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Rattlesnake Island Lighthouse

Fl White 4s🇺🇸Put-in-Bay Township, USOperational

Location & Light Range

About Rattlesnake Island Lighthouse

A 13-meter white skeletal tower stands on Rattlesnake Island, guiding vessels at the end of a breakwater pier. This square structure, featuring a lantern and gallery, was built and first lit in 1990. A spiral stairway ascends around a central pole to the lantern room. The light emits a single white flash every 4 seconds, visible for 11.5 nautical miles. The lighthouse is situated on the west end of the 85-acre island, which lies northwest of South Bass Island. It is located within Put-in-Bay Township and is accessible by boat.

Why it matters: This privately maintained light is notable for appearing on NOAA nautical charts and serving the exclusive Rattlesnake Island Club marina.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 4s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
4s
Raw Code
Fl W 4s
Focal Height
13.5m
Geographic Range
11.5NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1990

Significant events: Rattlesnake Island Club established 1980

Visiting

Open to public
Yes

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
13m
Tower Shape
skeletal
Tower Color
white

Structure: A 13m square skeletal tower with lantern and gallery, painted white. A stairway spirals around a central pole to reach the lantern.

Location

City
Put-in-Bay Township
Country
🇺🇸United States
Region
Ohio
Sea Region
Located on Rattlesnake Island, an 85-acre island northwest of South Bass Island and west of Middle Bass Island, at the end of a breakwater pier of a small marina on the island's west end.
Latitude
41.6807°
Longitude
-82.8556°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Lakeside marblehead(10.0 km)
USCG No.
7-5670
ARLHS No.
USA-1317
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Rattlesnake Island Lighthouse at night?+
Rattlesnake Island displays the characteristic Fl White 4s. Each lighthouse has a unique flash pattern published in the List of Lights, allowing mariners to positively identify it and distinguish it from other navigation aids in the area. The white color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Rattlesnake Island Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Rattlesnake Island Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is LAKESIDE MARBLEHEAD at 10 NM to the SE. Other ports served include PORT CLINTON (10.6 NM SSW), Sandusky, Erie (14.6 NM SSE), COLCHESTER SOUTH (18.5 NM N), Kingsville (21.5 NM NNE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Rattlesnake Island Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Rattlesnake Island Lighthouse is currently operational. It is actively maintained and continues to emit its characteristic light signal for marine navigation. Most modern lighthouses are automated and monitored remotely by the national maritime authority.
How can I track vessels near Rattlesnake Island Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Rattlesnake Island Lighthouse in real time using MarineRadar. The platform shows live AIS positions of ships in the area, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page to open the live map centered on this lighthouse.