The first lighthouse built at the point was made of clay bricks and stood thirty feet tall. It was decommissioned in 1838, but was relit within a few years. By 1850, the lighthouse was in bad shape. The tower had a decent size crack that allowed rainwater into it. The tower was repaired and continued to be used for several years.
The tower would eventually be replaced in 1875/1876 timeframe. This was laregly due to erosion of the cliffs near the tower. At this time, it was decided that the tower would be 61 feet tall. The tower and the foundation of the attached keeper's quarters are made of limestone and sit on a bluff over looking Lake Erie.
This tower is sitting in Point Gratiot State Park in the City of Dunkirk. The tower is open to the public, however, it was just before closing time when we visited. Make sure you have some time set aside when you visit as there is quite a bit to see. The site is actually a Coast Guard Museum. Some of the things you will see are a Coast Guard Buoy Tender, the Old South Buffalo Bottle Light that marked the south end of Buffalo Harbor and the old Grand Island steel light tower. The museum and gift shop is open, call (716) 366-5050 for more information including dates and times.
Directions: From I-90, get off at exit 59 (Dunkirk) and take Route 60 north towards the lake. At Route 60 and Route 5 intersection, make a left onto Route 5. Follow Route 5 for a little more than one mile west. You will now see signs leading you to the lighthouse. You will make a right onto Point Drive North, and follow that into Point Gratiot Park.
For more information, please visit the official website: http://www.dunkirklighthouse.com.
To rate this lighthouse, click on a number below: 
Lighthouse Rating: 5.42
[ Home ]