Southern Maine Lighthouses: Exploring Coastal Gems
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Lighthouses stand tall along the scenic coastline of Maine, symbolizing the area’s rich history and nautical heritage. Southern Maine, in particular, is famous for its historical lighthouses and these structures have guided countless sailors to safety over the years.
With dozens of lighthouses dotting the landscape, Maine’s coastline showcases a blend of beauty and history. These lighthouses are essential not only for their historical significance but also for their enduring role in ensuring safe passage through some of the coast’s most challenging waters.
About Southern Maine Lighthouses
Southern Maine is home to some stunning lighthouses, each with its unique charm and well-preserved beauty. These structures are scattered along the coastline from the New Hampshire-Maine border to Freeport.
One could easily spend days exploring the lighthouses nestled among the area’s scenic beaches and rugged coastlines.
During the annual Open Lighthouse Day in September, visitors can enjoy free tours of various light stations, offering a rare peek inside these iconic structures.
These lighthouses not only represent Maine’s rich maritime history but also showcase extraordinary architecture. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or a lighthouse admirer, the distinct presence of these majestic lighthouses on islands and shores is truly captivating.

Boon Island Lighthouse
Boon Island Lighthouse, positioned on Boon Island, stands about seven miles from York. At 133 feet tall, it’s the highest lighthouse on Maine’s coast. The structure, made from granite and steel, has stood since 1811, though it has been rebuilt and renovated several times over the years.
Although it isn’t open for public tours, the lighthouse is still in operation and can be admired from a distance. Viewers on the shore at Long Sands Beach or Sohier Park in York might spot its white light flashing every five seconds.
A small and deserted innkeeper’s house is also near the lighthouse, which can be seen up close by boat. The island itself is rocky and barren, yet the lighthouse continues to guide sailors safely.

Cape Elizabeth Lighthouse
The Cape Elizabeth Lighthouse rises to a height of 67 feet and is crafted from cast iron. This iconic tower, with its striking appearance, is a popular subject for photographers along the Atlantic coast.
Historically, two lighthouses were synchronized to work together in Cape Elizabeth, earning them the nickname “Two Lights” or “Twin Lighthouses.”
In 1924, the western lighthouse stopped operating, leaving the eastern beacon to continue its role as a vital navigational guide. Known for its brightness, the eastern light is distinguished by its powerful beam, among the strongest in New England, casting four white flashes every 15 seconds.
While the lighthouse itself isn’t accessible to the public, it can be admired from the vantage point of Two Lights State Park or by taking a boat tour.

Neddick Island Lighthouse
Cape Neddick Light, affectionately called Nubble Light, stands proudly just off the coast of York. It’s perched 41 feet tall on its island, offering a classic maritime sight. Constructed in 1879, this lighthouse has been meticulously maintained over the years.
Throughout the seasons, the lighthouse is often adorned for holidays, drawing visitors eager to capture its essence in photos from Sohier Park. Here, guests enjoy activities like fishing, scuba diving, and picnicking, all while soaking in views of the lighthouse.
Originally manned by the U.S. Coast Guard from 1939 to 1987, Cape Neddick Light transitioned to automation thereafter. Its light pattern includes three seconds of red light followed by three seconds of darkness, providing a distinctive signal to seafarers.

Goat Island Lighthouse
Goat Island Lighthouse is nestled in Cape Porpoise Harbor near Kennebunkport. It’s a charming brick structure built in 1833 and revamped in 1859, standing 25 feet tall.
The island features more than just the lighthouse. There’s a keeper’s house, a boathouse, an oil house, and a fog bell tower, making it a fascinating place to visit.
This lighthouse sends out a white light flash every six seconds. It was the last of its kind to become automated in 1990. Visitors have the option to view it from Pier Road or take a boat to get closer.

Halfway Rock Lighthouse
Halfway Rock Lighthouse stands tall in the heart of Casco Bay, right between Cape Elizabeth to the south and Cape Small to the north. Built in 1871, this lighthouse reaches a height of 76 feet and is constructed from durable granite. Its design includes a conical tower with a distinctive black and white lantern. The light produced by the lighthouse flashes red every five seconds.
In recent years, the lighthouse was given a much-needed makeover after being neglected for almost four decades since the 1970s. A dedicated individual purchased it in an auction and took on the task of reviving its striking appearance in the bay.
Though the location of the lighthouse makes it hard to access due to the rough and rocky waters, it remains a captivating sight. Visitors can enjoy views of it from boats or from the shores of Casco Bay and Portland.

