Ohio is an incredibly diverse state that’s not only home to beautiful Amish Country and Appalachia, but also a Great Lakes Region of over 300 miles of shoreline. Known as the North Coast, this stretch is filled with a beautiful shoreline and historic lighthouses. Today, we’re taking a road trip in Ohio to five of the state’s most iconic lighthouses, and we hope you’ll come along on this scenic adventure.
You’ll visit five lighthouses along the North Coast of Ohio on this scenic road trip. Designed to be tackled in a day, this trip spans 107 miles and takes just over two hours. Check out the Google Map to customize your trip with restaurant stops and scenic detours!
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Ashtabula Harbor Light
Wirestock/iStock via Getty Images Plus Ashtabula County might be best-known for its covered bridges, but those aren’t the only winsome landmarks in this Northern Ohio locale. The Ashtabula Harbor Light is over a century old and despite its age, 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. Ashtabula Harbor Light, Ashtabula, OH 44004, USA
Fairport Marine Museum and Lighthouse
Bruce Johnson/Google Local Next up, a duo of lighthouses at Fairport Harbor. 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 as the first Great Lakes Lighthouse Marine Museum in Ohio – and country! The museum houses various artifacts and maritime exhibits, which you can observe for a small fee. Please note that the museum is open seasonally, while the lighthouse itself can be enjoyed from the outside year-round. Fairport Marine Museum and Lighthouse, 129 2nd St, Fairport Harbor, OH 44077, USA
Fairport Harbor West Breakwater Light
Marty Vondrasek/Google Local It’s just a hop, skip, and a jump to the Fairport Harbor West Breakwater Light. First lit in 1925, this picturesque lighthouse has been uninhabited since 1948 and was recently renovated and restored to its former glory. The lighthouse is a favorite muse for photographers, with its bright red roof popping brilliantly against the rocky Lake Erie landscape. Fairport Harbor West Breakwater Light, Lake Erie, Fairport Harbor, OH 44077, USA
Cleveland Harbor West Pierhead Lighthouse
Ben Sullivan/Google Local 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. Please note that this lighthouse is not open to the public; rather, it’s a favorite landmark to admire from afar – even from a boat during the warmer months. Cleveland Harbor West Pierhead Lighthouse, 2800 Whiskey Island Dr, Cleveland, OH 44102, USA
Lorain Harbor Light
Douglas Sacha/Moment Collection via Getty Images This “Jewel of the Port” is a beloved landmark in Lorain, Ohio. Since 1908, this iconic lighthouse has stood as a historical reminder of Lorain and Lake Erie’s shipping days. Today, you can tour the lighthouse (during the summer months) and even splurge for a Sunset Wine Dinner for a bucket-list experience in Ohio. Lorain Harbor Lighthouse, llc, Lorain, OH 44052, USA
Did you know Ohio was home to so many gorgeous lighthouses? There’s so much to experience here in the Buckeye State, a place that promises to stoke and satisfy even the most insatiable wanderlust.
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Wirestock/iStock via Getty Images Plus
Ashtabula County might be best-known for its covered bridges, but those aren’t the only winsome landmarks in this Northern Ohio locale. The Ashtabula Harbor Light is over a century old and despite its age, 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.
Ashtabula Harbor Light, Ashtabula, OH 44004, USA
Bruce Johnson/Google Local
Next up, a duo of lighthouses at Fairport Harbor. 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 as the first Great Lakes Lighthouse Marine Museum in Ohio – and country! The museum houses various artifacts and maritime exhibits, which you can observe for a small fee. Please note that the museum is open seasonally, while the lighthouse itself can be enjoyed from the outside year-round.
Fairport Marine Museum and Lighthouse, 129 2nd St, Fairport Harbor, OH 44077, USA
Marty Vondrasek/Google Local
It’s just a hop, skip, and a jump to the Fairport Harbor West Breakwater Light. First lit in 1925, this picturesque lighthouse has been uninhabited since 1948 and was recently renovated and restored to its former glory. The lighthouse is a favorite muse for photographers, with its bright red roof popping brilliantly against the rocky Lake Erie landscape.
Fairport Harbor West Breakwater Light, Lake Erie, Fairport Harbor, OH 44077, USA
Ben Sullivan/Google Local
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. Please note that this lighthouse is not open to the public; rather, it’s a favorite landmark to admire from afar – even from a boat during the warmer months.
Cleveland Harbor West Pierhead Lighthouse, 2800 Whiskey Island Dr, Cleveland, OH 44102, USA
Douglas Sacha/Moment Collection via Getty Images
This “Jewel of the Port” is a beloved landmark in Lorain, Ohio. Since 1908, this iconic lighthouse has stood as a historical reminder of Lorain and Lake Erie’s shipping days. Today, you can tour the lighthouse (during the summer months) and even splurge for a Sunset Wine Dinner for a bucket-list experience in Ohio.
Lorain Harbor Lighthouse, llc, Lorain, OH 44052, USA
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