172 Lighthouses to Explore in United States

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.

Five Finger Lighthouse, located in Southeast Alaska, is an iconic historic lighthouse that has been serving as a navigational aid for mariners in the intricate waters of Alaska's Inside Passage.It is not only a vital navigational aid for mariners but also a picturesque and historically significant feature of the Alaskan coastline. It stands as a testament to the role of lighthouses in safeguarding maritime routes and serves as an iconic symbol of the region's rich maritime heritage.

Fort Gratiot Lighthouse is the oldest lighthouse in the state and was built in 1829 to mark the entrance of the St. Clair River into Lake Huron. The lighthouse stands 70 ft tall and boasts a unique octagonal shape, making it easily recognizable from miles away. Taken over by the Coast Guard in 1939, it once served as a navigational aid for watercraft traffic along Lake Huron. Today, it remains an important part of the community's culture and history.

The Fort Gratiot Lighthouse, located in St. Clair County, Michigan, is an iconic piece of history that stands tall and proud against the lapping waves of Lake Huron. Built in 1829, this lighthouse has seen countless ships pass by and has guided them safely to their destinations through inclement weather and rough waters. Over the years, it has been restored and updated to maintain its structural integrity and importance to the community.

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 Fourteen Mile Point Lighthouse is a picturesque beacon standing tall on the shores of Ontonagon County, Michigan. Built in 1895, the lighthouse's history adds to its charm, as it once guided sailors through Lake Superior's rocky terrain. Today, the lighthouse stands as a beacon of hope and an ode to Michigan's maritime legacy. Visitors can enjoy walks along the scenic beaches, take in the stunning scenery and learn about the lighthouse's history.

The Georgetown Lighthouse, is a historic and iconic beacon located in Georgetown, South Carolina. This picturesque lighthouse has played a vital role in maritime navigation along the coast and stands as a symbol of the area's maritime heritage.The Georgetown Lighthouse has a rich history dating back to its original construction in 1811. It is one of the oldest lighthouses in South Carolina and holds historical importance as a navigational aid for sailors and ships.

The Goderich Lighthouse constructed in 1858 and looming at 65 feet tall, the structure provides a picturesque beacon from the Port of Goderich. Visitors can explore the area and enjoy a variety of activities such as hiking and fishing. Stairs at the base of the building reach up to a miniature balcony, ready to grant panoramic views of the region. Furthermore, folk art displays on the doorways honor local traditions along with colorful gardensgreens the lighthouse.

Grand Haven South Pier is a fascinating destination that attracts locals and tourists alike. The pier stretches out into Lake Michigan, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The picturesque lighthouse stands tall, proudly guarding the harbor entrance. Visitors can feel the cool breeze rustling through their hair and listen to the tranquil sound of the waves crashing against the pier.

The Grand Haven South Pierhead Inner Light is a picturesque lighthouse located in Ottawa County. Built in 1905, the lighthouse sits at the end of a long pier, towering above Lake Michigan. Its distinctive design, with a square tower atop a cylindrical base, has made it a popular subject for photographers and artists alike. Despite being decommissioned in 1995, the lighthouse remains a beloved landmark in the area and is frequently visited by tourists and locals alike

Grand Haven South Pierhead Entrance Light is the outer light of two lighthouses on the south pier of Grand Haven, Michigan where the Grand River enters Lake Michigan. A lighthouse was first lit there in 1839. The lighthouse was put up for sale in 2009 under the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act. The City of Grand Haven now owns the pier, but it is maintained by the Army Corps of Engineers.

Grand Island East Channel Lighthouse is a historic beacon that provides a vital service to boaters navigating the Great Lakes region. The original lighthouse was built in 1868 and funded through a special act of Congress. Over time, it has required repairs and periodic upgrades throughout its lifetime. Today, this iconic lighthouse stands at 40 feet tall on a rocky perch offering views of both Lake Superior's North Shore and Grand Island itself.

Grand Island Harbor Rear Range Lighthouse is a historic landmark on the beautiful Lake Superior. Built in 1890 at a cost of $8,703 dollars, it was part of the efforts to improve navigation on one of the Great Lakes' busiest transportation routes in the aim to encourage travelers and ships. The lighthouse originally featured a four-story tower where it has since been reduced to just two stories due largely to increased automation with advances in technology.

The Grand Traverse Lighthouse offers a unique glimpse into maritime history. This historic beacon has been providing guidance to sailors along the Manitou Passage since 1858. Boasting spectacular views of Lake Michigan, with its beige-colored steel tower stretching 88 feet skyward, it is one of only a handful of Michigan lighthouses that still contains much of its original hand-crafted features, including spiral staircases and deep bronze bivalve lenses.

The Gravelly Shoal Light, is a historic reminder of bygone days. On the shores of Saginaw Bay, this lighthouse has stood since 1872 and served to provide safe harbor for passing ships for decades. Its unique design features a square tower lined with vertical red brickwork, with a black lantern at the top. Just a short distance away from the shoreline, it is still visible to this day and serves as an iconic landmark in Michigan’s maritime history.

Grays Reef Light, located near the northernmost part of Lake Michigan, is an iconic beacon. Built in 1932, it stands 92 feet tall with a cylindrical tower measuring just over 16 feet in diameter. The light from the beacon can be seen from as far away as 8 nautical miles and exhibits a signature flashing pattern of red and white. It has been used over the years not only to guide sailors but to provide a sense of security and hope for those who call the Great Lakes home.

The Greens Ledge Light, also known as the Greens Ledge Lighthouse, is a historic maritime structure situated on Greens Ledge, a submerged rocky area located in Long Island Sound, near Norwalk, Connecticut. This lighthouse has served as a navigational aid, guiding ships safely through the waters of Long Island Sound and protecting them from potential hazards.

The Guard Island Light, located near Ketchikan, Alaska, is a historic lighthouse that has played a crucial role in maritime navigation and safety in the region. It is situated on Guard Island, a small island located in the Revillagigedo Channel near Ketchikan, Alaska. The island is part of the Tongass National Forest and is accessible only by boat or seaplane.

Gull Rock Lighthouse stands proudly off the coast of Keweenaw County, Michigan, as a beacon of safety for seafarers since 1867. Built by the United States Government's Lighthouse Board to warn ships from nearby shoals, this structure is comprised of cast-iron plates that are still as strong and steadfast today as when first constructed. It has had its fair share of ups and downs over the years, but was made stronger with each renovation and renovation after renovation.

The Harbor Beach Lighthouse has been guiding ships to safety for nearly 140 years. Standing over sixty feet tall, the light tower is the tallest on Lake Huron and remains an active aid to navigation today. Built from brick, a process that stretched two years from 1888 to 1890, the light was powered by kerosene until 1987 when it was electrified. While the grounds of the Harbor Beach Lighthouse are not accessible to the public.