Marblehead Light

Marblehead Light is a limestone lighthouse standing about 20 meters tall on the Lake Erie shoreline. The tower has thick stone walls at its base and overlooks the water from the Marblehead Peninsula.

Built in 1822, this lighthouse is the oldest continuously operating beacon on the American side of the Great Lakes. The structure has served mariners for over 200 years without interruption.

The lighthouse museum in the former keeper's residence displays maritime artifacts and an original Fresnel lens from the 19th century. You can see how these optical devices directed light across the water to guide ships safely to shore.

You can climb 77 steps to reach the top of the tower, with access typically easiest during warmer months. The climb offers views across the water to nearby islands and the surrounding lake landscape.

The light originally used whale oil lamps to guide ships through darkness for nearly two centuries. The system was updated to modern LED technology in recent years, marking a major shift in how the beacon operates.

Location: Ottawa County

Inception: 1822

Height: 20 m

Made from material: limestone

GPS coordinates: 41.53639,-82.71167

Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:40