Presque Isle Lighthouse | Buffalo

Here is a comprehensive and detailed overview of the Presque Isle Lighthouse in Erie, Pennsylvania:

Overview

The Presque Isle Lighthouse is one of the most iconic landmarks on Pennsylvania’s Lake Erie shoreline. Located within Presque Isle State Park, it has served as a navigational aid for mariners since the late 19th century. Unlike more remote lighthouses, it is accessible by land and open to the public for exploration.

Built: 1872

First Lit: July 12, 1873

Height: 68 feet (after 1896 extension)

Original Lens: Fourth-order Fresnel

Current Beacon: Modern marine light (installed 1962)

Material: Brick tower, attached to a two-story keeper’s house

Historical Background

Purpose: The lighthouse was built to replace the Erie Land Lighthouse, whose beam was increasingly obstructed by trees and sand buildup on the mainland.

Operation: Initially manually operated with kerosene lamps, the lighthouse was electrified in the 20th century and eventually automated in 1962.

Keeper’s Residence: The structure includes a brick house attached to the tower where lighthouse keepers and their families lived for nearly a century.

Public Access: After decades as a private residence for park employees, the lighthouse was restored and opened to the public in 2015.

Preservation: Managed by the Presque Isle Light Station, a nonprofit focused on lighthouse preservation and public education.

Architecture

Tower Design: Cylindrical brick structure with a spiral staircase leading to a gallery and lantern room.

Lantern Room: Once contained a fourth-order Fresnel lens, now replaced by a more modern beacon.

Elevation: In 1896, the tower was raised by 17 feet to increase its visibility above the growing trees on the peninsula.

Coloring: White tower with a red roof; the distinctive design makes it visible from both land and water.

Visitor Information

Location

Inside: Presque Isle State Park, Erie, Pennsylvania

Nearest Entrance: Accessible from the main park road, located at North Pier Light Road, just west of Beach 8 (also known as Pettinato Beach)

Hours of Operation (2025)

Spring (May 2 – May 25): Friday to Monday, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Summer (May 26 – September 7): Open daily, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Fall (September 8 – October 27): Friday to Monday, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Closed: July 4 and August 17

Note: All hours are weather-dependent.

Tours and Admission

Self-Guided Tour

Includes: Access to the house and grounds

Tower Climb: Optional

Fee: $8 per person

Guided Tour

Duration: Approximately 40 minutes

Includes: History of the lighthouse, tour of the house, keeper stories, optional tower climb

Fee: $15 per person

Tower Climb

Available with any tour

Requirements: Climbers must be at least 44 inches tall due to narrow stairs and safety

Stairs: 78 steps to the lantern room

Combination Ticket

Price: $12

Access: Includes Presque Isle Lighthouse and Erie Land Lighthouse tours (separate location in Erie)

Audio Tour

Available via smartphone

Self-guided using signage and QR codes on site

Suggested donation in lieu of fixed fee

Amenities and Features

Gift Shop: Open during visiting hours; also available online year-round

Restrooms: Available at adjacent park facilities

Picnic Areas: Nearby within Presque Isle State Park

Parking: Free, located near the lighthouse

Accessibility

House: Wheelchair-accessible via rear entrance

Tower & Second Floor: Not accessible due to historic spiral staircase

Accommodations: Staff available to assist with mobility needs on site and provide outdoor history talks for those unable to climb the tower

Education and Programs

The Presque Isle Light Station offers seasonal programs such as:

Keeper storytelling events

Historic artifact exhibits

Group tours for schools and community organizations

Nighttime tours and special events (check seasonal calendar)

Presque Isle State Park Context

The lighthouse sits on Presque Isle, a sandy peninsula that forms Presque Isle Bay, protecting the Erie harbor.

The park is Pennsylvania’s only “seashore,” and features beaches, hiking trails, a marina, and birdwatching opportunities.

The North Pier Light and Erie Land Lighthouse are also nearby, forming a trio of historic lights within a short distance.

Nearby Attractions

Tom Ridge Environmental Center – Just outside the park entrance; offers interactive exhibits on the local ecosystem and lighthouses.

Erie Maritime Museum – Located in downtown Erie; features ship exhibits, including the U.S. Brig Niagara.

Lake Erie Wine Country – Dozens of wineries within a 30-minute drive.

Waldameer Amusement Park – A family-friendly park near the entrance of Presque Isle.

Contact Information

Presque Isle Lighthouse
North Pier Light Road,
Presque Isle State Park,
Erie, PA 16507

Phone: (814) 833-3604

Summary

The Presque Isle Lighthouse is more than a navigational relic—it’s a beautifully preserved, hands-on history experience. Whether you're climbing the tower for lake views, exploring the keeper’s home, or simply enjoying the park, the lighthouse offers a memorable visit rooted in Pennsylvania’s maritime heritage.