Marblehead Lighthouse State Park {Review}

Marblehead Lighthouse State Park {Review}

My family grew up on the coast; in fact, several of my kids grew up on or near Navy bases. So lighthouses have always been a fun part of things we would visit on family outings. Plus since we enjoy vacationing at the beach, you can’t help but see them around. But on this recent trip to Sandusky, Ohio, we visited the Marblehead Lighthouse State Park in Marblehead, Ohio, for the first time.

Marblehead Lighthouse, the oldest lighthouse in continuous operation on the Great Lakes, has guided sailors safely along the rocky shores of Marblehead Peninsula since 1822.

In 1819, the fifteenth U. S. Congress recognized the need for navigational aides along the Great Lakes, and set aside $5,000 for construction of a light tower at the entrance to Sandusky Bay. Contractor William Kelly built the 50-foot tower of native limestone on the tip of the Marblehead Peninsula. The base of the tower is 25 feet in diameter, with walls five feet thick. It narrows to twelve feet at the top with two-foot thick walls.

Modern conveniences came slowly to the timeless light tower. An electric light finally replaced the kerosene lantern in 1923, dramatically increasing the candlepower of the signal. During World War II, the lighthouse became strategically important for national defense. The last civilian lighthouse keeper resigned, and the United States Coast Guard assumed responsibility for the beacon in 1946.

The beacon was automated in 1958, making the Coast Guard’s job easier. With its original finish tattered by time and harsh weather, the exterior of the lighthouse tower was given a fresh coat of new stucco the same year.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources has maintained the property surrounding the lighthouse since 1972 and proudly accepted ownership of the Marblehead Lighthouse tower in May 1998. The U.S. Coast Guard continues to operate and maintain the lighthouse beacon. Today’s 300 mm lens projects a green signal that flashes every six seconds and is visible for eleven nautical miles. The distinctive green distinguishes the lighthouse signal from white lights coming from air beacons.

Marblehead’s beloved beacon continues to shine and protect boaters from peril in Lake Erie’s unpredictable waters along her rocky shores.

Photo Courtesy of ShoresandIslands.com

Marblehead Lighthouse is the most photographed landmark on Lake Erie. It’s set on a small but gorgeous state park that offers a terrific view of the lake, along with picnic tables, plenty of green grass to play or picnic on, and lots of shade to relax under. We found it kept very clean with several staff members that were able to answer questions, give a little history, and even point out local points of interest for out of town visitors.

One of the neatest things for us to see were the artists, set up on the rocky shore or in the grass, either sketching or painting the scene. How neat to be able to take directly from the source!

There is also a museum on site that is open from Memorial Day until Labor Day, offering a history of the lighthouse, the local area, keeper families, and more! It’s completely run by a volunteer staff and they are definitely dedicated. You can’t walk out of the museum not having learned anything, I promise. Plus, it’s handicap accessible for anyone needing assistance.

One of the best parts was taking a tour of the tower itself! For a $2 charge, you can climb to the top of the lighthouse and step out onto the lookout “walk” and see all the way around. It’s definitely worth the climb and you will get some pretty amazing pictures to take home.

So whether you’re in the Marblehead/Sandusky area for 1 day or for several, be sure to stop and visit the Marblehead Lighthouse State Park. It’s perfect for a walk, pictures, a lunch break, or just to learn about a historical landmark!

Disclaimer: I visited here as part of a media tour through Lake Erie Shores & Islands. Make sure you visit their webpage if you’re visiting for wonderful ideas and savings! Thank you Lake Erie Shores & Islands!