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South Bass Island Lighthouse

South Bass Island Lighthouse

The South Bass Island Lighthouse has been greeting visitors on the southern point of the island for many years and was first illuminated in 1897. An essential part of Lake Erie Navigation and Put-in-Bay’s history, the lighthouse is much the same as when it was first constructed.

South Bass Island Lighthouse Particulars

Managed by the Ohio Sea Grant, the South Bass Lighthouse is available for tours on choice dates from June thru October. Larger group excursions can be planned from April – November by reaching the Stone Lab Bayview headquarters.

Before exploring the top, tourists are lectured about the area’s history and demanding issues confronting Lake Erie.

The Ohio Sea Grant also operates the Aquatic Visitors Center, Cooke’s Castle, and Gibraltar Island. Maybe most notably, they perform comprehensive research at Stone Laboratory with pupils from Ohio University.

Travelers then ascend the steps of the lighthouse to take in stunning vistas of Put-in-Bay and Lake Erie. Recorded on the National Register of Historic Locations, the area is open to the populace from dawn to dusk, with periodic closure for private occasions.

 South Bass Island Lighthouse Steeped In History

The United States Lighthouse Board solicited funds for a lighthouse in 1890, but raising the expected amount of $8600 for its building took some time.

Initially designed for placement on the northern point, Lieutenant Charles T. Platt determined the furthest southern end would be much more suitable for a brand new lighthouse. So sure was Lt. Platt. He even carved “LH” into a tree on the spot.

Unlike the more standard configurations of the day, the lighthouse consists of a significant, two-and-a-half story, red brick residence with a connected, twelve-foot-square watchtower. The watchtower stands forty-five feet tall and is crowned with a fourth-order L. Sautter & Cie Fresnel lens that delivers a fixed red light using a ruby chimney in its light.

Fresnel lenses have been dubbed the innovation that preserved a million vessels.

The watchtower was illuminated for the first stint in 1897 by keeper Harry H. Riley. Mrs. Riley took charge of the lighthouse after her husband’s untimely death.

The lighthouse was now prepared to execute its daily responsibilities from March to late December during the shipping season.

The history of the lighthouse is wide and varied. The next keeper, Charles Duggan, farmed the surrounding grounds with an eight-acre vineyard. He plunged to his death in 1925. A fascinating monument on Put-in-Bay indeed.

South Bass Island Lighthouse currently houses OSU study and academic staff. The lighthouse and surrounding areas opened to the public in 2007 when the college started offering summer tours.

Besides the lighthouse and a modern substitute light tower, an 1899 barn and an 1897 oil house remain on the parcel.

Things To See And Do Near The South Bass Island Lighthouse 

A nice day on Put-in-Bay may consist of a visit to the lighthouse along with a round of golf at Saunders Golf Course and a swim at South Bass Island State Park, all within relative walking distance to each other. The lighthouse is somewhat far afield, occupying the island’s southern end. As you return from The South Bass Island Lighthouse, you will pass the Put-in-Bay Airport, where you can experience Helicopter Tours and Bi-Plane Rides and watch aircraft take off and land up close. Downtown Put-in-Bay Parasailing is a hit with virtually everyone!

If you are in the mood for a bit to eat, the Frosty Family Pizza is located on the main strip in downtown Put-in-Bay. The Boathouse Biergarten serves up some of the north’s finest German Foods and sweets. Pick the Subway located downtown for fast food, which is the island’s only franchise restaurant. Just about everywhere you go, you’ll have a great dining option nearby!

Helpful Links

Things To Do At Put-in-Bay

Put-in-Bay offers visitors a wide variety of action-packed & educational activities, some of which have a small fee to attend. Plan your must-see list by clicking below!
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Activities For Kids & Adults Alike

You'll enjoy a wide variety of watersports, fishing, museums, and cool things to do, like exploring caves and climbing rock walls!

Explore Island History

There is so much to learn about Put-in-Bay's History & its important role in the War Of 1812. Our local museum is a great place to begin! Click the link below to learn more about the island.
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Spending more than a day in Put-in-Bay?

Did you know a crucial battle in the War of 1812 was fought along the shorelines of South Bass Island? Read along and discover the island's rich history!

Perrys International Peace Memorial

Towering over 300 Ft Tall visitors are welcomed to the base of the monument where an elevator whisks you to an observation platform with stunning views!
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Stunning Views From Atop The Monument

Breathtaking views await those who journey to the top of the Perrys International Peace Memorial. Detroit, Canada & Cedar Point can be seen on a clear day!

Learn All About Put-in-Bay

Everything you need to know to plan & enjoy a fantastic trip to Put-in-Bay on South Bass Island! Information on how to get here, where to stay, eat, and what to see! when you get here!
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Plan Your Trip With The Official Put-in-Bay Visitors Bureau!

