Philadelphia, PA - For centuries, lighthouses have been an essential feature of Lake Erie. They guide ship captains in their navigation and guarantee safe arrival at their port. Lighthouse enthusiasts will delight in discovering Pennsylvania's 76.6 miles along the Great Lakes shoreline, which boasts three historic lighthouses within Erie city limits. Visit them and experience their charm firsthand! However, when visiting Erie, PA, you must add the following lighthouses to your itinerary. They are all stunningly beautiful and will provide unforgettable memories as you explore them.
Presque Isle Lighthouse
The Presque Isle Lighthouse is an iconic sight atop a cliff overlooking Lake Erie. First lit in 1872 and still active today, this landmark can be found along the sandy northern shores of Presque Isle State Park. Presque Isle Light Station not only features a lighthouse but also houses a museum and gift shop. Both establishments are open during summer hours to visitors for shopping needs.
At Presque Isle Light Station for most of its history, a lighthouse keeper lived on-site and was responsible for keeping the light lit and setting oil lamps each night to illuminate the way for ships on the lake. Charles Waldo began his duties in 1873 and earned an annual salary of $520.
This lighthouse's exterior consists of five courses of glazed bricks designed to withstand storms and waves from Lake Erie. According to Eugene H. Ware's "Pennsylvania Light Houses on Lake Erie," this lighthouse remains one of the few remaining Great Lakes lights.
North Pier Light
The North Pier Light stands guard at the entrance to Presque Isle Bay, leading into Erie, Pennsylvania's port city. Situated atop a cliff overlooking this channel that leads into Presque Isle Bay, it is a landmark for tourists and locals alike.
North Pier Light is a unique tourist destination and a testament to our history of helping people navigate through waterways to their desired destination. While its tower may be lovely, remember that winds can be pretty strong here.
Erie Land Light
Erie, Pennsylvania, is the only port city on Lake Erie, making for an exciting lighthouse adventure. Aside from the iconic Presque Isle and North Pier Lights, 20 other historic lighthouses line its shores!
One of the most iconic lighthouses on Lake Erie, the Erie Land Light, sits high up a cliffside overlooking the channel leading into Erie. This stone structure has become a beloved destination for visitors worldwide to admire its breathtaking view of Lake Erie.
