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Presque Isle Lighthouse: A Beacon of History

4.7 (1878)

Explore Erie's maritime past at this beautifully preserved lighthouse offering stunning views of Lake Erie and Presque Isle State Park.

The Presque Isle Lighthouse, located in Presque Isle State Park in Erie, Pennsylvania, has been guiding ships on Lake Erie since 1873. This historic lighthouse offers visitors a glimpse into the life of lighthouse keepers and stunning views of the lake and surrounding park.

A brief summary to Presque Isle Lighthouse

  • Monday 10 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-5 pm
  • Friday 10 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Arrive early, especially on weekends, as parking at Presque Isle State Park can fill up quickly.
  • Climbing the tower requires a minimum height of 44 inches.
  • Consider a guided tour for a more in-depth understanding of the lighthouse history.
  • Pack a cooler with snacks and drinks, as there are no regular food concessions within the park.
  • Check the weather forecast before visiting, as the water taxi and other park activities are weather-dependent.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From downtown Erie, follow State Street/PA-832 north. Continue onto the peninsula into Presque Isle State Park. Follow Peninsula Drive for approximately 5.6 miles; the lighthouse will be on your left. Parking is free within Presque Isle State Park. Limited parking is available near the lighthouse; arrive early during peak season.

  • Public Transport

    The Erie Metropolitan Transit Authority (EMTA) offers transportation to Presque Isle State Park. Check the EMTA website for the most up-to-date schedules and routes. During the summer, the Presque Isle Express provides free rides to various points within the park, including the lighthouse, on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The Presque Isle Water Taxi/Aquabus provides service from Dobbins Landing in downtown Erie to Waterworks Dock in Presque Isle State Park, a short walk to Waterworks Beach. From Waterworks Beach, you can take the Presque Isle Express to the lighthouse. Water taxi tickets cost approximately $3 per person.

  • Walking

    From various points within Presque Isle State Park, such as the Tom Ridge Environmental Center or nearby beaches, the lighthouse is accessible by foot via paved trails and roadways. Refer to the park map for specific trail routes and distances. The walk to the lighthouse from the park entrance is approximately 5 miles. The lighthouse is located at 301 Peninsula Dr, Erie, PA 16505, United States.

Discover more about Presque Isle Lighthouse

The Presque Isle Lighthouse stands as a testament to Erie's rich maritime history. Constructed in 1872 and completed in 1873, the lighthouse was built to replace the Erie Land Lighthouse and to better mark the navigational hazard of the Presque Isle Peninsula. Originally intended to be built of limestone, bricks were used instead due to cost considerations. During construction, a storm caused a scow carrying 6,000 bricks to lose its load into Lake Erie; bricks from this lost shipment continue to wash ashore to this day.The lighthouse tower is a square brick structure, originally 40 feet high, with an additional 17 feet added in 1896 to extend the light's reach. The tower's interior is circular, with 78 steps leading to the top. The attached dwelling, once home to the lighthouse keepers and their families, has nine rooms and reflects a 19th-century French architectural design. Over time, the lighthouse has seen many changes, including the replacement of the original Fresnel lens with a modern beacon in 1962.Today, the Presque Isle Lighthouse is a museum listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors can explore the lighthouse grounds, tour the keeper's dwelling, and climb to the top of the tower for panoramic views of Lake Erie and Presque Isle State Park. The Presque Isle Light Station Board, a non-profit organization, opened the station to the public in 2015 and continues to make improvements.

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