Marblehead Lighthouse
Marblehead, OH
The oldest lighthouse in continuous operation on the Great Lakes, from 1822, on limestone shore at the tip of the Marblehead Peninsula. Tower climbs in summer for a small fee.
Marblehead Lighthouse stands on the rocky headland of Rocky Point at the northeastern end of the Marblehead Peninsula in western Lake Erie, Ohio, at the entrance to the channel between the mainland and Kelleys Island and the Bass Islands. The tower, built of native limestone with walls about 1.5 metres thick, was first lit in 1821 and is regarded as Ohio's oldest lighthouse.
It was first called Sandusky Bay Light, until 1870. It originally burned 13 Argand whale-oil lamps, and from 1858 a fourth-order Fresnel lens. In 1897 the tower was raised by about 4.5 metres, in 1923 it was electrified and in 1958 automated. It belongs to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. The first keeper was Benajah Wolcott, who took up his post in 1822 and served until 1832; the keeper's house holds the museum of the Marblehead Lighthouse Historical Society.
Opening hours, tower climbs and fees change; please check with the Ohio DNR or the Historical Society in advance.
- Nearest town
- Marblehead, OH
- Category
- Scenic viewpoints
- GPS
- 41.5364, -82.7116
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. Cold, short days in December–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Surf Campground and ResortMotorhome stopover0 mi from Marblehead LighthouseMotorhomes
- Lighthouse PointMotorhome stopover3 mi from Marblehead LighthouseMotorhomes
- East Harbor State Park CampgroundCampsite5 mi from Marblehead LighthouseTentsCaravansWi-Fi
- Kamp KozyMotorhome stopover6 mi from Marblehead LighthouseMotorhomes
- Cold Creek Trout CampMotorhome stopover7 mi from Marblehead LighthouseMotorhomes
- KOA Bayshore CampgroundMotorhome stopover7 mi from Marblehead LighthouseMotorhomesWi-Fi
All campsites in Ohio · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Marblehead Lighthouse?
Marblehead Lighthouse is in Marblehead, OH, at GPS 41.5364, -82.7116. It is about 2 mi from Lakeside.
Can you camp near Marblehead Lighthouse?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Surf Campground and Resort, about 0 mi away; within 25 mi there are 36 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Marblehead Lighthouse?
Marblehead Lighthouse is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Lake Erie’s islands and lighthouses and Warblers, lighthouses and island ferries – by camper from Toledo across the Lake Erie islands to Sandusky and Vermilion.
What is there to see near Marblehead Lighthouse?
Places worth a stop nearby: Glacial Grooves State Memorial (5 mi), Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial (10 mi), Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (53 mi) and The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation (59 mi).
When is the best time to visit Marblehead Lighthouse?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)