Whether you are a fan of lighthouses, history, architecture, or lake life in general, one place that should make it on your travel list is the Barcelona Lighthouse! We are positive that you will not regret visiting Barcelona Lighthouse!
Construction of this 40 foot structure was completed in 1829 and it served as a navigational lighthouse on Lake Erie until 1859 under the operation of the Federal Lighthouse Service. From 1859 until 2008 it was privately owned an operated in Westlake, New York. In 2008, it was acquired by New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and is operated by them today.
Barcelona Lighthouse is the first very first natural gas powered lighthouses in the entire United States. Today, the lens has been changed and it is no longer used for navigation. While no longer navigational, the light still shines in this impressive tower. Visitors who choose to participate in the US Lighthouse Society’s Passport Club can have their passports stamped here during summer hours of 10am-4pm Memorial Day through Columbus Day.
The site also has a small heritage museum with knowledgeable staff on site to answer questions. The interior of the structure is closed to the public due to safety concerns, but the exterior can be visited year round.
Just a short detour off of the highway gives you access to the beautiful Barcelona Lighthouse as well as a fantastic view of Lake Erie. While we visited, we enjoyed a picnic lunch in our van because it was cold and drizzling rain, but even the rain and fog couldn’t mask the beauty of this Great Lake!
For more information, or to plan your trip click HERE!
