Historic 1838 Salmon River Lighthouse.Overnight guests get a "Trip to the TOP!!"

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Entire home

New Birch hardwood flooring installed in 2015.

New silver and red paint for our 177-year old still-shining treasure!

View looking north from the Lighthouse turret through the very rare 'birdcage'

Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location
Host

Exceptional

3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6173 sq m

Popular amenities

Beach view

Barbecue grill

Kitchen

Air conditioning

Free WiFi

Outdoor space

Explore the area

Pulaski, NY

Salmon River1 min walk
Selkirk Shores State Park8 min drive
Sandy Island Beach State Park14 min drive
Watertown, NY (ART-Watertown Intl.)47 min drive

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Double Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio

Porch or lanai

Kitchen

Dining Area

About this property

IMPORTANT! PLEASE NOTE: The nightly rates shown here on VRBO are for rental of the ENTIRE Lighthouse. We also offer rental of either the first floor spaces only or the second floor suite only. Rental of the ENTIRE Lighthouse will accommodate up to 8 guests utilizing four (4) double beds. Rental of the FIRST FLOOR ONLY (one (1) double bed) would accommodate two guests (i.e. a single "couple") and rental of the SECOND FLOOR ONLY would accommodate up to 6 guests. If more than a single couple are to occupy the property and wish to utilize the entire Lighthouse (i.e. BOTH floors), then the nightly rate is $400 per night Sunday-Thursday and $500 per night Friday & Saturday. After your reservation is confirmed by our staff through your VRBO request, we will contact you with additional information and to answer any questions you may have.

We invite everyone to visit and experience the mystique of this grand structure! Learn all about its history from a member of our knowledgeable staff or from our free printed historical handout packets or from one of the informational interpretive displays on-site. We hope to see you soon!!

For those who like to enjoy the annual salmon "Run" up the River in late summer or early to mid-Fall, enjoy staying along the Salmon River right in the middle of the action. Lake Ontario is also close to your doorstep from where you can see the fishing charter boats leaving for the deep waters of the Lake all season long. In the spring and fall, fishing boats troll for salmon and brown or lake trout close to the Lake shoreline. In the River right in front of the Lighthouse in August, September and October you may often see "running" King (Chinook) and Coho salmon surfacing and jumping as they enter the River to spawn. Some days are windy, some are calm, many are sunny and some are brisk; stay in the Lighthouse or in one of our three cottages and you will have a truly memorable experience. In late April and in May and June, the Lake action is from feisty Brown and Lake Trout and small mouth Bass in the River. No matter what the month or the mix of weather, the fishing is always great and you will love being on the river or enjoying the sandy Lake shore across the Salmon River on our private beach while experiencing the many faces and ever-changing moods of Lake Ontario.

The Lighthouse was initially renovated in 2014 in a warm, comfortable style that accentuates its rustic character and historic nature. Additional major renovations have been completed almost every year since 2014, including new birch hardwood flooring in the kitchen and dining area, a new composite slate roof and uncovering and refinishing the original 1838 plank flooring on the first floor. In 2021 all new Pella windows with "disappearing" screens were installed, in addition to an entirely brand new central air conditioning and heating system. The kitchen is fully equipped, including all new (in 2014) major appliances. There is one bedroom downstairs and two upstairs and they will sleep as many as eight (8) guests with a double bed in each one. Two additional guests have the option to utilize a new double bed-sized memory foam sleeper sofa in the upstairs living room. Boat slips and half-price on-site dockage are available if you have a boat of your own, with a new (2015) boat launch also on-site. But you don't need to be a fisherman to enjoy the annual late summer and fall excitement of the "Salmon Run" up the river. The private lakefront beach and Salmon River are beautiful and a romantic spot for couples to enjoy. If you are a family ready to enjoy a fishing or beach vacation or a group of friends ready for a very special time at a very special and historic place, what better place to stay - right in the middle of all the action.......

Property manager

Abe Ellis

Languages

English

Amenities

Kitchen

Free WiFi

Air conditioning

Outdoor space

Beach view

Barbecue grill

Watch the sunset while enjoying the fire pit with free, unlimited firewood.

