By Wendy Smith | Renew Living with Wendy
If you’ve spent any time along the shores of Lake Havasu, you’ve likely spotted more than a few lighthouses dotting the coastline, and no, your eyes aren’t playing tricks on you. These charming structures aren’t just for decoration—they’re replicas of famous lighthouses from across the country and are a unique part of what makes our little corner of Arizona so special.
Why Lighthouses in the Desert?
That is a great question and one I get asked all the time. Lake Havasu is nowhere near the ocean, so what’s with the coastal charm?
It all started in 2000 when the Lake Havasu Lighthouse Club was formed by a group of local boating enthusiasts who wanted to make the lake safer and more beautiful. They began building scale replicas of real lighthouses from the East Coast, West Coast, and Great Lakes regions as fun landmarks and fully functional navigational aids for boaters.
Today, these replicas serve as beacons of light and local pride, guiding boaters and adding character to our shoreline. And let’s be honest—they make the perfect photo op.
How Many Lighthouses Are There?
Currently, there are 30+ fully installed lighthouse replicas surrounding Lake Havasu, each one lovingly constructed to mirror the original in design and color. Every lighthouse is to scale, operational, and placed in a location that matches its original purpose:
– West Coast replicas are on the west side of the lake
– East Coast replicas on the east side
– Great Lakes replicas are found on the island
Lighthouse Tour, Anyone?
Whether you’re walking the island paths, boating along the shoreline, or cruising through the channel, spotting all the lighthouses has become a bit of a local treasure hunt. Each has a story, a place of origin, and a little slice of history to share.
🗺️ Go to the Go Lake Havasu website to Download the full map of lighthouse replica locations, including:
– Lighthouse names
– Installation dates
– Original locations of the real lighthouses
– Walking and boating routes
A Few Favorites You’ll Want to Look For:
Here’s a sneak peek at just a few of the most beloved replicas:
– Split Rock Lighthouse (Minnesota) – Installed in 2002, one of the most photographed.
– Cape Hatteras Lighthouse (North Carolina) – The tallest replica on the lake.
– East Quoddy Lighthouse (New Brunswick, Canada) – Known for its striking red cross design.
– West Quoddy Head Lighthouse (Maine) – Recognizable by its bold red and white stripes.
– Cape Cod Lighthouse (Massachusetts) – One of the most historic styles represented here.
Why Locals and Visitors Love Them
The lighthouses add a special charm to Lake Havasu that’s hard to describe until you’ve walked the island loop at sunset and caught one glowing in the distance.
They’re educational, fun for all ages, and perfect for:
– Family scavenger hunts
– Scenic boat rides
– History buffs
– Evening photo shoots
– Celebrating what makes Lake Havasu so wonderfully weird and wonderful
Want to Get Involved?
If you want to learn more or even become a supporter of this unique local gem, check out the Lake Havasu Lighthouse Club at https://lh-lighthouseclub.org for more info on events, sponsorships, and how they keep the lights shining.
See the lighthouses that made waves in the desert.