- Fairport Harbor West Breakwater Lighthouse
In 1925, this scenic lighthouse was constructed at the mouth of the Grand River. The building replaced the museum-operated Old Fairport Harbor Lighthouse and is made of a riveted iron plate. From one of the best Cleveland-area beaches, Mentor Headlands Beach, you can get a good view of the West Breakwater Lighthouse, although it is not open to the public.
- Fairport Harbor Old Lighthouse
Located at the Grand River’s mouth, approximately 45 minutes east of Cleveland, is the Fairport Harbor. In 1825 and then restored in 1871, the sixty-foot tower, known as the "light that shone for a hundred years," was installed. A museum with exhibits on Great Lakes shipping and marine life accompanies the structure.
A lot of escaped slaves traveled the "Underground Railroad." the Fairport Old Lighthouse was used as a beacon of hope. The structure was a convenient port for slaves before they departed to for Canada, and slaves were often kept awaiting departure inside the structure.
- South Bass Island Lighthouse
The famous South Bass Island lighthouse was first lit in 1897 and has become an integral part of Put-in-Bay’s history. It is operated by the Ohio State Sea Grant. The lighthouse is open for tours on specific dates from June to October. However, you can schedule group tours from April to November. The lighthouse isn’t far from Put-in-Bay Township. Indeed, you can rent a golf cart or use a taxi to get to the lighthouse.
- Cleveland Harbor West Pierhead Lighthouse
At the west end of the breakwater headed to the Port of Cleveland sits the Cleveland Harbor West Pierhead Lighthouse. In 1911, the lighthouse was automated in 1965 and still flashes its beacon every five seconds to alert ships. At the nearby Great Lakes Science Center, the original Fresnel lens is now on view.
The lighthouse is closed to the public but can be viewed from the many Lake Erie cruise ships leaving downtown Cleveland, such as the Goodtime III and the Nautica Queen, at close range.
- Vermilion Lighthouse
The Vermilion Lighthouse rests at the end of downtown, next to the Maritime Museum. The building is a duplication of the wooden lighthouse, constructed in 1847. One of the few sandy beaches along this Lake Erie stretch is steps away from the attractive lighthouse.
- West Sister Island Light Tower
The Light Tower of the West Sister Island marks the western end of the southern passage through the Bass Island, northern of Ohio Sandusky and Port Clinton. In 1847, the still-active light station was installed, then erected in 1868 and restored. The 55-foot structure of white stucco is not open to the public but can be seen by boat.
During World War II, the keeper's house and the other station buildings were demolished when the US Army used the island for target practice. Today, the island is a natural refuge for wildlife.
- Port Clinton
The lighthouse, originally located at the mouth of the Portage River in 1896, stood on private land for six decades until it was lovingly restored and moved to its new home at Water Works Park in 2016. Along with a new 2020 "Lightkeeper" sculpture on view through fall, a replica Lightkeeper's Boathouse is also located in the park.
Although the grounds are open year-round and available, this year, the lighthouse is not open for tours. Don't forget to grab a picture at Water Works Park with the "Lake Erie Love" sign still on view.
Be ready to explore all these lighthouses with your binoculars. Also, carry your camera and get some photos for memory. You will be amused by the eye-catching lighthouses around Lake Erie. Don't forget to have fun and visit as many lighthouses as possible.