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Know Before You Go

Planning your visit to one of our lighthouses?
Check out our FAQs below for some helpful information to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable visit.

Still have questions?
Visit our Contact page and drop us a line.

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). As of 8/26/24, we are no longer taking reservations for Guided Tours for the 2024 season.
How many stairs to the tower?
  • 78 stairs to the top of the Presque Isle Lighthouse
  • 69 stairs to the top of the Land Lighthouse
Are the lighthouses accessibile?
  • 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.
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, snow.
  • Guests who pre-purchased tickets will receive a full refund in the case of a site closure due to weather.
2024 Hours of Operation2
2024 Hours of Operation3

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