Marblehead lighthouse closed; state park open

7/1/2011
BLADE STAFF
The Marblehead Lighthouse in Marbelhead, Ohio, built in 1821, is 82 feet high and is the oldest lighthouse in continuous operation in the Great Lakes region.
The Marblehead Lighthouse in Marbelhead, Ohio, built in 1821, is 82 feet high and is the oldest lighthouse in continuous operation in the Great Lakes region.

MARBLEHEAD, Ohio —The lighthouse at Marblehead Lighthouse State Park is closed temporarily to visitors because of structural cracks, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

The lighthouse will remain closed until an engineering consultant investigates the cracks and devises a plan to repair the structure, the ODNR said Thursday in a statement.

Though visitors will be unable to enjoy the July 4th weekend lighthouse tours, the park — including the light-keeper’s house adjacent to the lighthouse — remains open.

The light-keeper’s house holds the tourist information center and historic displays that are open to visitors.

The lighthouse, built in 1819, is the oldest structure of its kind in continuous operation on the Great Lakes.