See Dozens of Lighthouses on an East-to-West Great Lakes Lighthouse Roadtrip
Standing tall and proud along miles of shoreline, more than 200 active lighthouses dot the coastline of the Great Lakes, spanning from Ontario, Canada to the Lake Superior shores of Minnesota to the Lake Michigan shores of Wisconsin and Michigan, and many points in between.
Not only do these lighthouses act as important navigation aids, but many can be toured and offer unique points of view — you can even stay overnight in some of them too!
We’ve created a fun guide to take travelers on a scenic east-to-west Great Lakes lighthouse trip, stretching from Toronto on Lake Ontario to each Great Lakes state with dozens of lighthouses highlighted along the way. Bring your camera, and a good pair of walking shoes, and prepare to be wowed by these historic towers along the shoreline.
Day 1: Lake Ontario
Toronto, Ontario
The first stop on this lighthouse road trip is Lake Ontario and the oldest lighthouse on the Great Lakes. The Gibraltar Point Lighthouse on the Toronto Islands dates back to 1808. Standing 25 meters tall, a local legend claims the lighthouse is haunted after the murder of its first keeper in 1815.
NOTE: The lighthouse is no longer operational and the inside is only open for special events, but it can still be seen and photographed.
Rochester, New York
Cross over into the United States and enjoy a trifecta of lighthouses around Rochester New York — three of the nine Lake Ontario lighthouses in New York.
The Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse is the oldest surviving lighthouse on Lake Ontario and dates back to 1822. Restored in 1982, it offers visitors a chance to climb inside for amazing views of Ontario Beach Park and the Genesee River.
Be advised — Getting to the top requires climbing up a narrow staircase, climbing a ladder, and crawling through an opening in the ceiling.
The Sodus Bay Lighthouse on Sodus Bay was decommissioned in 1901 and is open to visitors for photos and scenic views. The property is also the site of the Sodus Bay Lighthouse Museum, offering a look into the region’s history.
The Oswego Harbor West Pierhead Lighthouse in Oswego (about 90 minutes west of Rochester) is also worth a visit at the end of the West First Street Pier. Seasonal tours are available, offering tourists a chance to take a boat trip to the lighthouse and climb the tower to the lantern deck.
Day 2: Lake Ontario to Lake Erie
Buffalo, New York
Day 2 of your Great Lakes lighthouse excursion keeps you in New York but brings you to Buffalo at the western tip of Lake Erie.
Buffalo has several lighthouses, but the Buffalo Main Light stands tall at the mouth of the Buffalo River — about a half hour from Niagra Falls. Standing 60 feet tall, the octagonal lighthouse is one of the oldest structures in the city.
Crossing the Niagra River into Canada, travelers can visit the Port Colborne Lighthouses about a half hour from Buffalo at the entrance to the Welland Canal. The town hosts an annual Lighthouse Festival as well as Canal Days when the lighthouses — assessible by boat — are open for tours.
Day 3: Lake Erie
Dunkirk, New York
Continuing along the western shoreline of Lake Erie, Day 3 of your Great Lakes trip brings you to Dunkirk Lighthouse in New York. Visitors are treated to beautiful views of Lake Erie and the chance to explore an on-site museum. Established in 1827, the lighthouse stood as a beacon in Dunkirk Harbor and has been the site of several notable Lake Erie shipwrecks.
Erie, Pennsylvania
Entering Pennsylvania, visitors can stop to see one of several Lake Erie lighthouses in this appropriately named town. The Presque Isle Lighthouse — also known as “The Flash Light” — has stood tall since 1873 and is unique for being square on the outside and circular on the inside. Seasonal tours are available to see the unique design for yourself.
The North Pier Lighthouse is also in Presque Isle State Park and offers scenic views and great photo ops for social media — with its distinctive black and white paint scheme — especially in the early morning hours.
Day 4: Lake Erie to Lake Huron
Day 4 of your lighthouse travels begins in Ohio — think about it, in four days you’ve already traveled through Canada and three states!
