Fairport Harbor West Breakwater Lighthouse

Photo Credit: Kevin Vance

Best viewed form the Lake Metroparks, Fairport Harbor Lakefront Park or at the Fairport Harbor Port Authority at the end of Water Street. A parking fee applies to both locations. To reach Fairport Harbor, take Route 2 to Painesville Exit and go north on Richmond Street (Richmond Street becomes High Street). You may also view the lighthouse from Headlands Dunes State Nature Preserve by taking Route 2 to Route 44 Mentor and heading north. Bathers and folks in comfortable clothing and appropriate shoes can walk the rocky breakwall, weather permitting. Located along the Grand River. This lighthouse is not open to the public.

History:
Fabricated in Buffalo, this picturesque steel lighthouse was transported by the steamer WOTAN and began operations in 1925. The lighthouse tower and lantern room were built on-site. Fairport Harbor’s first lighthouse was constructed in 1825 and is said to have been a northern terminus for runaway slaves welcomed by the abolitionist keeper, Samuel Butler. This lighthouse, with its then-modern fog signal station, replaced the 1871 lighthouse (see Lighthouse #4 above).

Contact:
Lake County Visitors Bureau or, http://www.fairportharborwestlighthouse.com or (800) 368-LAKE (5253).