Coastal lighthouse on pier overlooking open lake waters, scenic visit

See Oswego’s West Pierhead Lighthouse from the Water

Two-hour guided Lighthouse Tour from Wright's Landing with knowledgeable captains and small-group departures

Featured Experience

A scenic, educational boat tour highlighting Oswego’s iconic pierhead lighthouse

Water-Activities: Lighthouse Tour at Oswego West Pierhead

Discover Lake Ontario’s maritime history firsthand with the Lighthouse Tour at Oswego’s iconic lighthouse. Enjoy stunning lake views and learn about local shipping heritage in a small-group boat trip.

Water-Activities: Lighthouse Tour at Oswego West Pierhead

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Oswego, New York

About H. Lee White Maritime Museum

H. Lee White Maritime Museum in Oswego, New York, preserves and interprets the maritime history of Lake Ontario and the Oswego region. The museum maintains curated exhibits, artifacts, and interpretive displays that document local shipping, shipbuilding, and waterfront life. In addition to museum exhibits, H. Lee White Maritime Museum offers guided experiences on the water, including a Lighthouse Tour that departs from Wright's Landing. The Lighthouse Tour provides a scenic boat journey to the Oswego West Pierhead Lighthouse, led by knowledgeable captains and designed for small groups. Tours run for approximately two hours and combine close-up views of the lighthouse with historical commentary that explains the site's role in regional navigation and maritime heritage.

As a community cultural institution, the museum operates public programs and educational activities that serve residents and visitors. Staff and volunteers focus on accurate historical interpretation, artifact care, and visitor safety during on-water experiences. The museum's tours and exhibits are suitable for families, history enthusiasts, and visitors seeking a concise introduction to Oswego's waterfront heritage. Clear departure information from Wright's Landing, modest group sizes, and experienced crew members contribute to a reliable and accessible visitor experience. H. Lee White Maritime Museum continues to support maritime education and heritage tourism in Oswego by combining museum exhibitions with immersive, small-group field experiences on Lake Ontario. Visitors are encouraged to check seasonal schedules and book tours in advance to secure space on limited-size departures that prioritize safety and a personalized interpretive experience. Advance reservations are recommended during summer months.

H. Lee White Maritime Museum — Oswego Lighthouse Tours

Discover maritime history at the H. Lee White Maritime Museum in Oswego, New York, and take the Lighthouse Tour to see the Oswego West Pierhead Lighthouse from the water. The museum’s scenic boat tour departs from Wright's Landing and offers a compact, two-hour introduction to Lake Ontario navigation, lighthouse history, and Oswego waterfront heritage.

Lighthouse Tour overview

The Lighthouse Tour is a guided, two-hour boat excursion that visits the Oswego West Pierhead Lighthouse. Key features include:

Scenic views of the Oswego waterfront and pierhead light.
Guided commentary from knowledgeable captains explaining navigation and local maritime history.
Small-group format for a personalized visitor experience.
Departure point at Wright's Landing for convenient access to the tour vessel.

Why the Lighthouse Tour matters

The Oswego West Pierhead Lighthouse is a recognizable maritime landmark on Lake Ontario. Viewing it from the water provides unique photographic opportunities and a direct perspective on how lighthouses supported regional shipping. The H. Lee White Maritime Museum pairs onshore exhibits with this on-the-water program so visitors receive historical context before or after the tour.

Who should take this tour

The Lighthouse Tour is suitable for:

Families seeking an educational outdoor activity.
History and maritime enthusiasts wanting close access to a working pierhead light.
Visitors to Oswego who prefer a concise, interpretive excursion on Lake Ontario.

Practical details and planning tips

Location: Oswego, New York.
Departure: Wright's Landing.
Duration: Approximately two hours.
Group size: Small groups to ensure quality interpretation and comfort.

To get the most from the visit, check seasonal schedules and book in advance. Limited-capacity departures mean tours can fill during peak months. Advance booking ensures preferred dates and helps plan travel around other museum exhibits and programs.

Safety, accessibility, and visitor experience

Tours are led by captains who prioritize passenger safety for on-water activities. Clear boarding details from Wright's Landing and modest group sizes support an approachable and accessible experience for a wide range of guests.

Combine museum exhibits with the boat tour

Visitors interested in Oswego’s maritime story can pair time in the H. Lee White Maritime Museum galleries with the Lighthouse Tour. The combined approach delivers both curated artifact interpretation and firsthand observation of maritime infrastructure on Lake Ontario.

Book a Lighthouse Tour to see the Oswego West Pierhead Lighthouse up close, learn from experienced captains, and connect with the maritime heritage preserved by the H. Lee White Maritime Museum in Oswego, New York.

Book the Lighthouse Tour from Wright's Landing

Reserve a spot on a two-hour, small-group boat tour to see the Oswego West Pierhead Lighthouse up close and learn from experienced captains.