As New Yorkers, when it comes to seeking out lighthouses in our state, one of our favorite regions to explore is out in the Great Lakes. If you travel along the shores of Lake Ontario, you’ll stumble across more than a few fascinating lighthouses that will easily grab your attention. Offering a mix of breathtaking scenery, intriguing history, and architectural beauty, keep reading to discover more about this underrated historical lighthouse museum in Wayne County.
Ready for an afternoon full of excitement? Well perfect, because we’re about to take you out to the largest natural harbor on Lake Ontario.
John Menard/Flickr
At 6-miles long and 3-miles wide, Sodus Bay, New York is a gorgeous stretch of Lake Ontario that happens to feature a historic lighthouse.
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Built in 1870, what you see before you today is the Sodus Bay Lighthouse - a structure that replaced the original lighthouse that stood here between 1824 and 1870.
Sodus Bay Lighthouse Museum/Facebook
Today, the local historical society has created a charming attraction along the waterfront, turning the new lighthouse and keeper cottage into a maritime museum!
Keith Ewing/Flickr
Opening for the year in early May and operating through the end of October, the museum draws in visitors from all around New York and beyond.
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The spring specifically makes for a stunning time to visit, with the grounds covered with blooming gardens and plants that bring gorgeous pops of color to the lakefront.
Sodus Bay Lighthouse Museum/Facebook
Before you go ahead and explore the entire grounds, you’ll want to step inside the lighthouse to what’s in store for visitors.
John Menard/Flickr
Here you can climb a 52-step spiral staircase that leads you up to a third and a half order Fresnel Lens, one of only 12 left in the entire world.
RoadTripper516/TripAdvisor
Enlightening you on the local history of Sodus Bay and all things maritime, the museum provides greater insight on one of our favorite small towns in the Empire State.
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When you’re done jumping feet first into the history that’s packed inside the Sodus Bay Lighthouse, you’ll want to see what views await you.
Larry W/TripAdvisor
From the lighthouse, you’ll have mesmerizing panoramic views of Lake Ontario and the lakes bluffs.
John Menard/Flickr
You’ll also have a stunning view of the Sodus Outer Light that was built in 1938 just further along the waterfront.
RoadTripper516/TripAdvisor
Featuring special tours and even outside concerts during the warmer months, plan a trip around one of the museum’s exciting events and spend the day soaking up the history and magnificent views at the Sodus Bay Lighthouse Museum.
Gary S/TripAdvisor To find out more about the Sodus Bay Lighthouse Museum, click here.
Address: 7606 North Ontario Street, Sodus Point, NY 14555
Longing for more lighthouse based attractions in the Empire State? Then take a look at how This New York Hike Leads You Straight To A Lighthouse Where You Can Spend The Night!
John Menard/Flickr
Sandy G/TripAdvisor
Sodus Bay Lighthouse Museum/Facebook
Keith Ewing/Flickr
RoadTripper516/TripAdvisor
Larry W/TripAdvisor
Gary S/TripAdvisor
To find out more about the Sodus Bay Lighthouse Museum, click here.
Address: 7606 North Ontario Street, Sodus Point, NY 14555
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