Cleveland, Ohio
Start by exploring Believeland and even more Lake Erie lighthouses. The iconic, red Cleveland Harbor West Pierhead Lighthouse is just outside downtown Cleveland and while it can’t be toured, it can be seen in a variety of ways. It’s easily seen from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and can also be viewed on local cruises.
Fairport Harbor West Breakwater Light | Fairport Harbor
About 35 minutes from Cleveland, visitors can see this historic lighthouse, which was constructed in 1925. The lighthouse is accessible via a break wall and while it’s not open for tours, it affords an opportunity for a scenic walk along the lakeshore. In town, travelers can visit the Fairport Museum and Lighthouse, which houses artifacts in the town’s original lighthouse from 1871.
Pelee Passage Lighthouse | Near Detroit
Situated on the southernmost populated point of Canada, Pelee Passage Lighthouse is the oldest lighthouse on Canada’s side of the Detroit River and overlooks Lake Erie. The red and white tower is a popular tourist attraction, offering tours and continuing to act as an important beacon for ships moving through dangerous waters.
RELATED: Lighthouse enthusiasts can also explore several Detroit River lighthouses in Michigan, including Windmill Point Lighthouse, where Lake St. Clair meets the Detroit River and the William Livingstone Memorial Lighthouse on the northeast side of Belle Isle.
Day 5: Michigan’s Lake Huron Coast
Spanning from the bottom of Michigan’s Thumbcoast all the way to the Mackinac Bridge, Michigan’s Lake Huron coastline features some of the state’s oldest and most picturesque lighthouses.
Fort Gratiot Lighthouse | Port Huron
Start your day with a visit to Fort Gratiot, the oldest lighthouse in Michigan. Visitors can enjoy weather-dependent 30-minute tours and also participate in a keeper program. A visit to the light station and Coast Guard Station affords a great view of the St. Clair River waterway.
Harbor Beach Lighthouse | Harbor Beach
Continuing up the coast, travelers can take a short boat ride to Harbor Beach Lighthouse to tour the tower and visit the nearby Grice House Museum. The lighthouse, which is made of cast iron, brick, and plaster, was built in 1885 and features six decks with rooms.
Tawas Point Lighthouse | East Tawas
Many Michiganders will tell you that the Tawas Point Lighthouse may be the perfect Michigan lighthouse: A grand tower surrounded by sandy beaches and incredibly scenic views. Despite being nearly 150 years old, the 70-foot white tower is frequently photographed and inspired a replica in Detroit.
Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse | Mackinaw City
Located where Lake Michigan and Lake Huron meet, Old Mackinac Point helps ships navigate the Straits of Mackinac. Visitors can tour the light station, including a short movie about local shipwrecks, a fog signal whistle, and other exhibits.
RELATED: The Lake Huron shoreline features plenty more lighthouses. Depending on how many you want to fit into your tip, you can visit lighthouses in Alcona County, Presque Isle County and Cheboygan County among others.
Northeast Michigan is also home to several dark sky parks, including Headlands Dark Sky Park in Mackinaw City and Negwegon State Park, Rockport State Recreation Area, and Thompson’s Harbor State Park in Alcona, Alpena and Presque Isle counties respectively.
Day 6: Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is a natural wonderland filled with scenic waterfalls, world-renowned ski resorts, and plenty of hidden spots to escape into nature. But, the U.P. also has dozens of lighthouses that dot the coastline and provide a unique look into the U.P.’s maritime history.
NOTE: For the purposes of this guide, the U.P. is condensed into one day and doesn’t include the lighthouses on Lake Michigan, so spending an extra day or two is recommended due to the number of lighthouses and doing a fair amount of driving.
Start the day crossing Michigan’s famous Mackinac Bridge and enjoy views of where Lakes Michigan and Huron both meet as well as views of Mackinac Island — which makes for an awesome side trip on its own.
Chief Wawatam Park & Lighthouse | St. Ignace
Once over the bridge, visit Chief Wawatam Park & Lighthouse in St. Ignace. The lighthouse here was moved from Monroe to St. Ignance in 2006 and quickly became an operational light, and is available for tours.
Whitefish Point Lighthouse | Paradise
The oldest operating lighthouse on Lake Superior is one of the most famous lighthouses in the Upper Peninsula, situated in an area known as Shipwreck Coast.
