The Scenic North Coast Route That Leads To 5 Ohio Lighthouses

Ohio is an incredibly diverse state that’s not only home to beautiful Amish Country and Appalachia, but also a Great Lakes Region of over 300 miles of shoreline. Known as the North Coast, this stretch is filled with a beautiful shoreline and historic lighthouses. Today, we’re taking a road trip in Ohio to five of the state’s most iconic lighthouses, and we hope you’ll come along on this scenic adventure.

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Ashtabula Harbor Light, Ashtabula, OH 44004, USA

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Ashtabula County might be best-known for its covered bridges, but those aren't the only winsome landmarks in this Northern Ohio locale. The Ashtabula Harbor Light is over a century old and despite its age, it's not the first lighthouse to keep watch over the harbor. Two other lighthouses were constructed in the 1800s and the current lighthouse was constructed in 1916 after the Ashtabula River was widened and new docks were built.

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Fairport Marine Museum and Lighthouse, 129 2nd St, Fairport Harbor, OH 44077, USA

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Next up, a duo of lighthouses at Fairport Harbor. What is now the The Fairport Harbor Marine Museum was once an operating 1825 lighthouse accompanied by a two-story keeper's house. The museum was founded in 1945 as the first Great Lakes Lighthouse Marine Museum in Ohio -- and country! The museum houses various artifacts and maritime exhibits, which you can observe for a small fee. Please note that the museum is open seasonally, while the lighthouse itself can be enjoyed from the outside year-round.

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Fairport Harbor West Breakwater Light, Lake Erie, Fairport Harbor, OH 44077, USA

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It's just a hop, skip, and a jump to the Fairport Harbor West Breakwater Light. First lit in 1925, this picturesque lighthouse has been uninhabited since 1948 and was recently renovated and restored to its former glory. The lighthouse is a favorite muse for photographers, with its bright red roof popping brilliantly against the rocky Lake Erie landscape.

Cleveland Harbor West Pierhead Lighthouse, 2800 Whiskey Island Dr, Cleveland, OH 44102, USA

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Just north of the mouth of the Cuyahoga River sits the Cleveland West Pierhead Lighthouse. It was originally constructed in 1911 and is viewable from Wendy Park and other nearby sights. This lighthouse often freezes over in the winter months after heavy winds and waves wrap around it. Please note that this lighthouse is not open to the public; rather, it's a favorite landmark to admire from afar -- even from a boat during the warmer months.

Lorain Harbor Lighthouse, llc, Lorain, OH 44052, USA

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This "Jewel of the Port" is a beloved landmark in Lorain, Ohio. Since 1908, this iconic lighthouse has stood as a historical reminder of Lorain and Lake Erie's shipping days. Today, you can tour the lighthouse (during the summer months) and even splurge for a Sunset Wine Dinner for a bucket-list experience in Ohio.

Did you know Ohio was home to so many gorgeous lighthouses? There’s so much to experience here in the Buckeye State, a place that promises to stoke and satisfy even the most insatiable wanderlust.