9 Lake Ontario Lighthouses in New York

Nine historic lighthouses and lighthouse replicas line Lake Ontario’s southern shore between the Niagara River and the Salmon River. Some welcome visitors inside, while others can only be viewed from the grounds, a nearby park, or a public road. Each can be reached within roughly two hours of Rochester, making these lights useful anchors for day trips along the lakeshore.

My best friend Cady shares my affection for lighthouses, much as I’m drawn to trains. She often plans a day trip around a lighthouse, then looks for other places to explore nearby. Cady has photographed lights from Lake Erie to the Saint Lawrence River, including many of those featured here.

Lighthouse museums, tower tours, and visitor centers are often seasonal. Weather can also affect tower and boat access, so check the destination’s website before setting out. Please view privately owned lighthouses only from public roads or other designated public areas.

1. Fort Niagara Lighthouse

1872 — Fort Niagara Lighthouse

Several lights have guided vessels at the mouth of the Niagara River. The first was placed on the roof of the fort’s French Castle in 1781. The present limestone tower was first lit in 1872 and later raised to improve its visibility.

You can view the lighthouse while visiting Old Fort Niagara, but the tower is closed to visitors. The site also provides broad views across the Niagara River toward Canada and out over Lake Ontario.

Old Fort Niagara lighthouse webcam

2. Olcott Lighthouse

2003 — Replica of the 1873 Olcott Lighthouse

The original Olcott Lighthouse stood at the harbor entrance beginning in 1873. Using historic photographs as a guide, the community constructed this replica in 2003 near the base of the west pier.

The lighthouse stands beside Lakeview Village Shoppes, a seasonal boardwalk of small shops. Olcott Beach Carousel Park and Krull Park are also within walking distance, making the harbor an easy starting point for exploring Olcott Beach. Check the community website for current lighthouse access and seasonal events.

Olcott replica lighthouse

3. Thirty Mile Point Lighthouse

1876 — Thirty Mile Point Lighthouse

Thirty Mile Point Lighthouse stands within Golden Hill State Park, thirty miles east of the Niagara River. The stone tower and attached keeper’s dwelling once marked this relatively isolated stretch of Lake Ontario’s southern shore.

Seasonal guided tours may include a climb to the tower, weather permitting. The park also offers shoreline walks, camping, picnicking, boating, and broad views of the night sky. Because tour schedules and park entry requirements can change, confirm the details with the park before your visit.

The keeper’s quarters include a vacation cottage that sleeps six. Guests have a private entrance, kitchen, living area, bathroom, three bedrooms, and a view of the lake. Reservations and a minimum stay are required.

Golden Hill State Park

4. Oak Orchard Lighthouse

2010 — Replica of the 1871 Oak Orchard Lighthouse

The original Oak Orchard Lighthouse operated on the west side of the Oak Orchard River from 1871 to 1916. The replica, completed in 2010 using a historic survey, stands across the river in Orleans County Marine Park.

When open, the lighthouse museum contains local maritime artifacts and a small gift shop. Visitors able to manage the steep keeper’s ladder can climb to the upper level for a closer look at the light and views across the river and Lake Ontario. Access is seasonal, so check the lighthouse’s current visitor information before making the trip.

Oak Orchard Lighthouse Museum

5. Braddock Point Lighthouse

1896 — Private, active Braddock Point Lighthouse

Braddock Point Lighthouse was built with a tall octagonal brick tower attached to a keeper’s dwelling. After structural damage, much of the tower was removed in the 1950s. A reconstructed upper section now recalls the original form, and the historic staircase remains inside.

The light was inactive for several decades before returning to service as a private aid to navigation. The lighthouse and keeper’s house are privately owned and are not open for public tours. View the property only from the public road and respect the owners’ privacy. Nearby, Braddock Bay offers public trails, wetland overlooks, and opportunities for birdwatching along the lakeshore.

6. Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse

1822 — Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse

The Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse is the oldest surviving lighthouse on Lake Ontario. Built in 1822 to mark the entrance to the Genesee River, it now stands well inland because the shoreline and river mouth were extended north over time. A community preservation effort restored the property and opened it as a museum.

When the tower is open, the climb includes a narrow spiral staircase, an 11-rung ladder, and a small opening into the lantern room. The tower can become warm in summer, and visitors need appropriate footwear. Neither the keeper’s house museum nor the tower is wheelchair accessible, but a video inside the museum shows the climb and the view from above.

From the lantern room, you can see Lake Ontario, the Genesee River, and Ontario Beach Park. Confirm seasonal museum and tower access before visiting.

Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse

Two additional lights mark the ends of Charlotte Pier and Summerville Pier at the mouth of the Genesee River. Continuing east, you’ll find smaller pier and breakwater lights at Irondequoit Bay and near Webster Park.

7. Sodus Bay Lighthouse

1870 — Sodus Bay Lighthouse

The 1870 Sodus Bay Lighthouse replaced an earlier tower built in 1825. Although the light was decommissioned in 1901, the keeper’s house and tower now serve as the Sodus Bay Lighthouse Museum, operated by the Sodus Bay Historical Society.

The museum shares the maritime history of Great Sodus Bay, while the grounds overlook Lake Ontario and the entrance to Sodus Bay. The lighthouse also hosts seasonal concerts, programs, and community events. Check the official calendar and visitor information before your trip.

The active Sodus Outer Light stands at the end of the breakwater. You can see it from shore and, when lake and walkway conditions permit, approach it on foot. Waves and ice can make the breakwater hazardous, so stay back when conditions are rough.

Sodus Bay Lighthouse

8. Oswego West Pierhead Lighthouse

1934 — Tour access only, Oswego West Pierhead Lighthouse

The Oswego West Pierhead Lighthouse stands about half a mile offshore at the end of the harbor breakwater. Built in 1934, it remains an active aid to navigation. The H. Lee White Maritime Museum, located at the end of West First Street Pier, works with the City of Oswego to preserve the structure.

Seasonal guided tours begin with a boat ride from the museum and include time inside the lighthouse, with a tower climb when conditions allow. Reservations are required, and weather or lake conditions may shorten or cancel a trip. The lighthouse has no restrooms and is not fully accessible. Wear secure, rubber-soled shoes and review all tour requirements before booking. Pair your day trip with a visit to Fort Ontario for another lighthouse view.

Oswego lighthouse tours

9. Salmon River Lighthouse

1838 — Private vacation rental, Salmon River Lighthouse

The lighthouse at the mouth of the Salmon River has been known as Selkirk Light, Selkirk Point Light, Port Ontario Light, and Salmon River Light. Today it is part of Salmon River Lighthouse & Marina.

Built in 1838, it is one of only two remaining birdcage light towers in the United States. The light was deactivated in 1858 and returned to service as a private aid to navigation in 1989. The property began welcoming overnight guests in the nineteenth century, although the surrounding hotel buildings from that era no longer survive.

The lighthouse and several nearby cottages are available as seasonal vacation accommodations. Access to the top of the lighthouse is reserved for overnight guests; the tower is not open to the general public. Review the property’s accessibility information, policies, and current availability before making a reservation.

Salmon River Lighthouse & Marina

Learn More About New York’s Seaway Lighthouses

Lighthouse Friends provided valuable historical background for this guide. PBS also offers New York’s Seaway Lighthouses, an approximately 87-minute documentary about 23 lighthouses along New York’s Seaway Trail between Ogdensburg and Barcelona. The film considers why the lights were built and the people who kept them operating.

Watch New York’s Seaway Lighthouses

Which are your favorite lighthouses along Lake Ontario in New York State?

I’d love to hear from you—please reach out and share your thoughts and experiences.