Selkirk Light

Selkirk Light is an integral lighthouse at Salmon River mouth in Oswego County, built from limestone and fieldstone with an octagonal tower and two-story residence. The combined structure stands at the entrance to the harbor where the river meets Lake Ontario.

The structure was built in 1838 and helped guide ships safely through Lake Ontario waters for many years using whale oil lamps. It stopped operating as a lighthouse in 1859 but underwent major changes in function and purpose over the following decades.

The structure shows building styles typical of 19th-century Great Lakes ports, combining a working tower with family quarters in a way that reflects how lighthouse keepers lived. Walking around it, you can see how a single building served both practical and domestic purposes for those who tended the light.

The site is accessible during summer months when the adjacent marina with boat docking opens for the season. Plan your visit in advance since operations follow a seasonal schedule tied to local water activities.

The building spent decades functioning as a hotel before returning to its original role as a navigation aid. Today it uses solar power instead of historic whale oil lamps to guide ships, creating an interesting blend of old purpose with modern technology.