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

Free WiFi

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 25

Check out before 11:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Events

Events allowed

Prior approval req'd for celebratory gatherings

Pets

No pets allowed

Our 3 cottages permit pets with prior approval

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

No smoking is allowed in the lighthouse

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy

Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges

Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed

Parties and events are allowed on site

Note from host: Prior approval req'd for celebratory gatherings

Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property

Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property

Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadlock

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Pulaski

Located in Pulaski, this holiday home is on the waterfront. Fort Ontario State Historic Site and Richardson-Bates House Museum are local landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Pines Golf Course and Elms Golf Course. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

Pulaski, NY

What's nearby

Salmon River - 1 min walk
Selkirk Shores State Park - 8 min drive
Pulaski Historical Society and Museum - 8 min drive
Mexico Point State Park - 14 min drive
Sandy Island Beach State Park - 14 min drive

Getting around

Watertown, NY (ART-Watertown Intl.) - 47 min drive

Restaurants

‪McDonald's - ‬8 min drive
‪Stefano's Pizzeria & Restaurant - ‬8 min drive
‪Burger King - ‬8 min drive
‪The End Zone Pub - ‬8 min drive
‪Dan's Chicken Shack - ‬10 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Historic 1838 Salmon River Lighthouse.Overnight guests get a "Trip to the TOP!!" pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Historic 1838 Salmon River Lighthouse.Overnight guests get a "Trip to the TOP!!"?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Historic 1838 Salmon River Lighthouse.Overnight guests get a "Trip to the TOP!!"?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Historic 1838 Salmon River Lighthouse.Overnight guests get a "Trip to the TOP!!" located?

Situated on the waterfront, this holiday home is steps away from Lake Ontario and Salmon River. Selkirk Shores State Park is 2.7 mi (4.3 km) away.

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.

Learn more

9.6/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

Brad P.

10 Apr 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Charming historic place and wonderful hosts

Booked 2 years in advance for total solar eclipse and even with some clouds the experience was thrilling. We love the history and that this gem is being maintained.

Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Andre G.

25 Sept 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful Stay in Historic Lighthouse

This was our first experience in this area giving Salmon fishing a go. Beyond the experience fishing, we could not have done better staying at the Salmon River Lighthouse. Abe and Kathy were excellent hosts. Everything we needed was available. The kitchen was well stocked, beds comfortable and everything was spotless. The historic lighthouse is super cool. Abe gave us a tour to the top before we departed and gave us a lot of detailed information about the home. The stay at the lighthouse is also conveniently located, especially for us as fisherman. We were able to get to the Pine Grove and Almar launches on our two days of fishing. This is key when its 5am and you need to get to your charter or fish with your guide if doing so. Plus — there are guides and charters at the marina on the lighthouse property. You really cannot miss here. You will have a fantastic stay.

Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

27 Sept 2021

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Had a great time.Enjoyed Mary!!

Great place great for the boat.Abe & Kathy are top shelf.

Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2021

8/10 Good

Jeff S.

15 Aug 2021

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

Lighthouse

We enjoyed the private beach. We wish the lighthouse tower was open as part of the historical setting of the property

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

PATRICIA B., Dudley. MA

7 Oct 2020

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Salmon Fishing - Lighthouse 2020

Abe and his wife were wonderful!

Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2020

10/10 Excellent

Amanda T.

23 Aug 2020

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fun Fishing Trip

We had a great family vacation at the Lighthouse. Our boys had fun fishing off the dock and playing at the near by beach. We did a fishing charter one day and caught some HUGE lake trout. Great trip and we hope to be back!

Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

David F.

26 July 2020

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lighthouse vacation

The property was great! It was very unique & charming! We have never stayed in a lighthouse before. Everything was clean & comfortable. The kitchen was fully equipped & had everything that we needed. The beach & the lake were beautiful! we went to the beach every day! The owners were helpful with any questions that we had. Great time, wonderful trip!

Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2020

10/10 Excellent

Sandra S.

23 Oct 2019

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

fishing trip

It was lovely

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2019

10/10 Excellent

Jeffrey R.

15 Oct 2019

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lighthouse watchers

Great experience. Stayed at the lighthouse for a trip down memory lane to Henderson Harbor. The lighthouse made it an unusual place to stay. The Salmon were jumping. Everyone I told about the experience of staying in the lighthouse thought it was great.

Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2019

10/10 Excellent

Rick A.

1 Oct 2019

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location for lake and river access.

Very cool place to stay while visiting Pulaski.

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2019

10/10 Excellent

Martin J.

10 July 2019

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A must SEA

We spent one night in the Lighthouse and were sorry we couldn’t spend more. It was a unique experience. The accommodations are high quality, comfortable and very cozy, but the chance to stay in an historic site is a real seller. Combined with the view of the mouth of the Salmon River and Lake Ontario, the boats of all sizes coming and going, and the sunset (and sunrise), we will return. Pulaski has very inviting spots for dining (e.g., we loved Anne’s Diner which is near the Lighthouse). The owners are terrific. Thank you, Abe and Cathy!

