Great Lakes Seaway Trail
Lighthouses of the Great Lakes Seaway Trail

Departure: Erie Pennsylvania Lighthouses, Pennsylvania
Destination: Massena
Time to allow: 3 days

This byway is an unique blend of historical and natural scenery paralleling the St. Lawrence River, Lake Ontario, Niagara River and Lake Erie. It offers a variety of water recreation opportunities, and lighthouses which may take you back in time.

Day 1

  • Start: Erie Pennsylvania Lighthouses

    The Great Lakes Seaway Trail's long string of lighthouses begins with three lights in Erie, Pennsylvania. Presque Isle Lighthouse, located on the north side of the Presque Isle State Park peninsula, was originally commissioned in 1873 and remains in service. It has an attached keeper?s quarters, and for many years the keeper of the lighthouse was the sole resident of Presque Isle. Before electrification, the keeper had to service the light every four hours.

    Another, older light, this one known as the North Pier or Erie Harbor Light guards the narrow opening to the Bay. This one was commissioned in 1857. The lighthouse exhibit at the Erie Maritime Museum, 150 East Front Street, includes a lens used in the North Pier Light.

    The Unique Erie Land Lighthouse is located two blocks north of the Great Lakes Seaway Trail at the foot of Lighthouse Street in Erie. Completed in 1867 by the federal government, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places the lighthouse first entered service here in 1818 and shares distinction of first Lake Erie lighthouse with Buffalo lighthouse. The current structure is the third to be built at this location. The 1858 Keepers Hous is also located here. The lighthouse was permanently decommissioned in 1899, restored in 1989 and 2004.

  • Stop 1: Dunkirk Historical Lighthouse

    From previous stop: 54 minutes / 50 mi (80.0 km)
    Directions:

    From the Erie Land Light, travel two blocks south to East Lake Road (Route 5) and turn left to continue along the Great Lakes Seaway Trail. Continue for approximately 18 miles to the New York-Pennsylvania border. Once you have entered New York, continue along Route 5 for approximately 30 miles until you enter the town of Dunkirk. Look for the Lighthouse Sign, then turn right onto Point Drive North. Continue along Point Drive North until you reach the Lighthouse.
    Suggested time at this stop: 1 hour

    This is one of the famous lighthouses along the byway that has historical qualities. It is also the home to Veteran's Park Museum.

  • Stop 2: Old Fort Niagara

    From previous stop: 1 hour 26 minutes / 80.6 mi (129.0 km)
    Suggested time at this stop: 1 hour

    This fort is over 300 years old, and the lighthouse nearby is a good place to visit.

  • Stop 3: Thirty Mile Point Lighthouse

    From previous stop: 51 minutes / 28.7 mi (45.9 km)
    Suggested time at this stop: 1 hour

    This lighthouse is so named because it is 30 miles east of the mouth of the Niagara River. Several vessels were lost here.

  • Stop 4: Rochester

    From previous stop: 1 hour 17 minutes / 61.4 mi (98.2 km)
    Suggested time at this stop: 2 hours

    Rochester is a major city on the byway along the shore of Lake Ontario. The Geva Theatre is a big attraction for travelers.

  • End: Rochester

    From previous stop: same location

    Spend the night in Rochester.

Totals for Day 1

Total Distance Traveled: 220.7 miles / 353.1 km
Total Travel Time: 4 hours 28 minutes
Total Stopping Time: 5 hours

Day 2

  • Stop 1: Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse

    From previous stop: 10 minutes / 5 mi (8.0 km)
    Suggested time at this stop: 1 hour

    This Great Lakes Seaway Trail lighthouse also has a museum with displays about lighthouse lore, navigation and local history.

  • Stop 2: Old Sodus Lighthouse

    From previous stop: 1 hour / 39 mi (62.4 km)
    Suggested time at this stop: 1 hour

    The Sodus Lighthouse offers wide range of summer activities for travelers. There is also a museum here.

  • Stop 3: Selkirk Lighthouse

    From previous stop: 1 hour 44 minutes / 59.7 mi (95.5 km)
    Suggested time at this stop: 1 hour

    This is one of the only four lighthouses in the U.S. which still has its original hexagonal glass and iron dome lantern.

  • Stop 4: Great Lakes Seaway Trail Discovery Center

    From previous stop: 44 minutes / 30.5 mi (48.8 km)
    Suggested time at this stop: 1 hour

    This museum displays the history, culture, and uniqueness of this byway.

  • End: Alexandria Bay

    From previous stop: same location

    Spend the night in Alexandria Bay.

Totals for Day 2

Total Distance Traveled: 134.2 miles / 214.7 km
Total Travel Time: 3 hours 38 minutes
Total Stopping Time: 4 hours

Day 3

  • Stop 1: Antique Boat Museum

    From previous stop: 38 minutes / 25.7 mi (41.1 km)
    Suggested time at this stop: 1 hour

    With over 200 boats and a motor collection spanning the late 1800s to World War II, this museum will excite the most jaded boat enthusiast.

  • Stop 2: Thousand Islands

    From previous stop: 18 minutes / 14 mi (22.4 km)
    Suggested time at this stop: 2 hours

    For decades travelers have found this a fine place for a holiday.

  • Stop 3: Frederic Remington Art Museum

    From previous stop: 57 minutes / 53 mi (84.8 km)
    Suggested time at this stop: 1 hour

    This museum showcases the life and works of Frederic Remington. Oil paintings, bronze sculptures, watercolors and drawings are on display.

  • End: Massena

    From previous stop: 51 minutes / 36.1 mi (57.8 km)

Totals for Day 3

Total Distance Traveled: 128.8 miles / 206.1 km
Total Travel Time: 2 hours 44 minutes
Total Stopping Time: 4 hours