Oak Orchard Lighthouse — Attraction in Town of Carlton

Finding this park is difficult but worthwhile. At the very end of the lake Ontario state parkway this is a location that you will stumble upon more likely than know of it beforehand. Stopping in grants you a couple amenities, the first is free parking, the second is a boat launch, and the third is what seems to be a busy tavern type establishment for after fishing refreshments and whatnot. Do not come here just for this.

Besides the amenities what's available is a quiet and stunning view of lake Ontario, the lighthouse is a historic monument open to visitors on Fridays during the evening hours. As of this writing they are seeking locals willing to help staff and watch over the lighthouse in a less traditional sense.

If you find this area please be respectful; there's enough private property signs on the neighboring business, seems to be a dance/gathering hall of some kind, for two separate corn fields. The neighborhood has elected to establish a neighborhood watch. There are no swimming and diving signs posted in the area and the sharp rocks just under the water suggest taking heed of that. The area seemed to be more focused on enjoying the peace than what's on tap at the local establishment.

That being said my experience happened during a day in which the waves were high, the weather was gross, and the temperature was relatively low so it might just be a different matter on a sunny warm day. In which case my suggestion is to be strategic in your planning and decide not to be there...

West of Rochester and on the shore of Lake Ontario, the Oak Orchard Light was constructed in 1871 and deactivated in 1916. The current structure is a replica that was built by the local community group. It is easily accessible, a short detour of the Lake Ontario State Parkway that follows the shore.

The original light was built at the end of a 1000 foot pier that extended into the lake. It was destroyed by a winter storm. This new structure is on land and there is plenty of parking for the marina and the small park. The park has a public restroom and some picnic tables. It's next to the Old Orchard Creek boat ramp.

The lighthouse was closed when I stopped by at 6pm on a weekday but I understand that it does...

Having never seen inside this Lighthouse replica, bcz it's closed every time I'm there, the gem of it is it's location at Point Breeze, the mouth of the Oak Orchard River & beautiful nature of Lake Ontario activity and views. The Lighthouse does have ♿ accessible ramp to get inside it. It has a somewhat landscaped & inscribed brick pathway leading to it, that people bought in memoriam & has a couple picnic tables next to it's rocky beach & a bathrooms bldg. Stroll or fish on the pier's sidewalk, docks or visit the Black North Inn restaurant & bar alongside the free boat launches accessing both the lake & river. Gorgeous...