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Nancy G.

24 June 2019

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful experience.

We had a lovely time at this historic lighthouse. The views were wonderful, the rooms comfortable and welcoming. Our hosts were accommodating and helpful. I will definitely come back.

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2019

10/10 Excellent

Philip R.

18 Sept 2018

Beautiful!

Lighthouse is Beautiful!.. Very Nice experience, will be coming back!

Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2018

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Lars H.

27 Aug 2017

Place to find peace

Having toured the N-E of the US this was the place where we (a family of 5) could find peace. One of the few places that have ever received a 5 star rating from my side. Abe was so kind to arrange a fishing trip. Reeling in a 17 pound salmon is something special.

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2017

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

Kristen M.

15 Aug 2016

A charming time machine

What a unique experience! It was hot but amazed the window air conditioners really cooled down the entire place. Clean and tidy. All the amenities - just be prepared to bring staples if you cook. Foil, cling wrap, spices, oil, basket coffee filters, paper towels, etc. but there's plenty of containers for leftovers! Conveniently located to fishing and beaches.

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2016

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Paula N.

7 Aug 2015

excellent service

Great location, we had a family reunion. No bugs. The grandkids loved the swimming. The beach across the river was great, the sand and water was very clean. The owners were very helpful, and let us use a boat for free to get to the beach every day. We even took the babies to the beach! This lighthouse is at the end of the road, so there was limited road traffic. We even took a trip upstairs to the lighthouse tower, which the kids loved. Great experience in New York and Canada.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Ted P.

2 July 2015

Lighthouse Adventure

Fantastic lighthouse experience!! My wife and I are lighthouse enthusists and we thoroughly enjoyed the historic lighthouse. The kids and the two young grandkids enjoyed it also and were thrilled by the visits to the beach across the Salmon River. A perfect getaway for a family with three generations. This is the perfect romantic getway for the lighthouse or history buff. The owner's extra service was outstanding and the very hard work to recently restore the property was evident.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Rachel H.

11 June 2015

A perfect bachelor party

Knowing our best pal was stressed from a year+ of wedding planning, we surprised him and brought him up to the Salmon River Lighthouse for a few days of R&R. What a perfect place! We had the whole marina to ourselves in which we spent a magnificent sunset out on the water. The house itself is recently renovated with new appliances and a grill that satisfied voracious appetites built up from days spent hiking along Lake Ontario up to the St. Lawrence Seaway and the Thousand Islands (with a fair share of ice cream and wine tastings along the way). Ample sleeping space and room to spread out the stack of board games we brought along. Abe was an absolute delight to work with; we are so appreciative of his hospitality and good heart. We will absolutely return!

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

13 Sept 2014

BEYOND RELAXING

We recently spent 2 days at the Salmon River Lighthouse which proved to be one of the most relaxing couple of days we have had in some time. The Lighthouse is beautiful and was appreciated for its history. The surroundings are serene and the marina is literally only several arm lengths away. The owner and managers went out of their way to make themselves available for any questions and requests we had. If your looking for a vacation spot with a lot of hustle and bustle then this spot is not for you. But if your ready to get away and forget about the everyday frustrations, then this remarkable property is waiting for you. I hope to visit again soon. It was everything I was looking for in one package. Do yourself a favor and visit this property just once and you'll be hooked.............

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

FG M.

31 Aug 2014

Week at the light

Spent a great week at the lighthouse. The house was built in the 1830's and has near era correct interior decorating, creaking stairs, and stone walls. Well supplied kitchen. Wake up and look out at the canal and fishing boats. Rent the small powerboat for the week and motor over to the private beach. The beach was perfect with beautiful sunsets, clean soft sand, and only ever had a few other families on it for 1/2 mile. Excellent location for local excursions to famous forts, battlefields, Boldt castle, and the antique boat museum. very nice supermarket about 10 min away. Go carts, mini golf, and plenty of ice cream houses. The owner was very accommodating and really made us feel at home. Well worth the trip.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Gigi C.

