Restored wooden lighthouse featuring a rare “pepperpot” design, offering seasonal tours and scenic views along the Lake Erie shoreline.
General Information
Open Memorial Day through September 2
Tours available during open hours or by appointment for members
Children under 5: Free
How to Get There
From Toledo, OH (44 mi): Take I-280 S to OH-2 E toward Port Clinton. Exit at OH-163 E, continue through downtown, and turn right onto E Perry St to reach the lighthouse.
Overview
The Port Clinton Lighthouse stands as a rare example of a wooden lighthouse on the Great Lakes, showcasing a distinctive “pepperpot” design that dates back to 1896. Originally guiding mariners at the mouth of the Portage River, the lighthouse was decommissioned in 1952 and later restored through the efforts of the Port Clinton Lighthouse Conservancy. Today, it graces the shoreline at Waterworks Park, where visitors can enjoy guided tours, scenic lake views, and a peaceful park setting complete with benches and walking paths.
Open seasonally from Memorial Day through early September, the lighthouse offers a glimpse into maritime history with its compact structure and charming boathouse nearby. The surrounding park is a hub for community events, including the annual Lighthouse and Maritime Festival, which features classic boats, live music, and family-friendly activities. Whether you're a lighthouse enthusiast or simply seeking a tranquil lakeside stop, the Port Clinton Lighthouse offers a unique and photogenic slice of Ohio’s coastal heritage.
This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles and official tourism pages for the Port Clinton Lighthouse, which are released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.
