Fairport Harbor Lighthouse

Fairport Harbor Lighthouse is a white tower standing about 60 feet (18 m) tall with an iron lantern room at its peak, located where the Grand River meets Lake Erie. The interior features a narrow spiral staircase with 69 steps leading up to the observation level.

The structure was built in 1825 and underwent major reconstruction in 1871 to better serve maritime traffic at the river mouth. It guided Great Lakes ships for nearly 100 years before being decommissioned in 1925.

The Fairport Harbor Historical Society transformed the structure into the first Great Lakes Lighthouse Marine Museum, preserving regional maritime traditions since 1945.

The tower is accessible to visitors through guided tours that showcase Great Lakes maritime history exhibits. Plan for physical activity, as reaching the lamp room requires climbing a series of narrow stairs.

The original Fresnel lens from the 1800s remains installed inside the tower and is visible to visitors during tours. It demonstrates the optical technology that once helped ships navigate safely through dark waters.

Location: Fairport Harbor

Inception: 1871

Height: 18 m

GPS coordinates: 41.75696,-81.27731

Latest update: December 13, 2025 12:21