Fairport Harbor in Lake County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Walking Tour of the Lighthouse Grounds
Photographed by Craig Doda, May 2, 2026
1. Walking Tour of the Lighthouse Grounds Marker
The Walking Tour starts at the base of the lighthouse and proceeds north towards Lake Erie. The Grand River Light, erected in 1871 to replace the 1825 tower, stands 60 feet high with 69 steps to the top. At the base of the lighthouse is a "capstan" or "windlass" (used to lift heavy objects such as an anchor) and an "emergency wheel" used on freighters. The "life car" removed passengers from ships in distress to the safety of the shore during rescue operations.
The brick "lighthouse keeper's dwelling," also built in 1871, now houses the Fairport Harbor Marine Museum that focuses on local history and the maritime history of the Great Lakes. Attached to the museum is the green "pilot house" from the freighter Frontenanc.
Next to the pilot house is one of museum's most important artifacts. This ship's mast is from the "USS Michigan" (renamed the "Wolverine" in 1905), the first iron-hulled US Navy warship. The sidewheel steamer was first launched in December 1843 and sailed until August 1923. Below the mast is an anchor used in the 1800's.
The "out building," which looks like a garage, was originally the cow barn used by the lighthouse keepers. The original location was down the hill.
The "oil house" was added in 1904 to store the oil used to power the lamp inside the Fresnel Lens. The "weathervane"
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The "pier head light" located on the lower west side of the hill is from the West Breakwater extension.
Visit our website to learn more about the marine museum.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Communications • Parks & Recreational Areas • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Lighthouses series list. A significant historical month for this entry is August 1923.
Location. 41° 45.415′ N, 81° 16.643′ W. Marker is in Fairport Harbor, Ohio, in Lake County. It is at the intersection of 2nd Street and High Street, on the right when traveling west on 2nd Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 129 2nd St, Painesville OH 44077, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Cleveland, on the Lake Erie Shore, and in the Western Reserve. It is also in the American Midwest and on the Great Lakes. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Life Car (here, next to this marker); Fairport Harbor Lighthouse (here, next to this marker); Fairport is an Excellent Harbor (a few steps from this marker); Lighthouse View (a few steps from this marker); Oil House (a few steps from this marker); First Iron Warship in US Navy Foremast (a few steps from this marker); La Salle Expedition
Photographed by Craig Doda, May 2, 2026
2. Walking Tour of the Lighthouse Grounds Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on May 28, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 19, 2026, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 7 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 19, 2026, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
