As I planned my road trip to Cuyahoga Valley National Park, I realized that I had half day in my itinerary unaccounted for. So, I started researching, trying to find something in the area that sounded interesting. I was nearby Cleveland which has a lot of museums and things to do, but Cleveland was in the opposite direction I was heading. So, after way too much research, I finally settled on making my own DIY tour of Lake Erie lighthouses.
Now, with that knowledge, I’m passing it on to you. Quite honestly, unless you are heading out on a boat on Lake Erie, it can be hard to find things to fill your time. This mini lighthouse tour traverses part of the Lake Erie Circle Tour and takes you through some of the small cities that make up this coastline.
About the Lake Erie Circle Tour
Before we get too far into the lighthouses and what you can do, let’s talk about the Lake Erie Circle Tour. The entire route does a loop around the entire lake and comes in at 629 miles. I had a half day so it’s unreasonable to do the entire Lake Erie Circle Tour in one day. Instead, this DIY tour covers just a small 50 mile segment of this tour, running from from Vermillion, Ohio in the east to Port Clinton in the west, staying along side Lake Erie for almost the entire route.
The Lake Erie Circle Tour isn’t unique. All five of the Great Lakes (Lake Erie, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, Lake Ontario, and Lake Superior) all have their own circle tour that highlights the communities, natural beauty, and activities found along these lakes.
I also have to add that if you’re not from the Great Lakes area, it can be hard to wrap your head around the sheer scale of these lakes. Lake Erie is the second smallest of the five Great Lakes, but it still covers an area of nearly 10,000 square miles. In other words, you can stand on the shores of any of these lakes and not see the other side. While I don’t want to say it’s just like the ocean, it’s kind of just like the ocean.
I grew up on Lake Michigan and have lived within five miles of Lake Michigan for my entire life (minus four months when I studied abroad in Ireland). So, Lake Michigan has provided my scale for what a lake is and let me tell you, my perception is a bit skewed.
So what is the point of all this rambling? The Great Lakes are huge and if you’re short on time, it’s best to just tackle a small section of one, such as this DIY tour of Lake Erie’s lighthouses.
Lake Erie Lighthouse Tour
As mentioned, despite Lake Erie being the second smallest of the Great Lakes, it’s still massive and it’s not possible to cover all of the lighthouses in one day. So, I’m focusing on the area between Port Clinton, Ohio and Vermillion, Ohio. This area also includes Sandusky, Ohio which is famous for its Cedar Point Amusement Park.
Just as a note, I’ll be starting in the east and working my way west. That’s not because I think it’s better but rather it’s because that’s how I did my trip. I was very slowly working my way from Ohio back to Wisconsin. Even if you aren’t road tripping like I was, you could easily make this a loop trip and drive back to your starting point.
Now let’s get into these Lake Erie lighthouses.
Lorain Harbor Lighthouse
Lorain Harbor Lighthouse is the first stop on this lighthouse tour. Depending on where you park, you might not be able to get very close, but the lighthouse is large and you can see it from a distance. I parked at the boat marina and walked out as far as I could.
However, if you’re here in season, there are various activities and events at the lighthouse (including tours) and you can get even closer than I did. Learn more at the official website.
The Lorain Lighthouse entered into service in 1917, four years after funds were initially allocated for it, and helped to guide ships into and around Lorain Harbor. While it can be tough to see from a distance, this is one of the bigger lighthouses you’ll see today. There’s three floors, plus the lantern room at the very top which didn’t convert to electric power until the 1930s. The Lorain Harbor Lighthouse was decommissioned in 1965, but managed to escape demolition thanks to a “Save-the-Lightouse” committee. Now, it’s part of the National Register of Historic Places.
A visit here can be quick because it’s so difficult to get up close to the lighthouse (unless you’re on a boat or taking a tour). While you are right on Lake Erie, there are so many better places to enjoy the lake. So my recommendation is to start here, see the lighthouse, and then move on.
Vermillion Lighthouse
The next stop is twenty-five minutes down the road. The drive is right along Lake Erie, but unfortunately you won’t see too much of the lake. For the sections where the road runs right along the lake, trees block the view for a lot of it. But don’t worry, Vermillion Lighthouse has a nice little beach and it’s a great place to stop and enjoy the view.
The Vermillion Lighthouse is smaller than the Lorain Harbor Lighthouse, but you can get up close with this lighthouse and it has a nicer setting. So in my book, the Vermillion Lighthouse is better.
