A trip to Marblehead Lighthouse State Park - Adventures with Angels' Choice A trip to Marblehead Lighthouse State Park. Needing a break from our boat projects we decided that a trip over to the Marblehead Lighthouse State Park would be just the excursion that we needed. As you can see in the map, the Marblehead Lighthouse is situated on Lake Erie overlooking Sandusky Bay with views out A blog as we travel America's Great loop on our motor boat and recount our adventures along the way.

A trip to Marblehead Lighthouse State Park.

Needing a break from our boat projects we decided that a trip over to the Marblehead Lighthouse State Park would be just the excursion that we needed.

As you can see in the map, the Marblehead Lighthouse is situated on Lake Erie overlooking Sandusky Bay with views out onto Lake Erie and Kelleys Island about six miles offshore.

There was a stiff Northerly breeze which whipped up waves out on Lake Erie and rolled ashore on the rocks of the State Park.

The breeze (gusting up to 20 mph) was welcome, for it made for a comfortable temperature as we strolled around the grounds of the State Park. The Historical Society manages the Museum, Gift Shop, and Life-saving Station. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources takes care of the property surrounding the lighthouse and took ownership of the lighthouse in 1998. The U.S. Coast guard maintains and operates the lighthouse beacon, which has been converted to LED and can be seen for 11 nautical miles. I must say that the grounds are beautifully maintained and there are all kinds of exhibits for nature lover’s and history buffs to enjoy. If nature calls, the park has one of the best restrooms I have seen in a park! Better than most restaurants I have been in. Even with the COVID pandemic the park was well attended when we were there, but not crowded. It was a lovely outing and we plan to stroll this park again when we are able.

Click on one of pictures below to get a slideshow of the waves out on Lake Erie.

Waves, Lake Erie, Rocks, Kelleys Island — Waves break on the rocks with Kelleys Island on the horizon.

Shore, Marblehead, Lighthouse, State Park — Rollers come ashore and crash on the rocks.

Sandusky Bay, Marblehead Lighthouse — Sandusky Bay as seen from the grounds of the Marblehead Lighthouse State Park.

Marblehead, Lighthouse, State Park, view , Sandusky Bay — Cedar Point Amusement Park off in the distance.

Marblehead Lighthouse State Park, waves, shore, Lake Erie — Waves crashing on the rocky shore with a view of Kelleys Island beyond.

Waves, shore, Marblehead Lighthouse State Park — Waves roll ashore. Can you see the base of the lighthouse?

Sailboat, rough water, Lake Erie — A rough ride on Lake Erie today.

Marblehead, view, Cedar Point — Cedar Point Amusement Park, Sandusky Ohio off in the distance.

The Marblehead Lighthouse is one of Lake Erie’s best known and most-photographed landmarks. The lighthouse became operational in 1822 and it is the oldest lighthouse in continuous operation on the Great Lakes.

The lighthouse started with whale oil lamps that in 1858 were replaced by a single, multi-wick lamp and a 4th order fixed Fresnel lens which produced a bright white light. Then in 1866 lard oil replaced the whale oil, and then kerosene replaced the lard oil in 1880.

In 1923 the kerosene lantern was replaced by an electric light, which increased the light output of the signal dramatically.

When the beacon was upgraded in 1958 to an automated light the job a maintaining the beacon became a much easier task for the Coast Guard. With the final upgrade happening in 1998 when the light went to LED.

Click on an image below to enlarge picture.

Marblehead, Lighthouse — The Marblehead lighthouse standing sentry on the shore of Lake Erie.

Marblehead, Lighthouse, grounds, State Park — The grounds of the park are inviting visitors to sit and rest awhile at the many picnic tables.

Plaque in museum explaining the Fresnel lens.

Gift shop inside the old lightkeepers house.

Park Ranger, Marblehead Lighthouse, — Friendly Park Rangers are available to answer your questions at the Marblehead Lighthouse State Park.

Bench, Marblehead, Lighthouse, gift shop, grounds — Michael relaxing on bench enjoying the day.

Lake Erie, Facts, Map, — Map of Lake Erie with interesting facts included.

Bronze plaque, Lake Erie — A plaque in the park explaining about Lake Erie.

Michael and I enjoyed visiting the Marblehead Lighthouse State Park. There were so many exhibits in which to immerse ourselves and marvel at a crucial aid to navigation that allows safe passage to mariners traveling on Lake Erie’s waters. Stop and enjoy the area if you find yourself in Sandusky Ohio.