Standing at the mouth of the Buffalo River on Lake Erie, the Buffalo Main Light has guided mariners since 1833, making it one of the oldest lighthouses on the Great Lakes. The octagonal limestone tower served as a critical navigational aid during Buffalo’s rise as a major shipping port along the Erie Canal corridor. Decommissioned and no longer active, the lighthouse is not open to the public, though it remains a compelling subject for photographers. Golden hour and winter ice formations along the breakwater create the most dramatic shots. Nearby, visitors can explore Canalside, the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park, and the waterfront trails offering excellent views of this historic sentinel.

Explore Nearby

• Buffalo Harbor State Park — State Park in New York
• Strawberry Island State Park — State Park in New York
• Great Lakes Seaway Trail — Scenic Byway in New York
• Waterford Covered Bridge — Covered Bridge in Pennsylvania
• Allegheny National Forest — National Forest in Pennsylvania