Let the light guide you. Posted up high on rocky ledges offering a guiding light for those coming ashore, are the Maine lighthouses, whose silhouettes we have come to admire. Maine and lighthouses are synonymous with one another, so your visit to Maine is not complete until you have visited at least one of these iconic lighthouses.
Just over an hour south of Newcastle is the Two Lights State Park at Cape Elizabeth, whereas the name suggests, sits two lighthouses. Built back in 1828, as the first twin lighthouses built on the Maine Coast, the eastern house still projects light up to 17 miles out to sea. While you cannot access these lighthouses, they are easily photographed and admired nearby.
It might take some commitment to view the Monhegan Island Lighthouse, as it requires a 90-minute ferry ride out to Monhegan Island. Once on the island, there is a half mile hike up to the lighthouse, a well-worth-it adventure to see one of Maine’s famed lighthouses. Surrounded by the Atlantic, this island and its lighthouse breathes life into the quintessential image of Maine. Venturing out to Monhegan Island is a great day trip for any spring or summer adventure.
As one of Maine’s most photographed lighthouses, Portland Head Lighthouse dates all the way back to 1791. Towering at 101 feet above the sea, this lighthouse is not accessible to the public as it is still operated by The United States Coast Guard. The adjacent building, which used to be the keeper’s house, is now a museum where visitors can learn more about Portland Head.
A historic lighthouse that was originally commissioned by John Quincy Adams in 1827, the Pemaquid Lighthouse guards the entrances to Muscongus Bay and Johns Bay. Visitors can pay $3 to view the inside of the lighthouse and the Fisherman’s museum that is located on the first floor.
We added Doubling Points Lighthouse to the list, as it one of several lighthouses in the state that are not located on the ocean, but rather on the river. Along the Kennebec River, admirers can see Doubling Points, the Kennebec Range lighthouses, Squirrel Point, Perkins Island, Pond Island, and several others by taking a river cruise.
Head out towards Rockland to what some say as America’s most haunted lighthouse. Owls Head is said to have several (friendly) ghosts that live within the walls of the lighthouse. One of the ghosts is suggested to be one of the old lighthouse keepers, who still helps with the chores. The lighthouse is open to the public on Wednesday and weekends.
Situated at the mouth of the Kennebec River, is Maine’s highest lighthouse, sitting at the top of a 150-foot hill. A 1,600-foot wooden tramway, which is still in operation, was built back in 1895 to help with the maintenance of this elevated lighthouse. Visitors can take a charter or ferry boat to access the island where there are tours available of the lighthouse and keeper’s house.
Located near the fishing village of Port Clyde, Maine, the Marshall Point Lighthouse sits out on a rocky point with a wooden walkway that guides visitors out to the lighthouse itself. Located on the property is the Keeper’s House, with a museum located inside, where people can learn about the history of the lighthouse and its claim to fame of Tom Hanks ending his long run in the movie “Forest Gump” on the lighthouse walkway.
Add these lighthouses to your travel itinerary and start planning your Maine getaway by booking your stay at Newcastle Inn!