We work hard to provide you with all the information you need for an absolutely GREAT vacation! Don't see what you're looking for? Ask Us!

2368 Langram Rd, Put-In-Bay, OH 43456

Helpful Links

Things To Do At Put-in-Bay

Put-in-Bay offers visitors a wide variety of action-packed & educational activities, some of which have a small fee to attend. Plan your must-see list by clicking below!
+

Activities For Kids & Adults Alike

You'll enjoy a wide variety of watersports, fishing, museums, and cool things to do, like exploring caves and climbing rock walls!

Explore Island History

There is so much to learn about Put-in-Bay's History & its important role in the War Of 1812. Our local museum is a great place to begin! Click the link below to learn more about the island.
+

Spending more than a day in Put-in-Bay?

Did you know a crucial battle in the War of 1812 was fought along the shorelines of South Bass Island? Read along and discover the island's rich history!

Perrys International Peace Memorial

Towering over 300 Ft Tall visitors are welcomed to the base of the monument where an elevator whisks you to an observation platform with stunning views!
+

Stunning Views From Atop The Monument

Breathtaking views await those who journey to the top of the Perrys International Peace Memorial. Detroit, Canada & Cedar Point can be seen on a clear day!

Learn All About Put-in-Bay

Everything you need to know to plan & enjoy a fantastic trip to Put-in-Bay on South Bass Island! Information on how to get here, where to stay, eat, and what to see! when you get here!
+

Plan Your Trip With The Official Put-in-Bay Visitors Bureau!

We work hard to provide you with all the information you need for an absolutely GREAT vacation! Don't see what you're looking for? Ask Us!

Chuck L.

A pleasant visit away from the hustle and bustle of Put-in-Bay. Excellent photo options and a sunflower patch are right at the entrance to the South Bass Island Lighthouse. The nature headquarters was hosting a kid's butterfly catch event. Very adorable!

Rutilla S.

Stunning historic structure. The grounds deliver a great view of Lake Erie. We got lucky and happened to rife bikes over when Stone Laboratories was permitting individuals to ascend to the top of the South Bass Island Lighthouse in bunches of four.

Melinda S.

Great place to take a picnic lunch! We went to the South Bass Island Lighthouse the day we had a golf cart. Per somebody else's assessment, we got some subs from the subway in town and carried our lunch. There are numerous picnic tables on the location, so it was pleasant to be on the cliff's edge, watch the water, and eat lunch. There are several posters around the grounds to read. But without eating, you can see it all in 20 minutes. But it is worth reaching out to if you have a golf buggy.

Polly G.

Neat South Bass Island Lighthouse on Lake Erie. In an endeavor to visit lighthouses, this isn't typical but an awesome illustration of lighthouses on the Great Lakes. Discovered at the southwest tip of South Bass Island, it is simple to miss if you stay in the downtown area. However, if you bring the ferry over, rather than turning to the NE and heading downtown, turn left and drive to the end of the road, and you will find this beauty. If you come on the Jet Express, rent a golf cart, head out past the airport to the end of the Island, and there it is. Worth the time. However, it is only available for tours twice this year, on September 7 and October 12. Ohio State owns it and is only open for tours a few times each year.

Barry G.

If you're looking for serenity with a view check out the South Bass Island Lighthouse! If you're into the pub scene or drinking is your bag, then you should skip the lighthouse, but for those of us that frequent Put-in-Bay, this is a must-see. Lovely peaceful area with plenty of shade, a few benches, and close proximity to the Miller ferry (short ride or walk). If you get there on the right day during the summer, there are days you can travel, as you'll see in one of my drone photos. We've been to the lighthouse numerous times, as we consistently stop there when we visit—one of the best photographic locations on the Island.

Danielle G.

Nice Pretty South Bass Island Lighthouse on the Island. We hiked up here from the landing area at the end of an active long day. It opens for tours later in June, but it is in a fantastic location & the view from the bluffs of the Lake was impressive. The lighthouse itself exterior is picturesque and stunning. We were able to stroll around the grounds & enjoy it without crowds, but others came up as we were headed out & it got busy after that. It is not your typical-looking lighthouse, but it is still appealing & straightforward to get to. The backgrounds & the structure were very nicely preserved, and it had picnic tables & abundant parking close by. It was excellent. I would have liked to tour it, but it was evening & closed

Catlyn G.

Monday and Tuesday South Bass Island Lighthouse Tours! We had never toured this cute little lighthouse because it is only open Monday and Tuesday. So pleased we got to take the excursion. Ohio State owns and operates it now and it is very intriguing. It costs $3 to go up about three stories to see a gorgeous panorama and hear exciting history from an attendant. We were the only individuals on the site when we went, which was fine too. The steps are a corkscrew staircase, so are narrow. This is only for those who can walk well. On the other hand, it is not tall, so it is accessible to folks who are not in shape. The rest of the house is not toured, it is used as a guest house for professors and teachers at other sites on the Island. Worth the tour if you are on the Island.

