Know Before You Go

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation?

Advance reservations are NOT required for any self-guided visit to the house or tower(s). Tickets are sold first-come, first-served.
Reservations are required for the guided, in-depth tour. (40 minutes).

How many stairs to the tower?

Are the lighthouses accessible?

The Presque Isle Lighthouse has an accessible entrance to the house around the back through the Summer Kitchen. There is also a video tour of the house and tower located inside. The tower and 2nd floor of the home are not accessible.
The Land Lighthouse is not accessible at this time.

Can I just walk around the grounds?

Yes, the grounds of all three lighthouses are open to the public. See our hours page for more information. Presque Isle grounds are free to explore inside the fence during open hours only.
An audio tour is available for guests who wish to explore the grounds of the Land Lighthouse, Presque Isle Lighthouse, and North Pier Light.

Do you have a gift shop on site?

Both Presque Isle and Erie Land Lighthouses have gift shops.
Only select items are available at the Erie Land Lighthouse. To explore all of our products, visit the Welcome Center at the Presque Isle Lighthouse.
Shops are open during Lighthouse open hours. Our Online Shop is open year round.

Can I take pictures?

Of course! Be mindful of the people near you. If they happen to be in or around your shot, please be courteous and let them know you're taking a picture. Don't assume that people want to be photographed.

Can I fly a drone?

No, drones are not permitted on Presque Isle State Park, per their rules and regulations. Drones are only allowed on Erie Land Lighthouse grounds with prior permission from Staff. Visit the Contact Us page to get in touch.

Can I bring my pet?

As much as we love critters, pets are not allowed in the Presque Isle Lighthouse or Erie Land Lighthouse. Well-behaved dogs on a leash are allowed in the Presque Isle Lighthouse Gift Shop or at the discretion of the staff.
Service animals are welcome, please ask for a staff member to assist you with your visit if you are bringing a service animal.
Pets are welcome on the grounds of Presque Isle Lighthouse and Erie Land Lighthouse, but must be on, at least, a 6-foot leash. Please visit the PA DCNR website for more information on park rules and regulations.

What happens in bad weather?

No one is permitted to climb the tower in heavy rain or if thunder and lightning are present in the area. Staff will wait 30 minutes to re-open the towers after the last visible lightning.
Staff may also close tower for additional inclement weather conditions including but not limited to: high winds, high air particulates (index of 151 and above), extreme heat advisories, and/or snow.
Guests who pre-purchased tickets will receive a full refund in the case of a site closure due to weather.

2025 Hours of Operation

Operational hours are subject to change. Site may close in event of unsafe weather conditions.

Presque Isle Lighthouse

Erie Land Lighthouse