Coastal Sites: 7 Lighthouses in New York State

Along with lighthouses on Long Island Sound, many of New York state’s lighthouses have transitioned from their original roles into tourist attractions and historical sites. Organizations and local communities work tirelessly to preserve these structures, recognizing their value as cultural and historical landmarks.

Visitors from private boat dock rentals can often explore the lighthouses, learn about their history and enjoy the panoramic views they offer of New York’s waterways, including the Hudson River, Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, the St. Lawrence River and New York Harbor

Statue of Liberty

Not often thought of as a lighthouse, the Statue of Liberty served as a vital navigational beacon for ships entering New York Harbor. Erected in 1886, its torch was originally designed to function as a lighthouse, guiding mariners as a navigational aid from 1886 to 1902.

Positioned on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty marked the gateway to America and assisted vessels in navigating the treacherous waters of the Upper Bay. In 1916, the statue’s torch was equipped with an electric light, which enhanced its visibility. Although its primary function as a beacon has diminished, the Statue of Liberty remains a powerful symbol of hope and guidance.

Tarrytown/Sleepy Hollow

Situated on the Hudson River near Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow, the Tarrytown/Sleepy Hollow Lighthouse was built in 1883. Also known as the Kingsland Point Lighthouse, it helped guide ships through the river's tricky currents and dangerous shoals and rocks near the Tappan Zee section of the river. It remains an evocative piece of local history to visit from private boat slips for rent. You can take tours of the light from town.

The light, which replaced an earlier light station, has a sparkplug design, common in the late 19th century. It consists of a steel frame with a conical shape resting on a cylindrical foundation embedded in the riverbed.

Rondout Lighthouse

Situated at the mouth of Rondout Creek in Kingston, New York, the current Rondout Lighthouse was built in 1915, replacing earlier versions from 1837 and 1867. The lighthouse is now a museum and part of the Hudson River Maritime Museum. It’s accessible by boat from marinas or private boat lifts for rent. 

Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse

The Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse, located in Rochester, New York, on the Finger Lakes, is one of the oldest surviving lighthouses on Lake Ontario. Constructed in 1822, this historic beacon has served as a crucial guide for maritime navigation, marking the entrance to the Genesee River. Its significance extends beyond its functional role, embodying a rich heritage that reflects the early 19th-century maritime history of the Great Lakes region.

The lighthouse stands 40 feet tall and is built from limestone quarried from the nearby area. It originally featured a whale oil lamp that was replaced with a Fresnel lens in 1853. The tower, with its octagonal shape, and the adjoining keeper’s house, which was built at the same time, are classic examples of early American lighthouse architecture. Lake Ontario, Ontario Beach Park and the Genesee River.

Buffalo Main Lighthouse

Near Niagara Falls, at the entrance to the Buffalo River, the Buffalo Main Lighthouse was first established in 1833, making it one of the oldest lighthouses on the Great Lakes. The current lighthouse, constructed in 1833 and lit in 1834, replaced an earlier structure that was built in 1818. It was designed to support the burgeoning maritime activity spurred by the opening of the Erie Canal in 1825. 

Constructed of limestone, it stands 60 feet tall. Its octagonal shape and sturdy build have helped it withstand the harsh weather conditions typical of the Great Lakes region. The tower is equipped with a Fresnel lens, which was a significant advancement in lighthouse technology at the time. It provides a powerful and reliable light source visible from a great distance. 

Rock Island Lighthouse

Situated in the Saint Lawrence River, the Rock Island Lighthouse was commissioned to improve navigation in the Thousand Islands, a treacherous area known for its numerous rocks and shoals. Originally lit in 1847, the lighthouse played a critical role in ensuring safe passage for ships traveling between the Great Lakes and the Atlantic Ocean via the Saint Lawrence River. The initial structure was a wooden tower, later replaced by the current stone structure in 1882, to withstand the harsh weather conditions better.

The 50-foot-tall lighthouse features a classic design with a white cylindrical tower topped with a black lantern room. The keeper's house reflects 19th-century architectural styles and has been preserved to provide visitors with a glimpse into the past.

Now part of the Rock Island Lighthouse State Park, the light continues to function as an active aid to navigation under the maintenance of the U.S. Coast Guard. Visitors can reach the island by boat from a marina or private boat lift rental and explore the restored keeper’s house, which has been converted into a museum. 

Esopus Meadows Lighthouse

The Esopus Meadows Lighthouse is located in the Hudson River near Esopus, New York. Built in 1871, it’s nicknamed "The Maid of the Meadows" and is known for its picturesque setting and historic charm. It’s one of the few wooden lighthouses left on the Hudson.

The lighthouse was built to guide river traffic through a shallow section of the Hudson known as the Esopus Meadows. Its design is a two-story wooden structure with a mansard roof atop a stone foundation. This architectural style is known as a "Second Empire" style. The lighthouse is accessible by boat from marinas and private boat slips for rent, and tours are offered seasonally.

The next time you’re cruising or sailing around New York’s waterways, whether from marinas or private boat docks for rent, take time to check out some of these beacons.