Elisa F.

Photogenic South Bass Island Lighthouse and tour. As a marine chronicler and New England lighthouse preservationist, I was enthusiastic about visiting South Bass Island Lighthouse when my journeys took me to South Bass Island for Perry's Victory & International Peace Memorial, a division of the National Park Service. The lighthouse is attached to the keeper's house, which has a pretty sunroom on the rear. The lighthouse is made from brick and is 60 feet tall. It had a fourth-order Fresnel lens and could be seen for 13 nautical miles. Overall the put-in-bay lighthouse is an exciting place.

Kelvin G.

The lighthouse was closed during my Saturday visit. It's open only Mondays and Tuesdays from 11:00 AM − 5:00 PM. But, the foundations were available. It was wonderful to be able to roam all around the grounds and photograph it. It's in a very picturesque location with panoramas of Lake Erie. There is plentiful parking in a small lot at the back of the road in front of the lighthouse. The grassy grounds are wheelchair unrestricted on trails.

Amanda K.

For the History Buff South Bass Island Lighthouse should not be missed! We visited quite a few lighthouses in our lives, I always like to get the history behind these, and this was another prospect while visiting the Island. Ohio State Stone Labs students staffed them and were very informative about the lighthouse and location. We couldn't tour the house itself because Ohio state professors and guests use it, but we could go up in the lighthouse tower, which once housed the oil-lit fresnel lens. This lighthouse was in use from 1897 through 1962.

Lidia G.

Peaceful place! We rode our bikes to the South Bass Island Lighthouse, it was already closed, but you can wander about and take photographs after it is closed. Lovely area, quiet, and has excellent views. There are a few places to sit down and just enjoy the peacefulness that surrounds one there. The lighthouse looks like any other home, I thought we were at the wrong establishment, but on the back side of the house, you see where the lighthouse part is located. We wish we had come earlier to take a tour, but we were busy elsewhere. Glad we stopped and sat for a while. Lovely.

Howard F.

Fun and exciting! I love South Bass Island Lighthouse. Lots of people visit here to eat, shop, and drink—lots of restaurants and restaurants with pubs. Golf carts can be rented. The Island is accessible by Ferry only or the Jet Express. Several places to shop and, of course, places to see, like the lighthouse and Put-in-Bay monument seen for miles on the Lake.Beautiful location to visit and stay. Rooms and hotels are public. A must for anyone staying in the area.

Gretchen G.

South Bass Island Lighthouse is a peaceful location on the Island's southern end. Great views from the corner of the Island. Within a few hundred yards of the principal Miller Ferry dock on the Island, the lighthouse grounds are a fantastic finish or a wonderful beginning to touring the Island upon coming. While the grounds are immaculate and the outside is a nifty take on the lighthouse, much of this appeal is the peaceful scenery along this perimeter of the Island. The only drawback is the scenery includes the cooling watchtower and billowing steam from the nuclear installation across the mainland. Still, there are plenty of views angled about it there.

Wallace G.

One of our favorite places! We arrive at the Bay once annually with a group of buddies. It's so much fun with something for everyone - great eateries, shopping, dancing, and drinking! We don't travel here with our children but notice several families maintaining a fantastic time in the park, at the go-carts, South Bass Island Lighthouse, or Perry's Cave and putt-putt. Take a quick boat ride to Middle Bass or Kelley's Isle for the day. Take a biplane ride. Or kick back and relax on a beautiful Lake Erie island.

Sophia S.

South Bass Island Lighthouse is a structure over 100 years old. The building was not open, but it has an exciting design, with outside guides that give satisfactory descriptions and detail. Of course, the place has very nice scenery, which helps to de-stress and enjoy the trip! This lighthouse was built in a lovely spot on the Island.

Steven A.

It's a lovely lighthouse on a grand island with beautiful views. If you're fortunate, you can go to the South Bass Island Lighthouse and witness how a lighthouse caretaker lives. Very nice overall. It's a must-see while visiting the Island. I see it every time I'm over from the mainland.

Sandy K.

Put-In-Bay is a breathtaking place to visit. Not as much of a party atmosphere as we were told. Lots of restaurants and attractions but nothing unmanageable. Everyone is really awesome here and really sociable. The South Bass Island Lighthouse was an excellent place to take a few photos.

Mitchelle F.

It's a good place if you want to relax for the weekend. However, plan ahead because it was jam-packed at the South Bass Island Lighthouse! You can sit at the monument and see the sunrise. I wasn't fortunate enough as we went in a cloudy climate. Do take a sweater and a warm hat. It's windy at the port( speaking about September)

David F.

Stunning South Bass Island Lighthouse, and the expedition attendant was awesome! Extraordinarily knowledgeable and delightful. I learned so many unique things, even a few scandalous points. Would like to go back at dark to see if we see a ghost