Take This Mini Road Trip To Climb Two Of Ohio’s Beautiful Lighthouses
By April Dray|Published February 25, 2019
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April Dray
Author
April is the Ohio staff writer for Only in Your State. She is an Ohio native with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from E.W. Scripps School of Journalism. With more than 10 years of writing experience and a background in news reporting for Ohio newspapers, she's published pieces in multiple print and online publications. When she's not on deadline or chasing after her toddler, she's hunting for hidden gems in Ohio or getting lost in a good book.
Ohio has a truly beautiful coast and more lighthouses than you might expect. (Be sure to check out this lighthouse road trip.)
If you don’t have the time to see all of Ohio’s Lake Erie coast, consider taking a drive to two of the state’s most beautiful and most photographed lighthouses. We’ve designed this mini road trip to give you a peek at Ohio’s coastal life and boating culture when you might only have one day to explore it.
The total trip clocks in at just an hour and a half, so that leaves you with plenty of time to stop and eat, explore and take in the views along the way. To view a Google Map of the trip in a separate tab or window, click here.
We recommend kicking off your day trip with a visit to this beautiful coastal park, centered around Marblehead Lighthouse. The oldest lighthouse in continuous operation on the United States side of the Great Lakes is a beautiful sight to behold. Since 1822, this lighthouse has been an active aid-to-navigation. Today, you can tour the lighthouse for a small fee, observe the museum in the keeper's house and explore the grounds of the park.
With gourmet burgers and tacos, live entertainment and scenic views of Cedar Point Amusement Park and Lake Erie, you couldn't ask for a better waterfront dining experience than Dockside Cafe in Sandusky. It's located at 611 W Shoreline Dr., Sandusky, OH 44870.
Of course, you have to go out for ice cream after lunch—even if it means a little bit of a detour. For what's arguably the best ice cream in the Lake Erie area, stop on your way through Port Clinton at Toft's Ice Cream Parlor. (You can thank us for this stop later.) You'll find it at 3717 Venice Rd., Sandusky, OH 44870.
This "Jewel of the Port" is a beloved landmark in Lorain. Since 1908, this iconic lighthouse has stood as a historical reminder of Lorain and Lake Erie's shipping history. It's especially beautiful at sunset. Today, you can tour the lighthouse during the summer months for a fee. For more information, click here.
What do you think? Would you take this trip? Let us know!
