If you’re into epic lake views and cute little towers with big stories, you’re gonna love this one.
We’re talking old-school lighthouses, hidden history and maybe even a chance to sleep where lighthouse keepers once lived.
This Lake Ontario lighthouse road trip is packed with awesome stops, fun facts, and places you’ve probably never heard of.
By the end, you’ll be planning your own adventure faster than you can say “Fresnel lens.”
1. Fort Niagara Lighthouse, Youngstown
Fort Niagara Lighthouse is located inside Old Fort Niagara in Youngstown—right where the Niagara River meets Lake Ontario.
It’s known for its 61-foot limestone tower built in 1872, and yes—it has incredible views of the lake and river.
Fun fact: Before the light was shut off in 1993, ships on the Great Lakes used it as a key guidepost for over 120 years!
2. Thirty Mile Point Lighthouse, Barker
Next up is Thirty Mile Point Lighthouse in Barker, and this one’s got serious postcard vibes.
It’s located in Golden Hill State Park and has been standing tall since 1876—exactly 30 miles east of the Niagara River (hence the name).
What makes this one extra special? You can spend the night in the keeper’s quarters, complete with creaky floors and stunning Lake Ontario sunsets.
3. Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse, Rochester
Keep cruising east, and you’ll hit the Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse in Rochester, one of the oldest lighthouses on Lake Ontario.
Built way back in 1822, this 40-foot stone tower once guided boats up the Genesee River and now houses a mini museum packed with cool maritime artifacts.
Climb to the top for incredible river and lake views, and don’t miss the giant Fresnel lens!
4. Sodus Bay Lighthouse, Sodus Point
Then there’s the Sodus Bay Lighthouse in Sodus Point, which looks more like a cozy stone cottage with a lantern on top than a typical lighthouse.
It was first lit in 1871 to help guide tons of ships into one of Lake Ontario’s busiest ports.
Today, it’s part of a museum and sits in a grassy park that’s perfect for picnics, with a stunning view of the bay from the lawn.
5. Oswego West Pierhead Lighthouse, Oswego
As you roll into Oswego, look out over the water—you’ll spot the West Pierhead Lighthouse at the end of a long breakwall, seemingly floating on its own.
Though this lighthouse was built more recently, in 1934, and isn’t accessible unless you join a boat tour, it’s still worth a photo stop from the land.
It’s still an active aid to navigation, guiding boats into Oswego Harbor—and when the sunlight hits just right, it looks like a scene from a movie.
6. Selkirk Lighthouse, Pulaski
Next up is the super photogenic Selkirk Lighthouse in Pulaski, located right where the Salmon River meets Lake Ontario.
Built in 1838, it’s one of the only U.S. lighthouses where you can rent the keeper’s quarters and stay overnight—yes, your own private lighthouse sleepover.
The red lantern room and stone tower give it a storybook look, and the surrounding area is also an excellent spot for salmon fishing.
7. Tibbetts Point Lighthouse, Cape Vincent
Finally, you’ll hit Tibbetts Point Lighthouse in Cape Vincent, where Lake Ontario and the Saint Lawrence River shake hands.
The current structure has been shining since 1854 and features a bright white tower, a rare working Fresnel lens, and views of freighters sailing to Canada.
While the tower itself isn’t open to the public, you can wander the scenic grounds and soak in the history.
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