These lighthouses along Lake Ontario’s southern shore in New York State can all be reached within a two-hour drive from Rochester, and each one offers a breathtaking view of the lake.
My best friend Cady shares my love for lighthouses, just as I have a passion for trains. She plans her day trips according to which lighthouse she wants to visit, making sure there are plenty of things to do in the area. Cady has photographed all the lighthouses from Lake Erie to the Saint Lawrence River, including many of the ones featured in this article that are located along Lake Ontario.
1. Fort Niagara Lighthouse
1872 – Fort Niagara Lighthouse
Multiple lights have been located on this land at the mouth of the Niagara River. The first Fort Niagara Light was established on the stone fort’s roof in 1781. The lighthouse, which is the fourth iteration built in 1872, can be viewed from the grounds, but it is closed to visitors.
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Old Fort Niagara served as a strategic stronghold for 300 years during the French & Indian Wars, War of 1812, Revolutionary War, and Civil War.
Ranked as one of the “Top Ten Small Towns,” spend a day in Lewiston, with its excellent shops, restaurants, and Niagara River views.
21 Discover Niagara Shuttle Stops
The Discover Niagara Shuttle is a two-hour round-trip from any starting point if you’d like to simply enjoy the ride. Or, hop on and off.
2. Olcott Lighthouse
1873 – Replica, Olcott Lighthouse
In 2003, a replica of this lighthouse was constructed using old photographs. The lighthouse is open to the public from 8 am to 7 pm every day. It is located right next to the Lakeview Village Shoppes, which is a colorful boardwalk of shops featuring ice cream and lake-themed clothing and decor. The lighthouse is the hub of summer activity in Olcott, with parades and concerts taking place throughout the warmer months. The Olcott Beach Carousel Park and Krull Park are both within walking distance from the lighthouse.
3. Thirty Mile Point Lighthouse
1876 – Thirty Mile Point Lighthouse
The lighthouse, located in Golden Hill State Park, was used as a coastal light. This point is located thirty miles to the east of the Niagara River’s mouth, making it the northernmost point on Lake Ontario’s southern shore. Due to its distance from the major cities of Rochester and Buffalo, the region boasts one of the darkest skies, making it an ideal spot for stargazing or trying to catch the Northern Lights in action. You can go on a lighthouse tour for $1 per person.
At the Lighthouse Cottage, you have the option of spending the night. The NYS Park website details that renters can enjoy a private entrance and a kitchen equipped with a refrigerator, electric stove, microwave, coffee maker, cooking utensils, silverware, and dishes. The living area comes with an electric fireplace, a couch, two chairs, and a writing desk. You can also indulge in a full bath with an old-fashioned bathtub and three bedrooms furnished with queen-sized beds and pillows. What’s more, you get a stunning view of Lake Ontario.
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There are few attractions in the immediate area, which is part of the draw, but head south to visit Medina and the Medina Railroad or southwest to Lockport and the Lockport Locks. Transportation history is alive and well in both. Or enjoy the quiet, natural environment at Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge.
Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge
At 10,828 acres, Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge is the state’s largest refuge. Alabama Swaps amasses 19,000-acres designated for wildlife.
4. Oak Orchard Lighthouse
1871 – Replica, Oak Orchard Lighthouse
The first lighthouse was located on the west side of Oak Orchard River. It was operational from 1871 to 1916. A replica of the lighthouse was constructed in 2010 using a 1909 survey. You can find the replica lighthouse in the Orleans County Marine Park on the east side of the river. The lighthouse features local maritime historical artifacts and a gift shop. Visitors can climb the lighthouse keeper’s ladder to the 3rd floor to get a closer look at the light and enjoy the stunning views of Lake Ontario.
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Head straight down NY-98 to NY-104. At this intersection, you’ll find The Cobblestone Museum. Or head upstream to Waterport to the Oak Orchard Dam and Lake Alice.
5. Braddock Point Lighthouse
1896 – Private, Braddock Point Lighthouse
The lighthouse was out of commission from 1954 to 1996. It is now one of the few fully functioning lighthouses in the country that is privately owned. As per the website, the innkeeper’s quarters have been restored completely to the original government blueprints. While the tower is not entirely original, it has been reconstructed in honor of the original grand tower, and the original staircase remains intact.
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Braddock Bay Wildlife Management Area
If you’re cruising on Edgemere along the ponds, or on the parkway near Manitou, you’re enjoying the Braddock Bay Wildlife Management Area.
6. Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse
1822 – Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse
The Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse was abandoned for 100 years until its rescue and restoration in 1982. Constructed in 1822, it is the oldest active surviving lighthouse on Lake Ontario. At the time of its construction, it was much closer to the shoreline.
When the tower is open, you can climb it, but be advised: it’s a narrow spiral staircase that’s 40 feet high. After that, you’ll have to climb an 11-rung ladder, and finally, once you reach the top, you’ll need to crawl through an opening in the ceiling to access the 12-foot-high lantern room. It’s toasty up there in the summer, but the view of Lake Ontario, the Genesee River, and Ontario Beach Park is amazing!
