Trip Planner: USA / Pennsylvania / Erie / Presque Isle Lighthouse

Presque Isle Lighthouse, Erie

4.4

#2 of 6 in Historic Sites in Erie

Lighthouse · Hidden Gem · Tourist Spot

Create an itinerary including Presque Isle Lighthouse

The Presque Isle Light is one of three lighthouses on Lake Erie in U.S. state of Pennsylvania. The lighthouse is located on the northern shore of Presque Isle State Park, near Erie. It was built in 1872 and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983.
Its construction began in 1872, and the light was first lit on July 12, 1873. It was originally tall before the tower was raised to its current height in 1896. Its original light characteristic, two red flashes followed by four white flashes, was changed to an alternating red and white flash when it was electrified in the 1920s. The Presque Isle Light was commonly known as the "flashlight" to locals. In 1962, the station was fully automated and the characteristic was changed to a 3 second-on, 3 second-off white light.
The Presque Isle Light was added to the National Register of Historic Places on August 4, 1983 as part of a group listing of lighthouses and light stations operated by the United States Coast Guard on the Great Lakes. The light station is open to public tours from Memorial Day through Labor Day on weekend, weather permitting (see presqueislelighthouse.org). To visit Presque Isle Lighthouse on your trip to Erie, use our Erie tour itinerary planning website.

Improve this listing »

Create a full itinerary - for free!

Presque Isle Lighthouse reviews

TripAdvisor traveler rating

154 reviews

Google

4.6

By vhash77

I enjoy visiting lighthouses, this particular trip seeing the lighthouses adjoined to the inn keepers homes was rather interesting. The accessibility to climb the lighthouse from inside the home...

I enjoy visiting lighthouses, this particular trip seeing the lighthouses adjoined to the inn keepers homes was rather interesting. The accessibility to climb the lighthouse from inside the home... more »
By MLKen

I've done a number o lighthouses and this was a nice one, although nothing really special. The information was interesting and it was a beautiful day when we went up to get a nice view from up high..... more

I've done a number o lighthouses and this was a nice one, although nothing really special. The information was interesting and it was a beautiful day when we went up to get a nice view from up high..... more »
By mark s

I love lighthouses, and tour them every chance I get. This is a small lighthouse but very interesting. Beautiful views.

I love lighthouses, and tour them every chance I get. This is a small lighthouse but very interesting. Beautiful views. more »

See more on TripAdvisor ›

Google

By Philip Amaismeier

The tour guides were very enthusiastic and knowledgeable. Lighthouses are not for everyone, but the Presque Lighthouse experience took me back to the difficulties of living in a different technological era, and the hardships of being not only the keeper of the light, but in many ways an isolated servant to it. This lighthouse was newly refurbished to era-appropriate look. I loved the pictures and timeline of the light keepers. Great job staff!

more less
By Aunt Nessie

Rode the Lady Kate boat tour, very informative tour and worth the trip. Rode past North Pier Lighthouse, Perry Monument, and Victorian Princess Cruise Line on tour. Then went swimming at beach 11 (the last one on the Isle) until sunset. Learned our lesson not to be out when the sun set and the mosquitoes swarm you. Absolutely beautiful day.

more less
By Diane Rizzo

Chilly when we visited, but it was a great park. Lots of beaches, great bird watching park. Free admission and the Tom Ridge Environmental Center is well worth the visit. Don't miss Sara's Diner at the entrance to the park!

more less
By Algosea

Even though it was closed, I still enjoyed visiting the area. It's an amazing site, there is a storyboard near the parking area that tells you a little of the history about the lighthouse & the area surrounding it. I will be returning soon - it was definitely something I've always wanted to do - now I can cross this off my bucket list! There is also a visitor center built by former Governor Tom Ridge which is definitely a must-see experience! Please take the time to visit this ecological center as it gives you insight on the ecology & the importance of keeping our lakes, streams & waterways clean and safe not only for humans but for wildlife as well. The gift shop at The visitor center has some really beautiful keepsakes for sale, they partnered with some local artists who have made some really interesting collectibles. Half the proceeds go back to the visitor center for different programs as well as upkeep of the grounds. You will not be disappointed by stopping especially if you have children! It is definitely a memorable combination to visit the lighthouse & visitor center

more less
By Raymond Waite

I love coming here it's so peaceful. It's a great place to spend time with friends and family or just by yourself. I biked the peninsula today to the light house and back home. I stopped at beach 3, 7, and 8. I stopped at the pumphouse and the bay side.

more less