Photograph by Greg Peiffer, Lighthouse and Maritime Festival 2025

Thank you for visiting our web page. This original 1896 Lighthouse was saved from demolition in 1952, donated to the Port Clinton Lighthouse Conservancy in 2012 and placed on our waterfront after restoration in 2016. It is constructed of wood, known as a “Pepper pot” design, and possibly the last of its kind on the Great Lakes.

The Lighthouse is open to the public for tours, Saturdays, from noon until 5 p.m., Memorial Day through Labor Day. There is a $3 fee for the tour.

We invite you to visit in person, located within Waterworks Park, Port Clinton, Ohio. The park offers parking, a paved walkway around Derby Pond, fishing access, a public beach and restroom facilities. Benches and picnic tables await your arrival to enjoy the lake view and people-watching. The landscaping is beautiful, in keeping with its natural lakefront surroundings.

Consider attending our 8th Annual Lighthouse and Maritime Festival, Saturday, August 15, 2026, from 10 am – 4 pm. Please join us for our annual celebration that includes the United Way Duck Race, a plein air art show, antique & classic wooden boat show, historic talks, musical entertainment, merchandise & food vendors, activities for kids and once again, the cardboard boat race!

  • Click on SHOP at the top of the page to do your Lighthouse merch shopping! 
  • For those traveling to Port Clinton and wishing to visit the Lighthouse, enter Port Clinton Lighthouse or 421 E. Perry St. Port Clinton Ohio 43452 into your GPS or digital map.  Google Maps Link   
  • If you are visiting Port Clinton and want your Lighthouse Passport stamped, we can stamp it at the gift shop when open on Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 5pm during the summer.  At other times, The Port Clinton Chamber of Commerce (419-734-5503) will be able to stamp it for you Monday through Friday.  The Chamber office is located at 110 Madison Street, Port Clinton, 43452.   

Please plan to visit us this year at the Lighthouse on ever-changing Lake Erie, enjoy the park and surrounding area, including our historic downtown’s shops, restaurants and more! We look forward to welcoming you to our Port Clinton Community!