There are two additional lights at the end of Charlotte Pier and Summerville Pier, flanking the mouth of the Genesee River.
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There are two more pier lights heading east along the lake shore; one at the mouth of Irondequoit Bay and the other on Webster Park pier.
At Genesee Valley Park, the river merges with the Erie Canal and continues north through Rochester before reaching Lake Ontario.
Besides a sandy Lake Ontario beach with ample parking, visitors can enjoy the carousel, pier, lighthouse, and Abbott’s Frozen Custard.
7. Sodus Bay Lighthouse
1870 – Sodus Bay Lighthouse
The Sodus Bay Lighthouse was decommissioned in 1901. The museum is open to visitors, with special events and a summer concert series.
There is an outer light at the end of the pier, which is within walking distance.
8. Oswego West Pierhead Lighthouse
1934 – Tour Access Only, Oswego West Pierhead Lighthouse
The H. Lee White Maritime Museum is situated at the end of West First Street Pier. They offer tours of the Oswego West Pierhead Lighthouse on Fridays and Saturdays from mid-June to early September, depending on the weather. You can enjoy a roundtrip boat ride to the lighthouse and experience the iconic building from the inside. You can also climb the tower to the lantern deck.
9. Salmon River Lighthouse
1838 – Private vacation rental, Salmon River Lighthouse
The lighthouse located at the mouth of the Salmon River has been known by different names throughout history. It has been referred to as Selkirk Light, Selkirk Point Light, Port Ontario Light, and Salmon River Light. Currently, the structure is referred to as the Salmon River Lighthouse & Marina.
The Salmon River Lighthouse is a unique structure, being one of only four lighthouses in the United States that still has its original birdcage design. The lighthouse was deactivated from 1858 to 1989, but since 1895, it has been serving as a hotel. The original buildings were demolished in 1916.
The Salmon River Lighthouse provides an opportunity to spend the night. As stated on their website, “Our fully operational Selkirk Lighthouse, which was constructed in 1838, along with five cottages (three located right on the Marina property and two across the River) offer ample and comfortable vacation accommodations during the spring, summer, and fall.”
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I want to express my gratitude to Lighthouse Friends for their website’s comprehensive information about the lighthouses situated along Lake Ontario. Additionally, I’d like to thank PBS for sharing an outstanding video that features New York’s Seaway Lighthouses. The documentary, which runs for 1 hour, 26 minutes, and 49 seconds, explores the stories behind the construction of the 23 lighthouses situated along the New York shores of the Seaway Trail, from Ogdensburg to Barcelona. It delves into the lighthouses’ purposes and the people who dedicated their lives to keeping the lights burning. Enjoy!
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Explore The Lake Ontario Seaway Trail
The Lake Ontario Seaway Trail runs along the southern Lake Ontario shoreline, from Fort Niagara in Youngstown to Fort Ontario in Oswego.
Which are your favorite lighthouses along Lake Ontario in New York State?
Your insights and experiences are valuable. Please share them in the comments.
People often ask me if I get free access to places while exploring. The answer is no unless I’m invited to previews or granted behind-the-scenes access as part of my media role. Generally, I don’t mention my project, Day Trips Around Rochester, NY, because I want the same experience you would have. I create and share content simply because it brings me joy. I would appreciate your support—a cup of coffee or two to help fuel future field trips—if you have found valuable information here that has helped you explore the Rochester area.
Abandoned Gallo Island Light…
That’s incredible! Is the island publicly accessible? I assume the only way to reach it is by small boat.
Tibbits point lighthouse in cape Vincent is awesome.
Thank you. As a lighthouse enthusiast I find this information very valuable. Not sure when I will visit this part of NY but now I know where to get info to prepare for such a trip. See the lighthouse section of my website.
BJK
I just looked back and saw that Cady likes the lighthouses and you like trains. I have a few older relatives who have worked for the railroad. They are pretty interesting as well.
Hello, I’ve recently became interested in the history of lighthouses. I’m curious why Stony Point lighthouse is not listed?
Hello David! I had to look that one up to find out. The ones on this article are just along Lake Ontario’s southern shore. Story Point is on The Hudson, but still a worthy destination to explore! A little far from Rochester, but could still be done in a day if you’re ambitious.
Hello Debi, maybe it’s called the Henderson Harbor lighthouse? I am not talking about the one on the Hudson lol. The one I am asking about is on the seaway trail in Henderson. I’m not sure of the road name but it’s off of Military rd. It’s definitely Stony Point on Lake Ontario. It comes up when I google it. I’d love to know more about lighthouses. Thanks, David
Funny, Dave, I just looked at my own Google Maps and I have it saved! I think I decided not to add that one because it’s more than 2 hours away and privately owned. And I’m pretty sure my friend Cady has indeed stopped there for a peek on her many trips to the Thousand Islands. That area is so beautiful, and I’d imagine that point is just perfect at sunset.
Hello, yes it is beautiful there at sunset and at sunrise. A family friend has a camp there so I’ve been there quite a bit through the years. I’m in Syracuse by the way. What do you like about lighthouses?