The Port Clinton Lighthouse stands proudly at it’s location in Waterworks Park on the shore of Lake Erie.

Port Clinton, Lighthouse

 

After passing by this lighthouse on our many trips to the hardware store, we decided it was time to stop and have a closer look. We enjoyed the stroll through the park, even though the buildings were closed. The sky was blue and there was a pleasant breeze off the waters of Lake Erie. What a lovely day to take a walk along the pathways and enjoy a day along the shore. 

 

Port Clinton, lighthouse, plaque

A bit of History

The original lighthouse was made of stone and was located to the South of it’s current location. Originally the Portage river ran West to East and there was debate over the years if the lighthouse was really needed. The US Cost Guard decided along the way that the lighthouse was not needed. In 1870 the lantern room was removed from the tower and the lighthouse and dwellings were decommissioned. The Portage river was eventually diverted. In 1883 the piers were extended into Lake Erie, marking a new entrance into the Portage river, which brought about the construction of a new lighthouse. The new lighthouse was constructed from wood and went into service on the outer end of the west pier in 1896. Fun fact, from your boat, you can still see the old steps and piers that led to the lighthouse, located where the red marker sits at the entrance to the Portage river. The lighthouse was automated in 1926, and was sold the following year which resulted in its deactivation. The wooden lighthouse was removed from it’s pier in 1952 and was relocated to the new owner’s marina on the Portage River after the US Cost Guard ordered it to be destroyed. In the fall of 2011 Brands’ Marina made the decision to donate the lighthouse to the city of Port Clinton. Which led to the creation of the Lighthouse Conservancy in 2012. The Port Clinton Lighthouse Conservancy completed the restoration of the 1896 lighthouse and moved it to its current location at Waterworks Park in 2016. The Port Clinton Lighthouse is the last remaining timber-framed lighthouse on the US side of Lake Erie. Blue prints for the boathouse were used to construct an exact replica and put in place on the shore of Derby pond in 2018. The boat house is currently a gift shop where you can buy tickets for tours of the lighthouse when available.

Port Clinton, lighthouse, Derby Pond
Michael taking a Picture of the boat house and lighthouse beyond.
Port Clinton, Lighthouse

 

Benches available to relax and enjoy view of Derby Pond and the lighthouse.
Boathouse, replica, Derby Pond

 

Boathouse. Built from the original plans found at the National Archives.

Click on images below to expand pictures.

Sculpture, Lightkeeper

 

Life sized bronze sculpture titled “Lightkeeper” by local Port Clinton artist, Andy Sacksteder. Local art lovers bought the statue and then placed it in Waterworks Park beside the lighthouse.
Sculpture, Port Clinton, Lightkeeper

 

Sculpture called “The Lightkeeper” located just west of the Port Clinton lighthouse.
Port Clinton Lighthouse

 

Port Clinton Lighthouse from parking lot overlooking Derby Pond.
Port Clinton, lighthouse

 

Port Clinton Lighthouse as seen from the beach.
Port Clinton, Lighthouse

 

Port Clinton Lighthouse
Port Clinton, Lighthouse

 

Port Clinton Lighthouse with Derby Pond in the foreground and the bronze to the West.

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