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Land Lighthouse Tours Light The Way
Tower stands as important monument to Erie's maritime history
July 4, 2025 at 8:00 AM
Erin Phillips
Be sure to put "Climbing Erie's often forgotten Land Lighthouse" on your summer bucket list. The folks at the lighthouse make checking that off super easy, with free access on Tower Tuesdays (the first Tuesday of the month) and Second Saturdays.
CONTINUING MONDAY, JUL. 7
It's impossible to think of the City of Erie without thinking of the lake. People come from all over the region to enjoy summers at Presque Isle – whether it's fishing, enjoying the beach, or hiking the paths at the park. Erie is home to three lighthouses that are culturally significant: one at Presque Isle State Park, one on the channel referred to as the North Pier light (no interior tours), and the Erie Land Lighthouse, which was the first lighthouse lit on the Great Lakes, and has resided at the foot of Lighthouse Street since 1857, often overlooked.
The executive director of Presque Isle Light Station, Averie Shaughnessy-Comfort said, "The (Land Lighthouse) site symbolizes so much of Erie's history as a city – its growth as a harbor and commercial hub, connection to major cities, and connections to the people and places that surround the area."
For those who want to explore more of our maritime history, Land Lighthouse tower tours are available during their regular seasonal operating hours, with combination passes including the Presque Isle Light Station available. Tower tours of the Land Lighthouse are free on "Tower Tuesdays" (which is the first Tuesday of the month) and on "Second Saturdays" of the month. Shaughnessy-Comfort hopes that people take the opportunity to enjoy our national historic treasure: "Whether you admire its beauty, revel in its history, or simply climb to the top for a spectacular view – I hope people take that experience to heart."
The Land Lighthouse is open Fridays through Mondays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. // $6 for general public, free for members (or for everyone on designated free days) // To climb, attendees must be 44" tall // For more info: presqueislelighthouse.org