Five Lighthouses of Maine
Maine is known for its beautiful landscapes and stunning coastlines. But did you know Maine is home to some of the most iconic lighthouses in the world? These lighthouses were once an essential navigational tool for sailors and fishermen, and today they serve as a reminder of Maine’s rich maritime history. In this blog, we will xplore some of the famous lighthouses scattered along the coast of Maine.
Pemaquid Lighthouse – Bristol, Maine
Located on a rocky point in Bristol, Pemaquid Lighthouse offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. First lit in 1827, it has undergone several transformations over the years. Today, visitors can climb the tower to enjoy stunning views of the surrounding area or explore the Fisherman’s Museum, which houses artifacts and exhibits related to the lighthouse’s history.
Pemaquid Lighthouse is open from mid-May till October, daily from 9 AM – 5 PM. The park charges a fee of $3 per person and $1 for children ages 5-11. To learn more about this lighthouse, visit https://www.bristolmaine.org/parks-recreation/pemaquid-point-lighthouse-park.
Portland Head Light – Cape Elizabeth, Maine
Portland Head Light is the oldest lighthouse in Maine, completed in 1791. At the time, there were no lighthouses along the northeast coast. After a tragic shipwreck in 1787, money was allotted by the then-state of Massachusetts (Maine was part of Massachusetts at this time) to create the Portland Head Light. The first light keeper was Captain Joseph Greenleaf.
Today, you can visit the lighthouse at Fort Williams Park on a 90-acre tract on Cape Elizabeth. It’s free to visit, and you can spend lots of time here visiting their museum, touring the lighthouse, or walking around the property. To learn more about what to do and how to get there, visit the Portland Head Light website. (https://portlandheadlight.com/)
Lobster Point Lighthouse – Marginal Way - Ogunquit, Maine
Lobster Point Lighthouse is situated along the Marginal Way. The Marginal Way is a 1.25-mile-long paved path along the rocky coastline of Ogunquit. The town maintains this path and hosts many benches to watch the waves crash into the shore. The Lobster Point Lighthouse was completed in 1948 by Winfield C. Littlefield, who designed the small lighthouse to disguise a pump house. The lighthouse is now a popular photo-op along the Marginal Way.
To find out more about The Marginal Way, visit https://www.marginalwayfund.org/marginal-way/map/.
Nubble Light – Cape Neddick – York, Maine
Also known as the Cape Neddick Light Station, Nubble Light is located on Nubble Island off the coast of York. The white lighthouse tower and red-roofed keeper’s house have made this lighthouse one of the most photographed. Visitors can enjoy the views of the lighthouse from Sohier Park. Parking is free here.
Learn more about the Nubble light here: http://nubblelight.org/
Portland Observatory - Portland, Maine
Although it’s technically not a lighthouse, the Portland Observatory is worth mentioning in this list. Built in 1807, it’s one of the few remaining maritime signal towers in the United States. Visitors can climb to the top to enjoy panoramic views of Portland and Casco Bay or explore the museum.
To learn more about the Portland Observatory, visit: https://www.portlandlandmarks.org/observatory
Lighthouses are a significant part of Maine’s maritime history, and these five are just a few of the many lighthouses scattered along the state’s coastline. Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, or simply enjoying the beautiful views, a visit to any of these lighthouses will make your trip to Maine unforgettable.