Built in 1861, it continues to serve as an important beacon in the area’s treacherous waters. It’s open for seasonal tours and is also home to the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum, which offers an in-depth look at shipwrecks like the Edmund Fitzgerald.
RELATED: Tahquamenon Falls is about a half hour from Whitefish Point and is a worthwhile side trip to see some incredible waterfalls.
Crisp Point Lighthouse | Newberry
One of the most remote lighthouses in the U.P. is well worth the effort for those who want to make the journey for self-guided tours on the ever-changing waters of Lake Superior.
Dating back to 1904, it features stone placed in front of the lighthouse to protect it from Lake Superior. Visitors can stop at a nearby visitor’s center that replicates the light’s original fog horn building.
Grand Island East Channel Lighthouse | Munising
This rugged lighthouse sits on the southeast shore of Grand Island. While it’s not accessible to the public, it is most often seen during Pictured Rocks boat tours.
Au Sable Light Station | Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
One of the most picturesque lighthouses in the U.P. is the Au Sable Light Station, which was built in 1873. Located within Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, it’s a popular tourist spot and continues to stand as a stately, well-preserved lighthouse.
Marquette Harbor Lighthouse | Marquette
The Marquette Harbor Lighthouse has stood guard in the central Upper Peninsula for nearly two centuries and dates back to 1866. The tower has been modified over the years, making it one of Michigan’s most unique lighthouses and visitors can take public tours to learn about its history.
RELATED: The Granite Island Light Station is off the coast of Marquette and visitors can learn about it on virtual tours.
The Marquette Breakwater Outer Light Station is well known for its red-and-white-striped tower in the waters of Marquette Bay and visitors can explore its grounds.
Sand Point Lighthouse | Baraga
The bright red Sand Point Lighthouse dates back to 1877. While it’s no longer operational, its grounds are open to the public, offering a chance to take some great photos of this colorful tower.
Copper Harbor Lighthouse | Copper Harbor
Dating back to 1866, this lighthouse at the northern tip of the U.P. is one of Michigan’s oldest lighthouses. No public access is available, but it can still be seen from spots like Fort Wilkins State Park, and it still serves as a navigational light on Lake Superior.
Sand Hills Lighthouse | Near Ahmeek
The stately Sand Hills Lighthouse is one of the U.P.’s most beautiful lighthouses and is one of the state’s most unique B&Bs, offering a look at what it’s like to live and work in a lighthouse.
Fourteen Mile Point Lighthouse | Ontonagon
This privately owned lighthouse offers no public tours, but the grounds are open, and the most ardent adventurers can take a strenuous 12-mile hike to reach it. It’s best seen by boat or plane.
RELATED: As you continue along the Lake Superior shore toward Wisconsin, a trip to Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park allows for great views, scenic hikes, waterfall viewing, and more.
Day 7: Lake Superior in Minnesota and Canada
After exploring the Upper Peninsula for a day or two, you’ll come to a crossroads. Head north and you’ll visit Minnesota lighthouses on Lake Superior. Head south and you’ll eventually find your way down Wisconsin’s Lake Michigan coast on the way to Chicago.
Keep your Lake Superior portion of the trip going first and head north to Minnesota toward Duluth. From there, you can cross over into Canada to experience a few Lake Superior lighthouses from the Canadian side.
Duluth, Minnesota
In Duluth, visitors can stroll along a 720-foot-long concrete breakwater of the Duluth Ship Canal to see the 36-foot steel and cast iron Duluth Harbor North Pier Lighthouse, which dates back to 1910. The South Breakwater Outer Lighthouse and the Duluth South Breakwater Inner Lighthouse are both in the area, giving lighthouse lovers a chance to see passing ships.
Two Harbors, Minnesota
Just north of Two Harbors, visitors can take Highway 61 to Split Rock Lighthouse, one of the best-known landmarks in Northern Minnesota. Visitors can soak in incredible views of Lake Superior and gain a unique glimpse into lighthouse life in a remote area.
The Two Harbors Lighthouse stands at the entrance to Agate Bay at the end of a breakwater. The iron lighthouse dates back to 1895 and is easily accessible via a concrete walkway where visitors can watch ships coming and going from the harbor or explore the Two Harbors Lighthouse Museum and B&B.