The lighthouse on this sight is not the original lighthouse for the town of Vermillion. The original lighthouse was constructed in the 1840s and lit using whale oil lanterns. In 1877, the original lighthouse was in a state of disrepair and torn town to make way for a new lighthouse which then stood for over 50 years. That second lighthouse started to have some structural problems and was removed. However, a group of volunteers worked together to raise funds to build a replacement lighthouse and in 1991, the third iteration of the Vermillion Lighthouse was complete.
I enjoyed my stop at the Vermillion Lighthouse. There is a very small beach and some benches and it was a nice, peaceful area. That said, I did visit on a day with not the best weather, so it’s possible that it’s busier (and less peaceful) on nicer days. If you’re starting your Lake Erie lighthouse tour in the morning, I recommend grabbing a pastry or a snack and enjoying it here (I had mine at Lorain Harbor, but the lighthouse in Vermillion would have been a much better choice).
Huron Lighthouse
It’s another 25 minute drive down Highway 6 to get to your next stop at Huron Lighthouse. Like the previous drive, you will be right along Lake Erie, but you won’t be able to see much, but you might get a small peak here and there.
From the parking lot, you’ll have a short five minute walk out to the lighthouse. While the walk is fine and it finally feels like I’m at a pier where a lighthouse should be, the lighthouse itself wasn’t my favorite. From a design perspective, it’s interesting, but it wasn’t my favorite of the day.
Like with the Vermillion Lighthouse, the lighthouse that stands here is not the original. The first lighthouse, built in 1835 was destroyed in a rough storm in 1854. Three years later, a new lighthouse was constructed, this time using iron as a frame to give it a bit more durability. While there have been upgrades throughout the years to improve the lighthouse, the base of the lighthouse from 1854 is what’s still used today.
As mentioned, this was not my favorite lighthouse as I found others to be more picturesque, but I liked the short walk along the pier to reach the viewing area of the lighthouse. While it was nice to get up close to the Vermillion, Marblehead and Port Clinton Lighthouses, I’m used to walking out along a pier to get close to the lighthouse, so for me, this is more like what I expected on my lighthouse tour.
Marblehead Lighthouse
The most direct route between Huron Lighthouse and Marblehead Lighthouse is 40 minutes. I detoured and stopped briefly in Sandusky which added an extra twenty minutes to the drive.
The choice is completely yours, but I will give one caveat. If you detour through Sandusky, be aware that it is possible to hit traffic for Cedar Point Amusement Park. This really depends on the time of day and the direction you are heading. I came through in the morning (about 10:30 am) and was heading west, so this wasn’t a problem. If I was heading east, I would have hit more traffic, especially in summer. While this isn’t to deter you from stopping in Sandusky, it’s more of a head’s up.
Marblehead Lighthouse gets my vote for the best lighthouse on this list. The lighthouse is actually part of Marblehead State Park which is located on a small peninsula jutting into Lake Erie. Not only is there the historic lighthouse, but there are also other buildings to tour here.
Marblehead Lighthouse holds the distinction of being the oldest lighthouse in continuous use, not just on Lake Erie, but all of the Great Lakes. The lighthouse was first constructed in 1821 to help guide ships and prevent shipwrecks along the Lake Erie coastline. As time went on, a few additions were made to the lighthouse, but it is still the original lighthouse.
The weather didn’t cooperate with me. While it was dry for my first three lighthouse stops, at Marblehead Lighthouse, the rain started and that made me shorten my visit. I didn’t walk to all of the buildings and explore like I would have done on a nice day. But that’s just how the weather goes some times.
As this is a state park, there are some unique opportunities at Marblehead Lighthouse. Notably, if you visit between Memorial Day and Labor Day, you can join a tour and actually go into the lighthouse. After seeing so many from the outside, this sounds like a nice way to change it up. Learn more at the official website.
Additionally, as you drive toward Marblehead Lighthouse State Park, you’ll pass a series of local shops and restaurants along Highway 183. This can also be a great place to stop for a bite to eat.
Port Clinton Lighthouse
From Marblehead Lighthouse, it’s a twenty minute drive to Port Clinton for the last lighthouse of this DIY tour.
While not the oldest lighthouse on this list (that goes to Marblehead Lighthouse), Port Clinton Lighthouse is another old lighthouse, having been constructed in 1833. However, in 1870, the lighthouse was decommissioned due to its poor location. But, just two decades later, this area picked up for tourism and fishing and a new lighthouse was built. This lighthouse was restored and moved to this spot. So yes, this was not the original location.
