Olcott Light

Olcott Light is a pepperpot lighthouse in Niagara County with a square pyramidal structure featuring white walls and a black lantern at the top. The tower stands 8.2 meters tall and marks the site where the original light once guided boats navigating Lake Ontario.

The original lighthouse was built in 1873 on a pier at Eighteen Mile Creek to guide ships crossing Lake Ontario. It stopped operating in 1932, though a replica was later erected to preserve the site's history.

This structure serves as a reminder of the region's maritime heritage and draws visitors interested in learning about the nautical past of Niagara County. The 2003 reconstruction allows people to understand how important these navigation aids were for early shipping on Lake Ontario.

The lighthouse is located along the Lake Ontario shoreline and makes for a worthwhile destination for anyone exploring the region's maritime landscapes. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes as the ground near the water can be rough and uneven.

The name "Olcott" comes not from the lighthouse's location but from the nearby village that developed into a popular lakeside community. The tower eventually became the namesake for the growing settlement in the immediate area.

Location: Niagara County

Inception: 1873

Height: 8.2 m

GPS coordinates: 43.33890,-78.71500

Latest update: December 14, 2025 17:00