Portland Breakwater Light
Portland Breakwater Light, a charming spot in South Portland, is affectionately known as Bug Light. This name comes from its petite size, which is reminiscent of a bug.
Constructed in 1855, the original lighthouse was made of wood. As time passed, it was reinforced with cast iron to ensure its durability. The lighthouse was completely restored in 1989 and welcomed back into service in 2002.
Despite standing at just 26 feet, this small beacon boasts stunning Corinthian columns and detailed architectural features.
It’s located in Bug Light Park, a great place for visitors to explore, enjoy picnics, and take memorable photographs. The surrounding park is also perfect for activities like fishing, boating, and taking leisurely walks.

Portland Head Lighthouse
Located in the stunning Fort Williams Park in Cape Elizabeth, Portland Head Lighthouse stands as a prominent landmark in Maine.
Visitors flock here to marvel at the picturesque light tower and explore the expansive 90-acre park. Alongside the lighthouse, the site offers an engaging museum and a quaint gift shop, housed in what used to be the keeper’s house.
Dating back to the time of the American Revolution, Portland Head served as a critical lookout point for spotting British ships on the horizon. Built in the late 1700s and first illuminated in 1791, this lighthouse has seen significant changes over the years.
By the end of the 18th century and into the early 19th century, improvements like the addition of a keeper’s quarters and a Fresnel lens were made.
In 1865, the lighthouse was extended by 20 feet, resulting in its current height of 80 feet. Today, it stands as a robust conical structure composed of rubble stone and brick, marking it as a symbol of enduring strength and heritage.

Ram Island Ledge Lighthouse
Located just off the coast near Portland, Ram Island Ledge Lighthouse stands tall at 90 feet in Casco Bay.
Built in 1905, this sturdy granite structure may not win beauty contests, but it plays a critical role in guiding ships safely past perilous, rocky waters. The lighthouse emits two white flashes every six seconds, acting as a vigilant guardian for mariners.
While the lighthouse isn’t open for public tours, people can arrange to visit the island itself. Those preferring to keep their feet on steady ground might catch a glimpse from spots like Fort Williams Park or the Portland Head Light.
Boaters also have the option to view this historical beacon from the water.

Spring Point Ledge Beacon
In South Portland, the Spring Point Ledge Beacon is a special caisson-style lighthouse, also known as a bug light. It’s the only one of its kind that people can visit in the United States.
This brick and cast iron structure, built in 1897, stands 54 feet tall. Its light flashes white every six seconds, with two distinct red sectors to guide ships.
A walk along the granite breakwater allows visitors to get up close to this historic beacon. The trek is about 950 feet, and even if tours are not available, people can enjoy the scenic journey and the fantastic views of Portland Harbor.
The lighthouse is an ideal spot for photography and experiencing maritime history firsthand. It’s a great place to appreciate the charm of a classic lighthouse.

Whaleback Lighthouse
Whaleback Lighthouse stands proudly at the mouth of the Piscataqua River, a familiar sight visible from spots in Kittery and stretching to Rye, New Hampshire.
Built originally in 1830, the lighthouse’s first structure proved insufficient and needed several rebuilds and renovations over the years. The current version reaches a height of 70 feet and is made from sturdy granite. Its light pattern is unmistakable, sending out two white flashes every ten seconds.
Although it is closed to public visits, the lighthouse remains a picturesque spot that can be admired from both land and water.

Wood Island Lighthouse
Wood Island Lighthouse, located off the coast of Biddeford, is a charming historical site accessible only by boat.
The stone tower measures 47 feet in height and was first built in 1808, with a rebuild happening in 1839. The lighthouse complex includes not just the tower, but also a keeper’s house, an oil house, and a storage building.
Spectacular views of this iconic landmark can be enjoyed from trails in the nearby East Point Audubon Sanctuary.
For those interested in exploring, the Friends of Wood Island Lighthouse organize summer tours. These trips begin with a 15-minute boat ride from Biddeford Pool. After arriving, visitors take a short walk to the lighthouse, where they can climb the tower and explore the keeper’s house.
Experience the Fascinating Lighthouses of Southern Maine
Southern Maine is famous for its lighthouses and each one has a history filled with tales of stormy nights and sunny days. These lighthouses have stood as silent witnesses to changes in maritime travel and wars at sea.
Each September on Open Lighthouse Day, visitors can explore the inside of these historic towers, meet dedicated keepers, and learn the stories that make each lighthouse unique.
Whether you visit by boat or observe with binoculars from afar, the views are stunning. A trip to Southern Maine isn’t complete without seeing these remarkable structures.