If you’re interested in learning more about the lighthouse, tours are offered seasonally. Learn more at the official website.
Port Clinton Lighthouse is right on the beach and in my opinion, if you’re looking for some beach time, this is the best place to do it. Sure there was some beach back at Vermillion Lighthouse, but you’ll find more beach here and that makes it more ideal for some fun.
Beyond the Lake Erie Lighthouses
Sure, it’s nice to drive along the lake and stop for photos of the lighthouses, but there’s more to do in this area besides just visit lighthouses.
Spend Some Time on a Beach
You’ll be following Lake Erie for most of the day and like all of the Great Lakes, there are some great places to just sit and enjoy the beach. If it’s a nice day, this can be an excellent way to spend some time. Bring a picnic (but watch out for seagulls) and enjoy the beach.
Kelleys Island
If you’re willing to hop on a ferry, Kelleys Island not only offers an additional lighthouse to this list but also has more things for tourists. Go shopping, try the famous lobster bisque, rent a bike and self tour the island.
Downtown Sandusky
Admittedly when I’m in the area, my big focus is Cedar Point, but there is more to do in Sandusky than just the amusement park. Stroll along Lake Erie, shop in one of its many local shops, eat well, visit a museum, and even more.
Cedar Point Amusement Park
Located in Sandusky, you’ll find Cedar Point Amusement Park which boasts 18 roller coasts along its many other family friend rides. If you’re a thrill seeker, this is the place to be. While it’s definitely gone up in price since I first visited well over a decade ago, if you love roller coasters and thrill rides, this is worth a splurge.
Cleveland
If you go just a bit further east from Lorain Harbor Lighthouse, you’ll reach the city of Cleveland. It’s the second largest city in Ohio and has something for everyone. If you like sports, check out one of the professional teams. If you like music, head to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. And that’s just the starting point.
Toledo
If you keep heading west after Port Clinton, you’ll eventually reach Toledo which is the fourth largest city in Ohio. Admittedly I haven’t spent time here since I’m always heading on to other destinations, but there are a few things that might pique your interest. Tour the Great Lakes Museum, eat at the Tony Packo’s restaurant (if you’re a fan of MAS*H, yes this restaurant is real), or consider a visit to the Toledo Zoo, consider my some to be the best zoo in America.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
This is a bit further afield, but I have to mention this national park. Why? Because the only reason I ended up in this part of Ohio was because of Cuyahoga Valley National Park. I drove from Wisconsin, stopping at Indiana Dunes National Park along the way. As I worked my way back to Wisconsin, I stopped at the lighthouses.
At Cuyahoga Valley National Park, you’ll find plenty of hiking trails, farms (some even offer tours), and a scenic railway.
How Long Do You Need
If you just want to drive along the lake and make a quick stop at each lighthouse, you only need a half day. However, if you want to stop and explore and maybe enjoy a little time on the beach or even tour inside a lighthouse, you’ll need more time.
I don’t think it’s unreasonable to give this a full day. You’ll need a half day for the lighthouses themselves, then linger a bit near Marblehead Lighthouse to take the tour and wander the local shops in the area.
With more than one day, look into one of the many nearby attractions.
When to Do a Lake Erie Lighthouse Tour
You can technically do this all year round. Yes, even in winter it’s an option. However, I would add a caveat that if you are interested in taking a tour to learn more about the area or a particular lighthouse, you should really focus your visit between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Personally, I did this in mid October. The weather wasn’t the greatest, but the day before would have been excellent. The only downside is there are no options for tours.
Final Thoughts
If you’re in the northern Ohio area and are looking for a way to spend a few hours, I think this DIY Lake Erie Lighthouse tour is an excellent option. Of course there are loads of other options, but I think for the right traveler, this is the best way to spend your time. It can be a nice drive through small towns with peaceful areas on the beach.
Continue Your Adventure
Cuyahoga Valley National Park: I combined my Lake Erie Lighthouse Tour with a trip to Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Here’s my recommendation for how to see the highlights in one day.
More in the Midwest: Heading west, you’ll reach Indiana which is home to Indiana Dunes National Park. Enjoy the beaches of Lake Michigan or get out on a hike. Further west is Chicago which features so many fun things to do, including tours of the Chicago River.
More Lighthouses: If you like lighthouses, consider a visit to Maine. At Cape Elizabeth, you’ll find the most photographed lighthouse in the United States (and even more activities).