Thunder Bay, Ontario
If you’re not quite done exploring Great Lakes lighthouses, head north along Lake Superior and cross over into Canada once more to see three more Lake Superior lighthouses.
Along the Lake Superior Circle Tour, travelers can visit the Thunder Bay Main Lighthouse at the entrance to Thunder Bay Harbor. While it’s not accessible to the public, this two-story red and white building can be seen along the Thunder Bay Waterfront.
The Trowbridge Island Lighthouse is part of the Sleeping Giant Provincial Park and towers 39 feet up with a red lantern room. The grounds are open to the public via charter or private boat tours.
The final stop on your tour is the Slate Island Lighthouse within Slate Island Provincial Park. The grounds are accessible by boat, charter, or kayak and visitors can keep their eyes peeled for roaming caribou on the park grounds.
Day 8: Wisconsin and Illinois Lake Michigan Coast
The second-to-last day of your lighthouse excursion takes you south into Wisconsin and Illinois. From Duluth, we recommend heading toward Green Bay — it puts you close to the water — and on to Milwaukee and Chicago. This may be another 2-3 day journey depending on how far you want to go in one day.
Grassy Island Range Lights | Green Bay
These twin lighthouses on the Fox River were built in 1872 and once guided ships through the channel into Green Bay Harbor. They were relocated in 1988 and are now part of a “Lighthouse Park” museum.
Rawley Point Lighthouse | Two Rivers
This lighthouse, established in 1853, is one of the tallest and most powerful on the Great Lakes. It stands in Point Beach State Forest, offering beautiful trails and beach access. While it is not open for tours, it is best photographed from the beach and is said to be visible up to 19 miles away.
Manitowoc Breakwater Light | Manitowoc
This lighthouse was rebuilt in 1918 and is located at the entrance of the Manitowoc River. While the lighthouse is not open for tours, visitors can walk to it via a designated walkway. It’s also a popular fishing spot and offers scenic views of Lake Michigan.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
The Northpoint Lighthouse in Lake Park is on the city’s east side and operates more as a museum than a lighthouse, providing insight into Milwaukee’s history as a Great Lakes hub. Visitors can hike up 100 steps inside the lighthouse to enjoy panoramic views of Milwaukee and Lake Michigan from the top.
Milwaukee’s Breakwater Lighthouse also stands tall on Milwaukee’s shoreline and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The lighthouse isn’t accessible to the public, but efforts are underway to change that.
Wind Point Lighthouse | Wind Point
This Badger State lighthouse towers 108 feet above the shoreline and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Built in 1880, the lighthouse offers seasonal tower climbs where visitors can enjoy incredible views. The Fog Horn Building is the site of a museum that tells stories of Great Lakes maritime history.
Kenosha North Pier Lighthouse | Kenosha
This iconic red structure is privately owned but is one of Kenosha’s most recognized landmarks, and visitors can walk up to and photograph it.
Additionally, the Southport Lighthouse in Kenosha has a free maritime museum and allows seasonal climbs where visitors can climb 72 steps to enjoy views of three counties, two states, Lake Michigan, and even the Chicago skyline.
Chicago, Illinois
As a preeminent Great Lakes port, the Windy City has multiple lighthouses dot its skyline over time. The Chicago Harbor Lighthouse, which dates back to 1893, remains an iconic landmark just east of Navy Pier and the only surviving lighthouse in the city.
While it still serves as a navigational beacon, it’s not open to the public, though plans have been floated to turn it into a museum and event space.
Grosse Point Lighthouse | Evanston
Your final stop in Illinois was built on the Lake Michigan lakeshore in 1873 to curb a run of shipwrecks in the area. It became the first Great Lakes lighthouse designated a National Historic Landmark in 1999. Visitors can enjoy lighthouse tours as well as the flower and butterfly gardens maintained by a local garden club.
Day 9: Michigan’s Lake Michigan Coast
The final day of your long (and hopefully adventurous) lighthouse tour brings you back to the Great Lakes State, where you can enjoy a scenic drive up the Lake Michigan coast.
