It's no secret that three lighthouses are located along Lake Erie in Erie County.  But did you know that Northwestern Pennsylvania has yet another impressive lighthouse?  It’s located in a county best known for its forests.

This lighthouse is located in Forest County, on an island in the middle of the Allegheny River, at the town of Tionesta.  It's not an old lighthouse.  It was never used for navigation.  It was built beginning in 2003 by Tionesta Businessman Jack Sherman. His family owned the land and used it for many years for a sand and gravel operation.

"As we phased out our business here, I got to thinking about what I should do with the property…. what can I do to give back to the community because the community has been good to the Sherman's," says Jack.

Jack decided to build the 75 foot lighthouse for three reasons.  One...to give Tionesta an impressive landmark just like the Bicentennial Tower is a landmark for Erie.  Two…he wanted to build something nice to honor his family.  Three… He wanted a place to showcase his collection of nearly 300 miniature lighthouses.

"I thought, 'Well, if I'm going to share these with the public and let them see the collection, I need a place to do that,” remembers Jack.  

The lighthouse was officially opened in 2006.  It has a spectacular view at the top.  You can see the town of Tionesta and also the beautiful hills surrounding it, with the Allegheny River adding to the scenery.

The Tionesta Lighthouse has six floors, each with something interesting to offer.  The second floor is a tribute to the Sherman family, especially Jack's father Joe, an entrepreneur involved in businesses ranging from cattle farming to banking.  The fourth floor is where Jack's lighthouse miniatures are displayed.

"Most lighthouses, you're going to find that it's all about going to the top for the view.  But, I wanted to do something a little different,” says Jack.  

Tours are given the second Saturday of the month from June through October. All proceeds from the tours are donated to the Tionesta Lions Club.  The organization is grateful.

"It supports our scholarship program, eyeglasses for anybody who can't afford them, and other different things we do in the community,” said Jim McGuire, Club Treasurer.

There will be a special tours Saturday, August 20 as part of Tionesta's Indian Festival.  The tours will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. 

The property also features replicas of the Statue of Liberty and the Liberty Bell.  It is also is a popular spot for weddings and to view the fall foliage.