If you love road trips, epic lake views, and the kind of spots that make you want to pull over every five minutes just to soak it all in, this adventure is for you.
We’re talking about historic lighthouses standing tall against crashing waves and peaceful lakes tucked away in the mountains.
From the shores of Lake Erie to the heart of the Poconos, get ready for the ultimate Pennsylvania lighthouses and lakes road trip.
1. Presque Isle Lighthouse
Presque Isle Lighthouse sits right along the shores of Lake Erie inside Presque Isle State Park, and with its red brick house and red roof, it looks straight out of a postcard.
Construction of the lighthouse began in 1872 and was completed in 1873.
It originally stood at 40 feet tall, but it was later raised to 57 feet in 1896.
It’s one of the few in Pennsylvania you can climb, offering an epic view of the lake and the sandy beaches below.
The lighthouse keeper’s house is still attached, and while no one lives there anymore, you can tour the inside to see historical photos and even the original spiral staircase!
Please note that the lighthouse usually closes during the winter season and typically reopens in May.
2. North Pier Lighthouse
Just a short drive away, the North Pier Lighthouse stands at the very tip of Presque Isle, marking the entrance to Presque Isle Bay with its distinctive white structure and black stripes.
Originally built as a wooden structure in 1830, the lighthouse was destroyed in 1857 after a schooner crash.
The current cast-iron tower, built in 1858, has been relocated several times due to pier extensions, with its final move in 1940.
Now sitting at the end of the north pier, it’s a favorite spot for fishing, sunset walks, and wave-watching when Lake Erie gets wild.
Unlike Presque Isle Lighthouse, you can’t climb this one, but walking right up to it feels just as cool, especially when the lake breeze is strong and the waves crash dramatically against the pier!
Please note that the area around the tower is only accessible during park hours.
3. Erie Land Lighthouse
For a lighthouse with some serious history, Erie Land Lighthouse is the one to see.
It was the first ever one commissioned on the Great Lakes, way back in 1818!
The current version, made of solid sandstone, has stood tall since 1867 on a bluff overlooking Presque Isle Bay.
While it’s not active anymore, it’s still an awesome spot for anybody that’s interested in seeing historic lighthouses.
With its classic tower, a peaceful little park surrounding it, and a reconstructed lantern room added in 2004, this is the perfect place to stop.
You can snap photos, soak up some Erie history, and imagine what it was like guiding ships over a century ago.
Please note that the lighthouse usually closes during the winter season and typically reopens in May—but the good news is, the grounds remain open.
4. Conneaut Lake
Leaving the shores of Lake Erie behind, Conneaut Lake offers a totally different kind of waterfront fun.
It’s Pennsylvania’s largest natural lake and a go-to spot for boating, fishing, and relaxing by the lake.
In the summer, you’ll see everything from jet skis to pontoons cruising across the water, while anglers try their luck catching bass, walleye, and even giant muskies.
5. Moraine State Park
Next up, Moraine State Park swaps out classic lake town charm for wide-open nature, rolling hills, and some of the best outdoor adventures in western Pennsylvania.
At the heart of it all is Lake Arthur, a massive 3,225-acre lake.
Here you can sail, paddleboard, or just relax on one of the sandy beaches.
It has over 28 miles of trails, plus hidden coves perfect for kayaking and spotting bald eagles.
With all of this on offer, this park is the ultimate place to stretch your legs and soak up some fresh air before hitting the road again.
6. Shawnee State Park
Heading farther south, Shawnee State Park brings a mix of peaceful lake views and rolling mountain scenery.
The 451-acre Shawnee Lake is a dream for kayaking and canoeing, with quiet waters that reflect the surrounding forests like a giant mirror.
It’s particularly beautiful in the fall when the leaves turn crazy shades of red and orange.
If you’re up for a hike, the Lake Shore Trail loops around the water for a scenic 3.4-mile walk.
Or you can just kick back at one of the picnic spots and watch for deer, wild turkeys, and other local wildlife.
7. Raystown Lake
If you’re looking for a lake that makes you feel small, Raystown Lake is the one.
Stretching 30 miles long with over 8,000 acres of water, it’s the biggest lake entirely in Pennsylvania.
Whether you’re wakeboarding, cliff jumping, or renting a houseboat and floating right on the water, this place is sure to have something for you.
For an epic view, head to Hawn’s Overlook.
Here you can see the lake winding through the mountains like a giant blue ribbon, and trust me, it’s the kind of spot that makes you want to just stand there and never leave.
8. Bald Eagle State Park
Bald Eagle State Park brings a perfect mix of water, mountains, and wide-open skies, with its 1,730-acre Foster Joseph Sayers Reservoir stretching right through the middle of the valley.
This is the kind of place where you can spend the morning kayaking through misty coves, the afternoon swimming at the sandy beach, and the evening watching the sunset paint the water in gold and orange.
And yes, the park lives up to its name.
Keep your eyes on the treetops because spotting a bald eagle soaring overhead is fairly common (especially during winter) yet always thrilling!
9. Tobyhanna Lake
Tucked deep in the Pocono Mountains, Tobyhanna Lake has a quiet, back-to-nature feel that makes it perfect for a peaceful getaway.
The 170-acre lake is surrounded by dense forests and winding trails, so whether you’re gliding across the water in a kayak or hiking through the pines, you’ll feel completely wrapped in nature.
With its cool mountain air, glassy water, and a good chance of spotting deer, this is the kind of place where you can truly unplug and soak up the stillness of nature.
10. Lake Wallenpaupack
Lake Wallenpaupack is the Pocono Mountains’ ultimate lake for big-time fun, stretching 13 miles long with 52 miles of shoreline packed with things to do.
This is the place to go full throttle.
You’ll find speedboats, jet skis, and pontoons fill the water in the summer, while fishing, swimming, and lakeside camping keep the place lively.
If you want the best view, take a sunset cruise or hit the Wallenpaupack Scenic Overlook.
From the overlook you can see the lake spread out below like a giant, shimmering playground.
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