Marblehead Lighthouse
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One of the oldest lighthouses on the Great Lakes, it towers 65 feet into the air.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
645 reviews
Excellent
454
Very good
160
Average
29
Poor
2
Terrible
0
Fritomann
Portage Lakes, OH170 contributions
Sep 2020 • Couples
I believe there is a State Park area here, very small and very busy. It's Free!
The lighthouse tower might cost you a few bucks to climb; if not, you should leave a donation. These resources are expensive to maintain and yr kids and grandkids might appreciate the future opportunity to climb up the iron spiral and to learn the importance of lighthouses to commerce and safety, ages ago.
From the top, from the outer platform surrounding the top of the main tower, see and hear the waves come crashing onto the rocks below, impressive considering the shallowness of Lake Erie s western basin. Not too far out in the water are the Lake Erie islands and you can hire a ride out on a boat, every day in season.
Here in the park there is a small museum about the Marblehead lighthouse in a historic old house.
You can also find Cedar Point in the area, if that's what you're into.
The lighthouse tower might cost you a few bucks to climb; if not, you should leave a donation. These resources are expensive to maintain and yr kids and grandkids might appreciate the future opportunity to climb up the iron spiral and to learn the importance of lighthouses to commerce and safety, ages ago.
From the top, from the outer platform surrounding the top of the main tower, see and hear the waves come crashing onto the rocks below, impressive considering the shallowness of Lake Erie s western basin. Not too far out in the water are the Lake Erie islands and you can hire a ride out on a boat, every day in season.
Here in the park there is a small museum about the Marblehead lighthouse in a historic old house.
You can also find Cedar Point in the area, if that's what you're into.
Written August 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ManyTravelsGirl
Columbus, OH266 contributions
Sep 2022 • Friends
A beautiful, historical place to visit. We didn’t do the tour or visit the innkeeper gift shop but spent plenty of time walking around the property, enjoying the sunrise and having our coffee there multiple mornings, as we stayed up the street at the Red Fern Inn. The restrooms were very nice and clean. Lots of picnic tables and areas to spread out and enjoy the view of both the light out and lake!
Written September 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
MMcDougal87
25 contributions
Jul 2022 • Family
Beautiful, well kept area. We got there just in time for a lighthouse tour. It took 77 winding steps in a tight space to get to the top and had beautiful views. There is a museum and some other buildings on the area that provide details on the history of the lighthouse. Very neat place to see.
Written July 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
TAK0269
Clarksville, TN610 contributions
Aug 2022
We arrived about 5 mins before the tour started. Our group was maybe 12 people. We got a little history by a young lady that was very interesting. Even with her heads up about ducking when heading out the top we all still hit our heads! The area at the top really should only have about 6 people up top. There is very little room for maneuvering. You can see cedar park from the top. It was pretty windy when we went and we were quick up and down, less than 15 mins total.
The keepers house had the light and was neat to see, but again maybe 5 mins total. Over all it was neat little stop less than 30 mins total.
The keepers house had the light and was neat to see, but again maybe 5 mins total. Over all it was neat little stop less than 30 mins total.
Written August 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
DanKan
Dayton, OH232 contributions
Aug 2022
Our family returned to Marblehead Lighthouse after our last experience seven years ago. We loved experiencing this lighthouse back then, and with an additional child and much older, our kids loved it. The lighthouse is such a great experience for all.
One thing to note is that they do charge for each person to enter the lighthouse now and only take cash, so be sure to have some with you. :)
The surrounding areas are also great! Such a pretty and well-maintained park.
One thing to note is that they do charge for each person to enter the lighthouse now and only take cash, so be sure to have some with you. :)
The surrounding areas are also great! Such a pretty and well-maintained park.
Written September 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
havefunaway
Crescent Springs, KY262 contributions
Aug 2021
There is great history here and the folks working here seem to love what they do and the attraction. We did not go up in the lighthouse as we were running tight on time but if you don't mind steps, I imagine it is quite a view from up top. It is only $3 and they go up in timed groups. The grounds and lake views are very impressive and lovely to walk around. Glad we stopped here.
Written August 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Iridescentkittie
Dexter, MI128 contributions
Jul 2021
This was a lovely surprise! We stopped here to stretch our legs on a road trip through northern Ohio. I thought it was just going to be a lighthouse but it is a nice little park area. There are clean restrooms, ample parking, and a nice sidewalked area to visit. The views of the lake are gorgeous and you can indeed see Cedar Point if you look real hard. My kids enjoyed scrambling on the rocks that line the shoreside and collecting shells. The lighthouse is very pretty. Worth the stop if you are driving along the coast!
