Located along the North Shore of the Portage River, this lighthouse is now on the grounds of a private marina. Visitors are welcome on the grounds during normal business hours. This cute little lighthouse is a must see if you are anywhere near the quaint town of Port Clinton!

The lighthouse was originally located on the West pier of the Portage River entrance. In 1832 The United States Lighthouse Service purchased Port Clinton from a couple in Cincinnati. Six months of renovations and $3000 later the lighthouse and keeper’s residence was in full service.

In 1843 it was recommended, because of findings from the annual reports, that the lighthouse be discontinued because of the lack of navigation in the area. This did not deter the little lighthouse or its inhabitants. The light continued to shine brightly.

A Sixth Order Fresnel Lens was fitted into the lighthouse in 1855. Many competent lighthouse keepers held the title during the life of this beacon. A few more notable names were Mr. Austin Smith and George O. Momeny, both of whom were among the few recorded keepers of the sentinel. Records kept of the lighthouse proprietors were not very detailed, but a few were noted as being an important part of the legacy of the Port Clinton Light.

The lighthouse was officially discontinued in 1870, at which point a custodian was hired to watch over the sentinel while renovations were taking place. When the new construction was completed on the updated Port Clinton Lighthouse there was no trace of the old light. It only lived on in the memories of the townspeople. In July of 1896 the new light was placed at the end of the west breakwater. The new tower was a four-sided, pyramidal wooden structure. A new keepers residence was also built during this renovation time.

The government sold the lighthouse lot and keeper’s dwelling to H.J. Pool in 1927 and later sold to Doris Dubbart in 1945. Today the lighthouse is home to a restaurant called The Garden at the Lighthouse. Complete with vintage photographs and priceless historical artifacts, visitors of the restaurant lighthouse will surely enjoy the atmosphere and surrounding view.