South Bass Island Lighthouse

History

Growing traffic to the Lake Erie islands in the late nineteenth century led the Lighthouse Board to approve a light for South Bass Island in 1893, to help mark the southern passage between Sandusky and Toledo.^[2] A two-acre lot was bought at Parker Point, on the island's southwest corner, in 1895. Problems with the original contractors' bonds slowed the work, and the light did not go into service until 1897.^[2]

The result looks more like a large family home than a lighthouse: a two-and-a-half-storey brick house in the Queen Anne style, with a square tower about 60 feet tall built into one corner.^[2,3] The National Register lists Lt. Col. Jared A. Smith and the Corps of Engineers as its designers.^[4] A fourth-order Fresnel lens, first burning oil and later electric, sat in the lantern.^[2]

The station's early years were unhappy. During a smallpox scare in 1898 the assistant keeper drowned and the head keeper was committed to a state hospital, and in 1925 a later keeper died in a fall from a cliff on the island.^[2]

The Coast Guard shut the light down in 1962 and replaced it with a steel tower next to the house, which still carries the active light.^[2,5] The original lens went to the island's historical museum in Put-in-Bay.^[3] Ohio State, which runs its Stone Laboratory on nearby Gibraltar Island, leased the property from 1967 and took permanent ownership in 1997; the house now lodges researchers and staff.^[3,2] It joined the National Register of Historic Places in 1990.^[4,6] Ohio Sea Grant and Stone Lab have opened it for seasonal tours that end at the top of the tower, with a view across Put-in-Bay.^[7]

How to see it

Tower climbs The operator has offered public tower climbs, usually seasonally.

Best public viewpoint

From the end of Langram Road on the island's southwest point, past the ferry dock; island ferries also pass close to the lighthouse.^[7]

Tower climbs

Ohio State University's Stone Laboratory and Ohio Sea Grant have offered seasonal tours that include climbing to the top of the tower.

Operator

Ohio State University Stone Laboratory / Ohio Sea Grant

Last verified

Last verified 2026-10

Access details last verified 2026-10. Hours, tours and ownership change. Check the operator before you go. Pier and breakwater lights can be dangerous in wind and waves; obey posted closures and never enter private or Coast Guard property.

Questions people ask

Can you tour the South Bass Island Lighthouse?

Yes, in season. Ohio State's Stone Laboratory and Ohio Sea Grant have offered seasonal tours that include the climb to the top of the tower. Check their visit page before you go.

Who owns the South Bass Island Lighthouse?

The Ohio State University. It leased the building from 1967 and became the permanent owner in 1997; the active light on the steel tower beside it is separate.

How do you see it without a tour?

Follow Langram Road to its end on the island's southwest point. The island ferries also pass close by.