St. Joe Lighthouses
Start the last leg of your journey by enjoying the St. Joseph North Pier Inner and Outer Lights. Both lights were constructed in 1907, are still active, and are connected via a catwalk on the pier. Visitors can tour the Inner Light each summer and enjoy walks to both towers.
South Haven Light | South Haven
The South Haven Light stands on the city’s south pier at the mouth of the Black River. Visitors aren’t allowed in the lighthouse, but it stands tall on the pier and visitors can easily see it as they walk along the beach or watch boats coming and going.
Grand Haven Lighthouses
Grand Haven has two lighthouses — Grand Haven South Pierhead Entrance Light and Grand Haven South Pierhead Inner Light — both on the south pier and both painted red. Travelers can enjoy walks on a lighted catwalk that connects them to the beach and Grand Haven State Park, cast a line for fish, or enjoy a sunset.
Muskegon Lighthouses
A visit to Muskegon rewards travelers with an opportunity to see two lighthouses — the Muskegon South Pierhead Light and Muskegon South Breakwater Light. Regular tours of the South Pierhead Light are available during the summer, and residents and visitors alike enjoy walking to the South Breakwater Light.
Little Sable Point Lighthouse | Mears
Michigan lighthouses offer plenty of great views, but the one atop Little Sable Point is arguably one of the best. A climb to the top of this 115-foot tower rewards visitors with spectacular views of Lake Michigan and the nearby Silver Lake Dunes. Admission is charged to climb the tower and lighthouse keepers can share information about the area’s history.
Big Sable Point Lighthouse | Ludington
Built in 1867 and more than 100 feet tall, Big Sable Point Lighthouse towers high on the Lake Michigan shoreline within Ludington State Park. The lighthouse is open for seasonal tours and stays and is accessible via a short trail. If you’re looking for a perfect spot to watch the sunset, the view from here is hard to beat.
Point Betsie Lighthouse | Frankfort
Nestled south of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Point Betsie Lighthouse offers a little bit of everything. Visitors can reserve stays in the keeper’s quarters, take self-guided tours, and explore the on-site Boathouse Museum.
Tips For Your Great Lakes Lighthouse Roadtrip
A Great Lakes lighthouse road trip can be a fun way to explore the history of the lighthouses and the Great Lakes themselves. But having a game plan in place before you set off can make your trip go smoothly. Here are our tips for the perfect lighthouse road trip.
Book Accommodations Early
No matter if you plan on camping, staying in an RV, or booking hotel rooms on your trip, booking accommodations in advance is a good idea.
If you’re traveling during peak tourist seasons and are unfamiliar with certain areas, having reservations eliminates the hassle of trying to find a place to stay last minute.
Have Reliable Transportation
Before you head out, make sure the vehicle you’ll be taking is ready to make the long drive. Have a full tank of gas and up-to-date maintenance done on the vehicle so you spend more time exploring and less (or no time) in a repair shop.
Plan For Extra Time
The whole point of your trip is to explore the wonderful lighthouses of the Great Lakes. So as you travel, plan for extra time when visiting lighthouses so you don’t miss anything.
Whether you want to take a few more pictures, climb to the top of a lighthouse, or watch the sunset, being patient and allowing for extra time allows travelers to make some lasting memories.
Don’t Be Hangry
Road trips can be fun, but they involve a lot of driving and you’re going to get hungry along the way. Whether you pack snacks to enjoy in the car or stop at restaurants on the route, make sure you’re not hangry so you can give the lighthouses your full attention.
Be Mindful of Seasons
The best time for this road trip is late spring to early fall when the weather is more predictable, and lighthouses are open for public tours. Be mindful of weather conditions when traveling, especially when driving along the lakeshore.
Get Started on Your Own Great Lakes Lighthouse Tour
No matter if you want to go east-to-west, west-to-east, or explore your own home state along the Great Lakes, there are dozens of lighthouses waiting to be seen along the lakeshore. Whether you capture the perfect photo for social media, make the climb to the top of a historic lighthouse tower, or view a tower in the distance, these lighthouses are full of history and wonder and awaiting your visit!