Name and Location

The Presque Isle Lighthouse is located at 301 Peninsula Drive, Erie, PA 16505, USA, situated on Presque Isle State Park, a peninsula that juts out into Lake Erie.

Construction and History

The lighthouse was built in 1872 to serve as a beacon for mariners navigating the treacherous waters of Lake Erie. It stands 22 meters (72 feet) tall.

Architecture and Materials

The Presque Isle Lighthouse is constructed in a square tower shape, with a white exterior and a red roof. The structure is made of brick and stone, blending Victorian-era influences with local regional design elements.

Light and Navigation

The lighthouse features an Iso light characteristic, emitting white flashes every 10 seconds, visible for 13 nautical miles (24 kilometers). In 2018, the Coast Guard reduced the intensity of the lighthouse's light to a standby mode, with reduced visibility.

Accessibility and Visiting

Visitors can climb to the top of the tower for panoramic views of Lake Erie and surrounding landscape. The site is accessible by car or bus, with parking available near the lighthouse. Hours are 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (May-October), with an entrance fee of $3.00 per person.

Notable Views and Landscape

Anecdotes and Folklore

According to local legend, the lighthouse was built on sacred Native American land, which led to conflicts between settlers and indigenous peoples. In 2019, a rare species of bird, the piping plover, was spotted nesting near the lighthouse.

Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places (#84003834) and has been recognized as a significant cultural and historical landmark in the region. It serves as a symbol of the area's maritime history and plays an important role in preserving the natural beauty of Lake Erie.

Further Information