172 Lighthouses to Explore in United States

Cape St. Elias Light, is a historic lighthouse that has guided ships along the Gulf of Alaska for over a century. It stands as a testament to the importance of maritime safety in the region. It has served as a beacon of safety for mariners navigating the challenging waters of the Gulf of Alaska for over a century. The lighthouse stands as a reminder of the importance of maritime navigation and the dedication of those who have maintained it over the years.

The Cedar Point Lighthouse, located in Erie County, Ohio, is a historic and iconic landmark that has stood as a sentinel of Lake Erie for over a century. Situated within the renowned Cedar Point amusement park, this lighthouse holds historical significance and serves as a symbol of navigation, safety, and the enduring charm of the Great Lakes region.

The Charlevoix South Pier Lighthouse, has a rich and intriguing past. Constructed in 1869, this lighthouse operates as an air-controlled navigational signal aid designed to guide vessels safely through the otherwise treacherous waters of Lake Michigan. The tower consists of octagonal pyramidal design on top of an enclosed dwelling. At 105 feet tall, it is one of the tallest lighthouses in the country and can be seen across Lake Michigan's horizon.

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 Cheboygan Crib Light is beautiful historical landmark located in the harbor of Cheboygan County, Michigan. It is a hexagonal shaped wooden crust on a wide stone foundation with a two story tower reaching high into the sky. First erected in 1875, this lighthouse was used to help guide ships through the dangerous passage to Lake Huron. The original lens of this structure was powered by kerosene until 1954 when it was electrified.

This is a historic lighthouse built in 1911, the tower was constructed of reinforced concrete and featured an octagonal shape with an attached dwelling. Overlooking the Straits of Mackinac, the lighthouse has stood watch over both sailing vessels and recreational boats that use the canal to pass through. Its bright white light is visible for up to 5 nautical miles in all directions. By 1962, it had been decommissioned and replaced with a modern-day buoy orientation system.

The Cockspur Lighthouse is located on an islet off Cockspur Island, at the South Channel of the Savannah River by Lazaretto Creek and is considered part of Fort Pulaski National Monument. One of the best land-based viewpoints is located at the end of the 1.5-mile out-and-back Lighthouse Trail accessible from the park.

Crisp Point Lighthouse, is a picturesque structure with a powerful past. Built in 1904, it was utilized to warn ships of the treacherous shoals that surrounded Lake Superior. The beloved lighthouse has been preserved with careful renovations throughout the years and changed from manual operation to automation in 1971. Today, visitors can enjoy striking views of Lake Superior from atop the 128-foot tower and learn French River's lighthouse history through guided tours.

Built in the 1860s, DeTour Reef Lighthouse has been guiding ships and visitors along the Straits of Mackinac ever since. Located just off the northern tip of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, this square tower stands 48 feet tall and is surrounded by stunning views of Lake Huron. Although the lighthouse is no longer used as a navigational aid, it continues to draw tourists who come to admire its warmly lit interior and panoramic lake vistas.

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.

The Eagle Harbor Lighthouse is considered one of the oldest and most beautiful lighthouses in the state. Built in 1851, it marks a major shipping route for vessels entering Lake Superior from the Keweenaw Waterway. The two-story tower was constructed of fieldstone and brick, originally illuminated by an oil lamp until automation in 1922. It stands 54 feet tall and continues to light up brilliantly at night, guiding ships through this busy shipping lane.

Egmont Key Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse located in Hillsborough County. Its construction was completed in 1858 and it has been under National Park Service protection since in 1998. The lighthouse stands at an impressive 71 feet tall and provides a unique ambiance to the beaches of the area, where locals and tourists explore its ruins for a glimpse into the past. Even after its decommissioning in 1958, this Lighthouse continues to serve as an iconic symbol of Hillsborough.

Located on Egmont Key, at the mouth of Tampa Bay, it can only be reached by boat or ferry. The Egmont Key Lighthouse and the ruins of Fort Dade, a Spanish–American War era fort, are located in the park. The entire 328 acres (133 ha) island is actually part of Egmont Key National Wildlife Refuge.

Eldred Rock Lighthouse, located near Haines, Alaska, is a historic maritime structure that has played a crucial role in guiding ships safely through the waters of the Lynn Canal. It is situated on Eldred Rock, an island in the Lynn Canal, one of the major waterways in southeastern Alaska. It is strategically located to help vessels navigate the treacherous waters of the canal.

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 Fairport Harbor Marine Museum and Lighthouse, located in Lake County, Ohio, is a captivating historical site that offers insights into the maritime heritage of the region. This museum and lighthouse complex serves as a window into the past, showcasing the importance of maritime navigation, the development of lighthouse technology, and the cultural significance of Lake Erie's shores.

The Fairport Harbor West Breakwater Light, also known as the Fairport Harbor Light or Old Fairport Harbor Light, is a historic lighthouse that has guided ships along Lake Erie's shores for many years. It's known for its distinctive red tower and its role in maritime navigation.The lighthouse has a rich history and has undergone various renovations and changes over the years.

The Black Rock Harbor Lighthouse, also known as the Fayerweather Island Lighthouse, is a historic maritime structure located in Bridgeport, Connecticut, which is relatively close to Fairfield. While it's not in Fairfield itself, it's a notable landmark in the region. Visitors can learn more about the history of the lighthouse and the role it played in guiding ships through the waters of Long Island Sound.

The Fenwick Island Lighthouse, located in Sussex County, Delaware, stands as a historic beacon along the Atlantic coast. Constructed in 1858, this lighthouse served as a crucial navigational aid for ships navigating the nearby coastal waters.