21 Lighthouses to Explore in New York

The Barcelona Lighthouse in Chautauqua County is a fascinating piece of history that I highly recommend checking out. Not only is it the oldest continually operating lighthouse in the world, but it also boasts stunning views of Lake Erie and the surrounding area. Don't let the fact that it's only 40 feet tall fool you, this lighthouse has stood strong since 1829. And let me tell you, I've seen my fair share of lighthouses in my time and this one stands out.

Bluff Point Light is a lighthouse located in Clinton. Established in 1825, the lighthouse is a reminder of the area’s deep maritime history. The structure is a two story octagonal brick tower with a wooden lantern room on top. The building stands 32 feet tall and has a fourth order Fresnel lens that produces a white light flashing every four seconds. The lighthouse is located on the east side of Lake Champlain, near the town of Plattsburgh, and provides guidance to ships sailing on the lake.

Located on the northern shore of Lake Erie in Buffalo, New York, Buffalo Lighthouse Park is a popular destination for residents and visitors alike. The park's namesake lighthouse dates back to 1833, making it one of the oldest lighthouses in operation in the United States. Its distinct white exterior provides a stunning backdrop against the blue waves of the lake as well as an iconic symbol of the city's maritime heritage.

The Buffalo Main Light, located in Erie County, New York, is an historic lighthouse situated at the mouth of Buffalo Harbor. It was constructed in 1833 to light the busy harbor and guide mariners through its treacherous waters. The structure was originally constructed of wood but was later replaced with a more durable cast iron tower. The lighthouse's beacon could be seen from a distance of 12 miles and was an important navigational aid for vessels entering and leaving the harbor.

The Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse located in Charlotte. It holds significant historical importance as one of the oldest surviving lighthouses on Lake Ontario.The lighthouse was originally constructed in 1822 to aid navigation and ensure the safety of ships entering the Genesee River. It stands at a height of 40 feet and features a distinctive octagonal shape. Over the years, the lighthouse underwent several modifications and improvements to enhance its functionality.

The Dunkirk Lighthouse, located in Chautauqua County, is a fascinating slice of history that's worth exploring. Built in 1826, this impressive structure served as an important guiding beacon for sailors navigating the treacherous waters of Lake Erie. With its unique hexagonal shape and towering stature, the lighthouse certainly catches the eye. But what really makes it special are the tales of hauntings that come along with it.

Esopus Meadows Lighthouse is a historic landmark located in Ulster County, New York, at the confluence of the Hudson River and Esopus Creek. It holds significant historical importance as one of the few remaining lighthouses on the Hudson River.The lighthouse was constructed in 1871 and served as a crucial navigational aid for ships traveling along the busy Hudson River, guiding vessels safely through the treacherous waters of the Esopus Meadows.

The Execution Rocks Lighthouse, situated in the Long Island Sound off the coast of Westchester County, New York, is a historic maritime landmark that holds both a captivating history and a sense of mystery. This iconic lighthouse has played a crucial role in guiding ships through treacherous waters and has become a symbol of the region's maritime heritage.

The Fire Island Lighthouse, located on the western end of Fire Island in Suffolk County, New York, is a historic and iconic landmark that has been guiding ships along the coast for over 160 years. The lighthouse stands as a symbol of the region's maritime heritage and serves as a popular destination for visitors seeking both historical insights and breathtaking views.

Fort Niagara Light, also known as Old Fort Niagara Lighthouse, is a historic lighthouse located within Old Fort Niagara State Park, near the mouth of the Niagara River. The lighthouse serves as a guiding beacon for mariners navigating the waters of Lake Ontario and the Niagara River.The light has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century. The original lighthouse was constructed in 1782 by the British when they occupied the fort during the American Revolution.

The Hudson Athens Lighthouse is a historic structure perched atop a small island, providing breathtaking views of the Hudson River. Dating back to 1874, this lighthouse played a crucial role in guiding ships through the treacherous waters of the river. Today, visitors can explore the museum inside the lighthouse, taking a step back in time to imagine life as a lighthouse keeper. The lighthouse is open to the public during the summer months.

The Montauk Point Lighthouse Museum, located at the easternmost tip of Long Island in Montauk, Suffolk County, New York, is a historic landmark and museum that offers visitors a glimpse into the rich maritime history of the region. As the oldest lighthouse in New York State, the Montauk Point Lighthouse holds significant cultural and historical importance.

The Oak Orchard Lighthouse is a historical and iconic structure located on the southern shore of Lake Ontario. Standing tall at the mouth of the Oak Orchard River, this lighthouse has served as a guiding beacon for mariners navigating the treacherous waters of Lake Ontario since its construction in 2010.The original Oak Orchard Lighthouse, built in 1871, was a wooden structure that helped ships safely navigate the waters and avoid the rocky shoals near the mouth of the river.

Rondout Lighthouse is a historic landmark located at the entrance of Rondout Creek. It holds significant historical importance as one of the oldest lighthouses on the Hudson River.The lighthouse was constructed in 1837 and served as a crucial navigational aid for ships traveling along the Hudson River during the 19th and early 20th centuries. It guided vessels safely through the sometimes treacherous waters of the Rondout Creek, which was a bustling port and transportation hub at the time.

Saugerties Lighthouse is a historic landmark and bed and breakfast located in Saugerties, Ulster County, New York. It is situated at the mouth of the Esopus Creek, where it meets the Hudson River.The lighthouse was originally constructed in 1838 to aid navigation along the Hudson River, guiding ships safely through its often treacherous waters. Over the years, the lighthouse played a crucial role in facilitating trade and transportation in the region.

The Sleepy Hollow Lighthouse, also known as the Tarrytown Lighthouse, is a historic beacon situated along the Hudson River in Westchester County, New York. With its distinctive red roof and white structure, the lighthouse serves as both a navigational aid and a picturesque landmark, contributing to the maritime history and charm of the region.Built in 1883, the Sleepy Hollow Lighthouse has a rich history that spans over a century.

Sodus Point Lighthouse, located in Wayne County, New York, is a historic and iconic landmark that has stood as a guiding beacon for mariners on Lake Ontario since the early 19th century. Perched on the southern shore of Lake Ontario, this well-preserved lighthouse offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into the region's maritime history.

Stony Point Lighthouse, located in Rockland County, New York, is a historic and iconic beacon that stands as a reminder of the area's rich maritime heritage. Built in the late 19th century, the lighthouse has played a crucial role in guiding ships safely through the treacherous waters of the Hudson River.The lighthouse is situated on the western bank of the Hudson River, overlooking Haverstraw Bay and the scenic Hudson Highlands.

The Thirty Mile Point Lighthouse stands tall and steadfast on the eastern shoreline of Lake Ontario, a beacon of maritime history and a guardian of ships navigating its treacherous waters. Located approximately 30 miles east of the mouth of the Niagara River, this historic lighthouse has served as a guiding light for mariners since its construction in 1875. With its distinctive cylindrical brick tower and iconic black lantern room.

Tibbetts Point Lighthouse, is a historic and iconic landmark situated at the convergence of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River. The lighthouse has a rich history dating back to its construction in 1827 and has served as a guiding beacon for mariners navigating the treacherous waters of the St. Lawrence River.The lighthouse is named after its first keeper, Abijah Tibbetts, who played a crucial role in ensuring the safe passage of ships through the river.