Marblehead Lighthouse State Park
A Lake Erie Beacon is Now Also a Park for Everyone to Enjoy
Kelley's Island, Put-in-Bay, Cedar Point and Sandusky Bay are all visible from Marblehead peninsula on the northern shore of Ohio's 74th State Park.
Since 1822, Marblehead Lighthouse has guided ships and sailors along the shores of Lake Erie, longer than any other light station in the history of all the Great Lakes. This historic beacon in Ohio has recently added another name to its title: State Park.
Kelley’s Island, Put-in-Bay, Cedar Point and Sandusky Bay are all visible from Marblehead peninsula on the northern shore of Ohio’s 74th State Park. The grounds surrounding the lighthouse offer visitors wonderful spots to enjoy the impressive views of Sandusky Bay and Lake Erie. Picnicking, hiking and fishing are all available within a short distance of the majestic landmark.
The Marblehead Lighthouse also operates a museum in the old Keeper’s House. Throughout the history of the lighthouse, fifteen keepers have had to record a log of passing ships, note weather conditions, and organize rescue efforts in addition to maintaining the light. The original light keeper was a Revolutionary War veteran and one of the first inhabitants of the peninsula, Benajah Wolcott. He and his family lived in a small stone home on the Sandusky Bay side of the lighthouse. Wolcott’s job was to light the wicks of thirteen whale oil lamps. Metal reflectors helped project the light across the Lake.
A kerosene lantern replaced the whale oil lamps and in 1923 electric light was used instead of the kerosene lantern, dramatically increasing the candlepower of the signal. The stone Keeper’s House was replaced with a wooden structure. Today a 300 mm lens projects a green signal that flashes every six seconds and is visible for eleven nautical miles.
In 1946, the United States Coast Guard replaced the last civilian light keeper and they continue to operate and maintain the beacon. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources has maintained the property surrounding the lighthouse since the 1970’s and recently accepted full ownership of the Marblehead Lighthouse tower.
Tours of the lighthouse are offered on weekday afternoonsMay 29 through August 31 and on the second Saturday of the month from June through October.
For almost 200 years, the beloved guiding light has protected boaters from the rocky shores along Lake Erie. In addition to being one of the best known an most photographed landmarks of the Great Lakes, Marblehead Lighthouse is now also park for everyone to enjoy.
If you’re looking for charming and quaint vacation spot, Marblehead is the perfect place to visit. Near the new Marblehead Lighthouse State Park:
- Monsoon Lagoon Waterpark, 1530 S. Danbury Rd, Port Clinton, Ohio, 419-732-6671
- Dempsey, Sandusky Bay Access
- War of 1812 Historic Marker, Monument and Grave Site, marking the first battle of the War of 1812. 9900 E. Bayshore Road, located on the south side of the road across from the Wolcott House.
- Wolcott House, first lighthousekeeper home, 9999 E. Bayshore Road.
- Johnson's Island, Civil War POW Prison and Cemetary for Confederate Officers.
- Lake Point Park, picnic facilities, restrooms and fishing, views of Cedar Point and Kelley's Island.
- Kelley's Island and Kelley's Island Ferry Line, Marblehead.
- Prehistoric Forest and Mystery Hill, Defy the laws of nature and gravity and walk with the Dinosaurs.
- Lakeside, "The Chautauqua on Lake Erie"
- Mazurik Access, state boat ramp and shoreline fishing.
- Train-O-Rama, Ohio's largest operating multi-gauge model railroad display open to the public
- East Harbor State Park, camping, swimming, hiking, picnic, bird watching, boat ramp.
- African Safari Wildlife Park
- Local Produce and Roadside Stands There are many seasonal roadside stands throughout the peninsula. Peaches and Apples are local favorites.
Want to know more? Read about how to get a free lighthouse of your very own.
