The Lighthouse Road Trip On The Ohio Coast That’s Dreamily Beautiful
Lighthouses are probably one of the last things that come to mind when you think of Ohio. However, Ohio is actually home to several picturesque lighthouses along the shores of Lake Erie. We’ve created a lighthouse road trip in Ohio that hits all of our favorites. (For driving purposes, we didn’t include the Lake Erie Islands lighthouses.) And we think this is one road trip that will truly make you see Ohio in a whole new light.
Check it out:
Only In Your State
The total trip only takes about 3 and a half hours of drive time, so you could take the trip in one day or break it into two days if you want to really take your time. We’ve included a link to the Google Map here.
Start your trip with a 100-year-old lighthouse at the Ashtabula Harbor. Although it's seen its fair share of history throughout the years, it's not the first lighthouse to keep watch over the harbor. Two other lighthouses were constructed in the 1800s and the current lighthouse was constructed in 1916 after the Ashtabula River was widened and new docks were built.
What is now the The Fairport Harbor Marine Museum was once an operating 1825 lighthouse accompanied by a two-story keeper's house. The museum was founded in 1945 and houses various artifacts and maritime exhibits, which you can observe for a small fee.
First lit in 1925, this picturesque lighthouse has been uninhabited since 1948 and is currently being renovated. According to the lighthouse's website, plans are underway to transform the lighthouse into a vacation retreat and summer get-a-way home in addition to its use as an active aid-to-navigation.
Just north of the mouth of the Cuyahoga River sits the Cleveland West Pierhead Lighthouse. It was originally constructed in 1911 and is viewable from Wendy Park and other nearby sights. This lighthouse often freezes over in the winter months after heavy winds and waves wrap around it.
This "Jewel of the Port" is a beloved landmark in Lorain. Since 1908, this iconic lighthouse has stood as a historical reminder of Lorain and Lake Erie's shipping history. Today, you can tour the lighthouse during the summer months for a fee.
One of the newer lighthouse on this trip, the Vermilion Lighthouse serves as a replica to the original lighthouse that was built in 1877. You'll find it next to the Main Street Beach in Vermilion.
After hiding in Brand's Marina for several years (pictured) this little lighthouse was just recently moved to Water Works Park. This 26-ft. tall lighthouse was originally built in 1896 and was fully restored in 2014.
The oldest lighthouse in continuous operation on the United States side of the Great Lakes is a beautiful sight to behold. Since 1822, this lighthouse has been an active aid-to-navigation. Today, you can tour the lighthouse for a small fee, observe the museum in the keeper's house and picnic on the grounds of the park.
What do you think of this magnificent lighthouse road trip in Ohio? Would you take it? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below. Don’t hesitate to offer advice on additional local landmarks that would fit well with this trip.
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Address: Ashtabula Harbor Light, Ashtabula, OH 44004, USA
Address: Fairport Marine Museum and Lighthouse, 129 2nd St, Fairport Harbor, OH 44077, USA
Address: Fairport Harbor West Breakwater Light, Lake Erie, Fairport Harbor, OH 44077, USA
Address: Cleveland Harbor West Pierhead Lighthouse, 2800 Whiskey Island Dr, Cleveland, OH 44102, USA
Address: Lorain Harbor Lighthouse, llc, Lorain, OH 44052, USA
Address: 480 Main St, Vermilion, OH 44089, USA
Address: W State Rte 163, Port Clinton, OH 43452, USA
Address: Marblehead Lighthouse, 110 Lighthouse Dr, Marblehead, OH 43440, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Lighthouse Road Trip In Ohio
April 19, 2020
Nikki Rhoades
What is the most famous lighthouse in Ohio?
The Buckeye State might not come to mind when you think of lighthouses, but our coast has several fascinating landmarks that are as scenic (if not more scenic than) those in New England. While there may not be one local lighthouse that is more well known than any other, this article offers us a glimpse into several historic lighthouses in Ohio with tales to tell. There’s one inland lighthouse in Coshocton County, and the old Fairport Harbor lighthouse is said to be haunted by a ghostly feline.
Are there any other unique road trips to take in Ohio?
Ohio is full of fascinating attractions that are worth visiting! While The Buckeye State may not be a tourist hot spot, locals and visitors alike fall in love with unique road trips in Ohio like our famous wine and waterfall road trip. You can also treat your taste buds with a foodie tour through our pretty state. Taco and margarita themed road trips make for a particularly memorable weekend adventure!
What else can I do along the coast in Ohio?
There is so much to explore when it comes to things to do on the coast of Ohio! Lake Erie certainly has a negative reputation, but you can still uncover many pristine places along its southern shore. At least one of the beaches near Cleveland, Huntington Beach, is pristine enough to have earned recognition by the Clean Beaches Council. If you venture inland, you might uncover bizarre landmarks like the infamous Blue Hole of Castalia. All along the coast, you will find great dining and friendly people. What you may not expect, however, is that you will absolutely fall in love with our local landscape.
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April is the Ohio staff writer for Only in Your State. She is an Ohio native with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from E.W. Scripps School of Journalism. With more than 10 years of writing experience and a background in news reporting for Ohio newspapers, she's published pieces in multiple print and online publications. When she's not on deadline or chasing after her toddler, she's hunting for hidden gems in Ohio or getting lost in a good book.
