bass Island Light is thought to be the only lighthouse in the country that is owned by a university. South Bass Island Lighthouse is now home to The Ohio State University research and academic staff. The lighthouse and grounds have typically not been accessible to the public, but this changed in 2007 when the university started offering tours during the summer. Besides the lighthouse and a modern replacement light tower, an 1899 barn and an 1897 oil house remain standing on the property. Too bad we didn’t get a real look at the light. On our next Express Jet trip, I am hoping to swing close enough for pictures, or potential schedule a tour with OSU!

Port Clinton Lighthouse was decommissioned in the late 1920s but the structure remained a welcome sight to locals and visitors alike until 1952, when Dave Jeremy removed the lighthouse to his marina. That is until August 16, 2016 when the light was returned to it’s shoreline. You can climb the wooden spiral staircase to the lantern room and  walk out onto the gallery deck for a spectacular view of Lake Erie and its famous islands. Although the light was closed on our visit, we still got to enjoy the beauty of the freshly renovated and moved house. The park area surrounding is another lovely location to spend some time along the shoreline with your family.

The Huron Lighthouse is maintained by the United States Federal Government. The lighthouse is not open for tours. If you like fishing, long walks on a long pier, or like me and find all lighthouses intriguing, make a stop at Huron! It is one of the most industrial looking lights that I have encountered. We made a stop here after a decent drive, so the walk on the pier was a welcome respite. The square cement foundation, which was formerly home to the Pierhead light for many years, is still clearly evident as you stroll out to the modern light.

Vermilion Lighthouse and the surrounding area are just beautiful. This light is a replica of the original lighthouse that was later moved to Lake Ontario. The attached beach next to the old Maritime Museum was one of our favorites. Toes in the sand, choosing (and returning a read book) a book from the Little Free Library and photographing the area were highlights on our visit.

You see, for a one tank trip for my family and I, we could visit some beautiful (and some still functioning) lighthouses. I still have plenty of houses to get to in my quest, but I thoroughly enjoyed my Lake Erie Shores tour. This just goes to show, it’s worth the research to see what you really have available in your area. For those of you near northern Ohio, please make Lake Erie Shores and Islands a stop