Vermilion Light

Vermilion Light is an octagonal iron lighthouse located at the harbor entrance with red markings on its lower section and a black lantern room on top. The structure stands approximately 16 feet tall and continues to operate as an active navigation aid for vessels on Lake Erie.

The original lighthouse erected in 1847 underwent multiple changes until 1877, when a new tower was built using iron salvaged from Civil War cannons. This replacement marked a shift toward more durable construction methods that better withstood the challenging conditions of Lake Erie.

The lighthouse reflects Vermilion's past as a center of maritime commerce and shipbuilding activity that shaped the town's growth. You can sense how the harbor and shipping industry influenced daily life and built the community's identity over generations.

The lighthouse is best viewed from the water or from various vantage points along the harbor area and waterfront promenade. Plan your visit during daylight hours and clear weather to see the structure and its red markings clearly.

The 1877 iron structure was relocated in 1935 to serve as the East Charity Shoal Light on the Saint Lawrence Seaway, hundreds of miles away. This relocation demonstrates how a single lighthouse tower found a second life in a completely different waterway far from its original location.

Location: Vermilion

Location: Erie County

Inception: 1877

Height: 5 m

GPS coordinates: 41.42470,-82.36660

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:41