South Bass Island Light

South Bass Island Light is a 19th-century lighthouse situated on an island in Lake Erie, Ohio. The structure consists of a two-story red brick keeper's residence attached to a square tower that rises 21 meters above the water's surface.

Construction began in 1896 and the light first illuminated in 1897, following the U.S. Lighthouse Board's funding approval in 1894. This navigation aid represented part of a broader effort to improve shipping infrastructure on Lake Erie during the late 1800s.

The lighthouse served as a vital navigation point that shaped how ships moved through Lake Erie waters. Its presence reflects the maritime importance of this area during a time when water transport was the main way goods reached inland communities.

Guided tours are available from June through October during the peak season. Groups wishing to visit outside these months can arrange appointments in advance, so plan ahead if you want to explore the site when most visitors are not there.

The site has been managed by Ohio State University since 1967, making it the only university-operated lighthouse in the United States. This academic management approach offers visitors an unusual perspective on how historical navigation aids are preserved and maintained today.

Location: Ottawa County

Inception: 1895

Height: 21 m

GPS coordinates: 41.62890,-82.84131

Latest update: December 12, 2025 14:21