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Presque Isle Lighthouse

On July 25, 2014, Presque Isle Lighthouse was transitioned from a private residence for park staff to a public building for visitors. The purpose is to learn about the rich maritime history of Presque Isle Lighthouse.

The History of Presque Isle Lighthouse

The Construction

The construction of the Presque Isle Lighthouse began in September of 1872 and was completed in July of 1873 at the cost of $15,000. Originally designed to be built entirely of cut stone blocks, this proved too costly and so, from the ground up, the lighthouse was built five bricks thick.

A scow carrying 6,000 bricks was anchored off the shore below the lighthouse. During a storm, it broke free, and all 6,000 bricks were dumped into Lake Erie near the point of the peninsula. People have been finding bricks and pieces of bricks east of Presque Isle, at least as far as the beaches at North East, PA, for many years. It is thought that some of these were originally intended for the lighthouse.

Tragedy also struck as a boat full of workers was crossing Misery Bay one morning, when they were caught in a violent storm. All hands were rescued, except for one unfortunate soul, who lost his life for the sake of the lighthouse. His is the only recorded life lost during the entire project.

Initially, the square brick tower was only 40 feet high, but an additional 17 feet-4 inches were added to the tower in 1896, to direct the projection of the light from the Fresnel Lens out further over the lake. Over the next few years, the bricks of the tower were painted white, so that the tower would serve as a day mark for travelers. The 78 steps with 6 landings form an enticing, circular path to the top of the lighthouse tower. Though the outside of the tower is square, the inside is actually circular. The lighthouse is said to be five bricks thick in most places and is perhaps even thicker in the very corners of the tower.

Fresnel lens
Fourth Order Fresnel lens in the Lake Room, on loan with portrait of Augustin Fresnel.

The Flash Light

For much of its early history the lighthouse, known commonly as the Flash Light, was lit by an oil lamp burning inside a Fresnel Lens, which then expanded the light source into a stronger beam. There has been much discussion about the type of fuel (oil) used. Whale oil was highly unlikely, as it was put out of use in the 1860's. It would seem logical that some type of kerosene was used. However, there is additional support for the theory that it could even have been another animal fat oil or vegetable-based oil, but this theory is not supported by evidence.

The Dwelling

The attached dwelling had nine rooms and was home to the U.S. Lighthouse Service keepers and their families until 1944. The interior of the residence still reflects a 19th-century French architectural design, with rounded corners and handcrafted woodwork. The washhouse with the privy was located outside on the west end of the lighthouse. Conveniences like running water, electricity and indoor plumbing were gradually added.

The Oil Room

The Oil Room located at the base of the tower is where the keeper prepared the oil lamps each night during the shipping season. The oil was stored in the Oil Shed, located on the northeast corner near the lighthouse. The keeper was responsible for keeping the light shining all night long to alert all of the travelers on Lake Erie.

Presque Isle Lighthouse still serves as a working aid to navigation today.

Hours

Closed for Season

Closed November - March. Opens April 2024

Online Shop open 24/7

Directions

Presque Isle State Park

Leslie Beach

  • Parking is available across the street from the lighthouse

TOURS

Presque Isle Lighthouse Tower Climb

$8, Free for members

  • Includes self-guided access to house and grounds
  • Available every 20-minutes, no reservation required
  • Must be 44" tall to climb

Combination Tower Climb

$12, Free for Members

  • Covers both Presque Isle and Erie Land Lighthouse
  • Tickets are redeemable any day during the season
  • Must check-in and show ticket to schedule climb at each site
  • Includes grounds and tower at Land, and house and grounds at Presque Isle
  • Visits to both sites must be completed within the season
  • Must be 44" tall to climb

Guided Tour; Presque Isle Lighthouse

$15, Free for Members

  • 40-minute guided tour of house and grounds, ending with a tower climb (climb optional).
  • Must be 44" tall to climb

Self-Guided Three Lights Audio Tour

By Donation

  • Self-paced, exterior audio tour of each lighthouse
  • Does not include tower access
  • Required use of personal device to access tour
  • Click below to view

School or Group Visits

Group rate

  • Group visit rates are available upon request (a group is a minimum of 8 people).
  • Groups - bookings must be made at least two weeks in advance. To book your group, please call 814-833-3604 or complete the form below.
  • Schools/Youth - Please contact us at (814) 833-3604 for more information or complete the form linked below.

Know Before You Go