Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

May 13, 2025

(518) 486-1868 | news@parks.ny.gov

New York State Parks Announces Completion of $2.9 Million Restoration of Barcelona Lighthouse Tower

 Improvements Offer Affordable Options for Visitors to Get Offline and Enjoy New York's Outdoors

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation today announced the completed rehabilitation of the historic Barcelona Lighthouse Tower in the Town of Westfield, Chautauqua County. This completion will now enable the public to further experience this historic site by ascending the top of the tower and enjoying the view of Lake Erie.

New York State Parks Commissioner Pro Tem Randy Simons said, "The restoration of the Barcelona Lighthouse, recognized as the first natural gas lighthouse in the world, stands as a testament to our nation's early innovation and history. Preserving this landmark ensures that future generations can continue to learn from and explore our shared heritage."

The 40-foot-tall stone light tower was built in 1829 and was the world's first natural gas lit lighthouse. After being decommissioned from the Federal Lighthouse Service in 1859, the tower became privately held through multiple owners until 2007 when it was acquired by New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP). Although the lighthouse no longer is used for navigational purposes, the light is still visible today through an agreement with the Town of Westfield. The lighthouse is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historical Places.

The $2.9 million restoration project included replacement of the lighthouse stairs, redoing all the mortar inside and out, a new roof, a new hatch and railings, a new gas line for the light, site utility upgrades and conversion of the garage into public restrooms and gift shop space. The project was funded by $2.6 million in OPRHP capital funds and is being supported in part by a $50,000 National Maritime Heritage Grant administered by the National Park Service, Department of the Interior. Additional support was provided by local and private fundraising. The next phase of the project is planned to begin this summer, which includes slope stabilization and trail work to the Lake Erie shoreline.

New York State's Park system continues to offer affordable destinations for recreational and cultural experiences for families and visitors to enjoy year-round. There is currently no fee to enter Barcelona Lighthouse.

Additionally, the Fiscal Year 2026 Enacted Budget includes $200 million for State Parks to invest in and aid the ongoing transformation of New York's flagship parks and support critical infrastructure projects throughout the park system. The Governor's new Unplug and Play initiative also earmarks $100 million for construction and renovation of community centers through the Build Recreational Infrastructure for Communities, Kids and Seniors (NY BRICKS), $67.5 million for the Places for Learning, Activity and Youth Socialization (NY PLAYS) initiative helping New York communities construct new playgrounds and renovate existing playgrounds; and an additional $90 million for the continuation of the Statewide Investment in More Swimming (NY SWIMS) initiative including $50 million for a competitive grant program supporting municipalities in the renovation and construction of swimming facilities and $40 million for other swimming-based investments.