20 Aug 2014

80th Birthday Celebration

What a great weekend celebration! We found everything to be perfect. The accommodations were spacious, comfortable and clean. The owners were friendly, attentive and always available before and during for any questions we had. Our group ranged in age from 8 months to 80 years old, but we found that everyone was thrilled with property. There was something for everyone to enjoy. The beach was beautiful. I had forgotten how incredible Lake Ontario is. Great for fishing, boating, swimming, sunsets and just relaxing. I will definitely keep this property in mind for future rentals. How often can you say you have stayed in a historic lighthouse?!

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth B., Madison, WI

13 July 2014

Wonderful, unique family vacation!

We had a wonderful family getaway in a one-of-a-kind setting. How many chances do you get to stay in a real, historic lighthouse? Plenty of room for relaxing (two living areas so kids can play upstairs while adults relax downstairs or two couples can have private time), comfortable beds, a very well-stocked kitchen and gas grill - and you can watch a beautiful sunset every night just outside your door. The owners were incredibly welcoming and responsive, making sure we had everything we needed. The lighthouse was spotless when we arrived. It's a beautiful location, private and quiet, yet close to fishing, boating, golf, and a short drive to the Fingers Lakes. It would work well for a family or for several couples to get away. Highly recommended!

About the host

Hosted by Abe Ellis

The "brothers-in-law" Mike & Abe and sister Kathy welcome you as our guests where our family has been enjoying the Salmon River/Lake Ontario Point for many generations since the 1930's. We now have many family members and close family friends who own summer homes on the Point and further up the river along Pine Grove Road. Having grown up at the Lake, enjoying the fishing, water sports, restful days in the sun and sand, marveling at the way the wind, waves and lake storms can entertain you, rainy days were spent working a jigsaw puzzle or reading a novel while enjoying views of the lake....some of our most memorable times. Many nights we stayed up late roasting marshmallows over a beach fire, followed the next morning by a pancake breakfast after returning from fishing with our parents. Small mouth bass and yellow perch fishing used to be the focus of our angling efforts, and those catches are arguably still the best tasting. But in the 1970's, the Salmon fishery developed and since then, Brown Trout can be caught in abundance along the lake shore as the waters warm in late April, May and June. The fishing charters run all season long out to the deeper waters of the Lake, many departing directly from our family's Marina. In the fall, the fishing gets especially active in the River, as the Salmon and Steelhead migrate to run upstream. Year after year, our families and friends have enjoyed this special place and all that it has to offer. In 2014 we purchased and restored much of the Selkirk Lighthouse and Marina property, including the Lighthouse, our three (3) rental cottages and the Marina operations building. With renovations largely completed in 2014, more were added in 2015 and we once again are proud to share this incredible place with others who can appreciate the special history and nature of the Lighthouse and what it is to experience staying there. It is our hope that our guests will return year after year with their families and friends.

Why they chose this property

The Lighthouse is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places and it stands as it has for 183 years at the mouth of the Salmon River, shining its light out across the Lake every night. Across the river from the Lighthouse is a beautiful private sandy beach, bounded to the north by a breakwater protecting the entrance to the harbor. It was the construction of this in the 1990's that initiated the creation of what is now an incredibly beautiful, sandy beach area (very unusual along Lake Ontario), right in front of our two family beach homes. The soft sand gently extends from the beach well into the Lake, which makes the shore perfect for small children, beach walking and swimming, with no undertow on calm water days. Of course, in fresh (non-salt) water there are no predators, jellyfish, seaweed or similar saltwater negatives. Gazing to the west, you can enjoy refreshing breezes off of the Lake during the day and offshore breezes at night. The Lake can entertain young and old alike as it roars on windy days, making it feel like you are at the ocean but without the salt water, and with a blazing, stunning sunset over the water very likely to end your day. Retired and looking to come north a little earlier than usual in the spring, or looking to stay a little later in the fall before heading south? Or maybe looking for a romantic time away from the kids, in a very special place? Or looking for a special place to take youngsters and grandchildren for an off-season river, harbor or beach experience? The Lighthouse is charming & romantic, providing a wonderful getaway for adults who want to enjoy some quiet, tranquil time connecting to the natural surroundings. And for fall fishermen who want to maximize their enjoyment of the Lake and the Salmon River, even when they are not out on the water, there is no better place. What could be better than grilling your fresh daily catch and enjoying a patio dinner at the Salmon River Lighthouse & Marina??

What makes this property unique

In addition to the perfect harbor location with its beautiful sunsets, the Lighthouse is equipped with 2 cable HD TVs and wireless high speed Internet, so you can stay connected to the outside world, as much as you need to or want to....and as an overnight guest, you are afforded a personal tour to the "Top of the Light."