Written August 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
EvBeE
Denver, CO193 contributions
Oct 2021
Beautiful view of Lake Erie. The lighthouse and associated buildings were closed to the public on September 1 so they were not open when we visited in October. But the grounds are beautiful. It is free to visit the grounds. Even though you cannot go into the lighthouse it is beautiful to see from the outside. There is also histories of the lighthouse and grounds that you can read. Very nice bathrooms that are open and many outside benches. Lots of picnic tables and parking. A very beautiful, relaxing place. Able to see lots of boats. It is about 7 miles from East Harbor State Park.
Written December 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
DCLMom
North Carolina848 contributions
Aug 2021
We stopped by at dusk to walk around the grounds, what a lovely place! Everything was closed up for the day, but it was still worth a visit. The lighthouse is beautiful and there are signs around to give you a view into what is here. The view from the shore is also beautiful.
Written August 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Chris M
Port Clinton, Ohio, United States413 contributions
Nov 2019 • Family
If visitors come from out of the county this is one of the places we always take them. This is a local landmark. Tours in the summer on certain days. Even if no tour, you can always look for fossils on the rocks, climb on the base and just enjoy the windiest spot on the great lakes. On a windy day the waves are Huge!
Written January 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
occams-razor
Antioch, IL89 contributions
is parking free? is it going to be hard to find in the summer months?
mimibobo23
alberta222 contributions
There is a parking lot at the site. Parking was free.
Connie W
Cumming, GA
What is the fee to get into the park and museum?
570maryellen
Milwaukee, WI161 contributions
The park is free. Parking at times may be a challenge if this is the case just circle around and wait , something will open up. The lighthouse may not always be open. From what I have read in the past there is a minimal fee to tour the lighthouse if it is open. It does not take away from the experience because the setting is beautiful, You can read the historical plaques and walk around the grounds which are lakefront, It is also a nice area to have a picnic.
sassynwild55
Marion, OH
Can you see fireworks on the 4th of July from marbrlhead park?
GARY L
Middleburg Heights, OH3 contributions
even though I have not been there at that time, I was told yes, fireworks can be seen fro the lighthouse & even just by the shore
jimmysaint
Stow, OH3 contributions
Can you get there in November?
W2800ZPdant
Punta Gorda, FL17 contributions
You can see the outside but the tour is closed
Kelly N
Madison, IN10 contributions
What hours is the lighthouse open?
12barb1944
Vermilion, OH51 contributions
The grounds are open all year round. Saturday of Memorial through Labor Day the keepers house and Lifesaving Station as well as Lighthouse is open 7 days from 12-4, last tower tour is 3:40
Jerri W
Winter Springs, Florida, United States129 contributions
Going to be coming from Cleveland heading to Mackinaw City this September and want to see as many lighthouses viewable from land as possible! Can someone help me plan a route along Lake Erie that is doable in a day? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Shelly S
Columbus, OH452 contributions
I am new to the Great Lakes so I cannot help with your route. However, I can tell you that the Marblehead​ Lighthouse is worth seeing. There are also other attractions close by that wouldn't take up a lot of time but also worth seeing. I hope that this helps a little.
Julie S
Vincent, OH
does it cost anything? If so how much?
Paul S
Marion1,565 contributions
First of all, some of these answers are vague or just plain wrong. It costs three dollars for anyone over six years old to climb the tower, which I think is a bargain. I have visited the park itself many times but had never been able to go up the lighthouse until summer 2016 because of limited hours. Thanks to increased Ohio Historical Society volunteer hours (not state park rangers) the lighthouse is now open seasonally Memorial Day to Labor Day noon to four pm. I am not allowed to post website links in a response, but type Marblehead lighthouse in your search engine to find the official state site for more information.
I would love to get married here on October 24 2015. How do we go about it?
419judithp
Clermont, FL436 contributions
Get in touch with park ranger. Believe with group 10 or more you can arrange private tour to the top too. And then buy yourself a brick with your wedding date for the walkway patio.
Do you do tours during the weekend in the summer? I'm trying to plan a trip for the June 26 th weekend and would love to tour your lighthouse.
Marblehead Lighthouse - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Marblehead Lighthouse
- Hotels near Marblehead Lighthouse:
- (0.16 mi) Marblehead Lite Bed & Breakfast
- (0.18 mi) The Lighthouse Resort
- (0.57 mi) The Red Fern Inn at Rocky Point Winery
- (0.38 mi) Surf Motel
- (0.38 mi) Surf Campground
- Restaurants near Marblehead Lighthouse:
- (0.59 mi) Marblehead Galley
- (1.00 mi) Brown's Dairy Dock
- (0.70 mi) Latitude Cafe
- (6.81 mi) Toft's Ice Cream Parlor
- (6.30 mi) The Brick Oven Bistro
- Attractions near Marblehead Lighthouse:
- (0.12 mi) Marblehead Lighthouse Historical Society Museum
- (0.59 mi) Rocky Point Winery
- (0.76 mi) Kelley's Island Ferry Boat line
- (0.58 mi) The Schoolhouse Gallery
- (0.65 mi) Lake Point Park