171 Lighthouses to Explore in United States

The 40 Mile Point Lighthouse & Historical Marker in Presque Isle County, Michigan, is a sight to behold. This towering structure has been guiding ships to safety since 1896 and continues to be an important part of the region's maritime history. Visitors are welcome to explore the museum inside the lighthouse, which showcases artifacts and memorabilia from years gone by. Additionally, the on-site historical marker provides valuable insight into the area's cultural heritage.

Developed with facilities for a lighthouse, a military fortification, a military prison, and a federal prison that seized operations in the 1960s. Today the small island is open for tours.

The Alpena Lighthouse stands tall in the beautiful northern Michigan city. Built in 1876, during part of a regional movement to make the Great Lakes safer for boats and shipping, it is an iconic part of the local scenery. It's red-brick facade rises three stories skyward and its light still flashes out across the lake at night. Over the years it has served as a beacon for sailors returning home and a reminder to local residents that they are part of a larger history stretching back centuries.

A majestic lighthouse in California, United States, on the entrance to Santa Barbara Channel. Constructed in 1912, it was the last major light station built on the west coast. Now fully automated and unmanned, the light house still operates, but the National Park Service (NPS) is responsible for Channel Islands National Park.

The Ashtabula Lighthouse, located in Ashtabula, Ohio, is a historic maritime beacon that stands as a symbol of the city's connection to Lake Erie and its rich maritime heritage. Perched at the entrance of the Ashtabula Harbor, this lighthouse has played a vital role in guiding ships and vessels safely into the harbor for over a century.Originally constructed in 1836, the Ashtabula Lighthouse has undergone several reconstructions and renovations over the years.

The Au Sable Light Station is part of the National Register of Historic Places and provides a unique glimpse into the history of American lighthouses. Originally constructed in 1874, the 60-foot tower still serves as an active navigational aid for ships crossing Lake Superior even though its Fresnel lens was decommissioned in 1971. As one of the oldest surviving structures on the Great Lakes, it was purchased by a nonprofit organization called 'Friends of the Lighthouse.

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.

Beaver Head Light is located in Charlevoix County,and was first lit in 1884. It stands 95-feet tall, with a brick tower covered in brick lining and completed with a black lantern room made from cast iron. The lighthouse also features a fog signal room where the foghorn can still be heard for miles depending on weather conditions. Its purpose was to guide Great Lakes shipping vessels safely through treacherous waters near Deer Park Point.

Beaver Island Harbor Light, is one of only two surviving lights from the state's earliest range lights. It was first established in 1839 and marks the entrance to Lake Michigan for ships sailing from Peninula Point Harbor. The 45-foot tower and small attached lighthouse keeper’s house were built on a rock platform about 900 feet offshore. The light was automated in 1967 and continues to guide ships safely into the harbor at night.

This Lighthouse has been illuminating the Lake Michigan coastline since 1867. Standing 112 feet tall, with 119 winding steps to the top, it is a beacon of adventure and exploration. Not only is an experience of historic and natural beauty offered while visiting this lighthouse, but also hospitality from the Harbor Lights Club who look after it lovingly. Adorned in its traditional brick color, this iconic structure is bound to leave lasting impressions for visitors for generations to come.

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Recreation Area occupies approximately the southern third of the island of Key Biscayne. This park includes the Cape Florida Lighthouse, the oldest standing structure in Greater Miami. it was ranked as having the 8th best beach in the country.

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.

Boca Chita Key is the island north of the upper Florida Keys in Biscayne National Park, Miami-Dade County, There is a beautiful lighthouse located in this island and a campground with picnic tables and saltwater toilets. Freshwater and electricity are not available in this island.

Bois Blanc Island Lighthouse, is an iconic spot for many visitors to the beautiful Great Lakes State. Standing sturdy for more than 150 years, this impressive red-roofed tower stands 39 feet tall and contains a spiral staircase that takes you up a mere 55 steps to get you to the top of the lighthouse where remarkable views of Lake Huron await. Constructed in 1854 by order of President Franklin Pierce, this landmark was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

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.

Southern tip of the Point Loma Peninsula. It commemorates the landing of Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo at San Diego Bay on September 28, 1542. This event marked the first time a European expedition had set foot on what later became the West Coast of the United States.

Cape Decision Lighthouse, located in the Alexander Archipelago of southeastern Alaska, is a historic and iconic maritime beacon that has played a crucial role in guiding ships and mariners through the intricate waterways of the Inside Passage. It stands as a testament to Alaska's maritime history and continues to serve as a vital navigational aid to this day.

Standing tall and majestically along the south end of the Key Biscayne shoreline, the Cape Florida lighthouse is a staggering sight. It’s a beautiful piece of history and it’s a treasure that has withstood more than its share of wear and tear over the decades. The lighthouse was put back into use in 1978 by the U.S. Coast Guard to mark the Florida Channel, the deepest natural channel into Biscayne Bay. They decommissioned it in 1990.

The Cape Henry Lighthouse was built in 1792. It started to crack in 1870 and was replaced with the new Cape Henry Lighthouse only 357 feet away, which is an active aid to navigation and operated by the U.S. Coast Guard. Today two lighthouses stand at Cape Henry, guardians to the gateway of the Chesapeake Bay.