Great Lakes
Lighthouses (more properly called "light stations") and lightships on the U.S. shores of the Great Lakes, including the states of Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio, New York, and Pennsylvania. Many are open to the public, including opportunities to explore lighthouse grounds, climb the tower, and view the Fresnel lens. Lighthouse photography is a popular activity. Some remote lighthouses are accessible by water only. A number of lighthouses and lightships are accompanied by locally managed maritime museums. If you operate a lighthouse that's open to the public, send your news about activities to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Browse a list of lighthouses where you can volunteer as a lighthouse keeper or just stay overnight.
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Algoma Pierhead Lighthouse
Established in 1893, the current Algoma Pierhead Lighthouse was constructed in 1932 and automated in 1973. The Fresnel lens is still installed in the lighthouse.
Alpena Lighthouse
Established in 1877, the original wooden tower was destroyed by fire and replaced with a cast-iron skeletal tower in 1914. The light is affectionately known as Sputnik after its resemblance to the first satellite to orbit the earth.
Ashland Breakwater Lighthouse
Established in 1911 and first lit in 1915, the Ashland Breakwater Lighthouse is still an active aid to navigation.
Ashtabula Lighthouse
Established in 1836, the current Ashtabula Lighthouse was constructed in 1905 and automated in 1973. The lighthouse is still an active aid to navigation. The keepers quarters are now a maritime museum.
Asylum Point Lighthouse
Though never lit, the Asylum Point Lighthouse is a prominent landmark in the Oshkosh area. Located on the grounds of the Winnebago Mental Health Institute, the project was built by the Works Progress Administration in 1937.
Au Sable Point Lighthouse
Established and built in 1874, the Au Sable Point Lighthouse was called Big Sable Lighthouse until 1910. Still a navigation aid, the lighthouse is now part of the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, and it is undergoing restoration by the National Park Service. Accommodations for overnight and/or long-term stays available.
Bailey's Harbor Range Lighthouse
Established in 1853, the historic Baileys Harbor Range Lighthouses are now within a state park. The range lights themselves were moved to a different location in 1969.
Baileys Harbor Lighthouse
Established in 1853, the current skeletal tower Baileys Harbor Lighthouse was built in 1869 and deactivated in the 1960s. It is now privately owned.
Barcelona Lighthouse
Also called the Portland Harbor Lighthouse, the Barcelona Lighthouse was built in 1829 to serve cargo and passenger vessels traveling between Erie, Penn. and Buffalo, New York. The tower was constructed of fieldstone around a wooden framework.
Beaver Island Harbor Lighthouse
The Beaver Island Harbor Lighthouse, also called the St. James Lighthouse, was established in 1856 and the original tower replaced in 1870. Automated in 1927, the tower is now owned by the local township. The Fresnel lens is still installed in the lighthouse.
Beaver Island Lighthouse
Established in 1851, the Beaver Island Lighthouse, also known as Beaver Head Lighthouse, was lit in 1858 and operated until 1962. It is now the site of an educational facility run by a local public school district.
Big Bay Point Lighthouse
Established and constructed in 1896, the Big Point Point Lighthouse was operational until 1961. In 1990, the facility was reactivated and is now operated as a bed and breakfast. Accommodations for overnight and/or long-term stays available.
Big Sable Point Lighthouse
Completed in 1867, Big Sable Point Lighthouse was encased in steel in 1902 after the brick tower began to deteriorate. The station was automated in 1968. Some tours are available in the summer. Accommodations for overnight and/or long-term stays available.
Bois Blanc Island Lighthouse
Established in 1829, the current Bois Blanc Island Lighthouse was constructed in 1867 and operated until 1924. It is now privately owned.
Boyer Bluff Lighthouse
The Boyer Bluff Lighthouse is a steel skeletal tower on Washington Island.
Braddock Point Lighthouse
Established and built in 1896, the Braddock Point Lighthouse was deactivated in 1954 and is now a private residence. Accommodations for overnight and/or long-term stays available.
Bray's Point Lighthouse
The Bray's Point Lighthouse is a private aid to navigation built in 1909. The grounds and tower are closed to visitors, but the site can be see clearly from a street.
Buffalo Intake Crib Lighthouse
Mariners in Lake Erie needed better markers of the treacherous shoals and reefs near Buffalo. Engineers determined that the area around Horseshoe Reef was a good location, but it was on the Canadian side of the international border. After years of diplomacy, the lighthouse was located at its current location.
Buffalo Main Lighthouse
Established in 1818, the current Buffalo Lighthouse was constructed in 1833 and deactivated in 1914. It is now managed by a local not-for-profit organization.