Let us create your unique private tour itinerary today. Boston to New York City: New England Road Trip! Owned by the City of Rockland, this lighthouse is located at the end of an almost 1-mile-long breakwater. That is also the order in which youll drive to them. The present light, constructed in 1875 at 39 feet tall, was sold along with the entire peninsula after being deactivated in 1933. We provide private and luxury sightseeing tours for individuals, couples and large groups starting in the Portland and Kennebunkport areas of Maine. Originally built in 1808, this active lighthouse is the lighthouse in Maine. Monhegan Island Light is a picturesque lighthouse on Monhegan Island, Maine. Saw tons of great sites and our guide was so knowledgeable and took us at just the right pace. Although the lighthouses are not open to the public, they strike a pretty pose. Bristol. Scenic Route Maine Tours is a LOCAL, family-owned and operated tour company sharing what we love about our charming city of Portland and great state of Maine! Learn more about the Museum's boat tours. Bailey Island Motel: This was an awesome place to stay! Your guide, a current or former BIW employee, will detail the history of the yard and highlight key elements of the shipyard. Artist Andrew Wyeth purchased it in 1978. This lighthouse is maintained by the Kennebunkport Conservation Trust, which occasionally offers tours of Goat Island and the light. After spending some time in Portland take the drive up to Cape Elizabeth Light (or two lights). Two Bush Island is off limits to visitors. The lighthouse isnt available to visit, but the grounds are. Today these lighthouses have become icons of coastal Maine, with visitors from all over the world traveling to see them. 4. Click here to book your history and lighthouse tour in Portland! The fog signal at Lubec Channel Lighthouse can be heard every 15 seconds! This is a 2 hour drive from Portland. (Where To Cross! Permadquid Point lighthouse has a free mini museum adjacent, only 5 people can enter per time but its worth the wait. The grounds are open, and overnight stays are allowed in the apartment in the keepers house. Founded in 1962, Maine Maritime Museum is located on a beautiful 20-acre campus on the banks of the Kennebec River in The City of Ships, Bath, Maine. Frequently they are located in public parks where visitors are free to wander around the outside. Located on the north side of the entrance road is a small rocky beach, Ship Cove, with a stunning view of Ram Island Ledge Light located in Casco Bay. The lighthouse is at the end of a breakwater thats just less than a mile long, so be prepared for a bit of a walk! However, you cant access the lighthouse. 799-2661. The Mentawai Islands are a hidden gem located in West, Breckenridge isnt just known for world-class skiing, as they have, By Part of the island is in Acadia National Park. Marshall Point Lighthouse & Museum: Port Clyde. Travel-sized dish soap to wash your reusable water bottle. The tower stands 28 feet tall, and you can get the best views of this private lighthouse from the shore of Little Deer Isle at the end of Eggemoggin Road or via boat or air tour. The light was automated in 1967 and is still active. It was automated in 1959. explore Acadia National Park by e-bike on your own schedule! Youll cross it as you come from Orr Island! The Islandport Guide to Lighthouses in Maine (Paperback or Softback) $14.26. Accessibility: The lighthouse grounds and the Monhegan Historical and Cultural Museum in the keeper's house are open to the public. The conical tower is 31 feet tall with an octagonal iron lantern. Lights are the hope of seamen,Warning of rock and shoal,We are the danger-stations,We are the sea-patrol! Swan's Island can be reached by ferry from Bass Harbor on Mt. Owned and operated by the town of Bristol (with the help of volunteers), the site includes a Fisherman's Museum. The walk to the light on the breakwater is beautiful. Number of Pages. Southern Maines best kept secret! Monhegan Island Lighthouse & Museum: Monhegan Island. Please come prepared with extra layers. You can also see Bug Light in Portlands busy harbor. Entrance/parking is $5 per person but active military get in free. I loved my stay here! We have one goal: to help you fall more in love with the state of Maine! Constructed in 1898, you will find the only range lights in Maine and features a few unique wooden lighthouses. Built in 1857, it has two 48-foot towers. Day 7-8: Drive to Camden, stopping at Schoodic Peninsula on the way. Camera with a back-up battery and charger (if you have one). This light tower is a photogenic attraction for tourists and is widely regarded as one of the most photographed lighthouses in America. The drive from Lubec to Camden is about 3 hours, but its great to break it up with a stop in Schoodic Peninsula, which is the lesser-known/visited part of Acadia National Park. Fish and Wildlife Services Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge. Nestled at the western entrance of Boothbay Harbor, Burnt Island Light is one of the oldest lighthouses in Maine. It stands at the western entrance to Muscle Ridge Channel on Penobscot Bay. Owls Head Lighthouse, located in Owls Head State Park at the entrance of Rockland Harbor on Penobscot Bay, is owned and operated by the Coast Guard. The lighthouse and keepers house may be toured in July and August on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. It was first lit in 1879. But its a really cool and different lighthouse to see on your road trip, and I think its worth a stop. After youre done at Squirrel Point Light, head off to Boothbay Harbor to spend 1-2 nights. It was deactivated in 1934 but reactivated in 1987. Youll be able to explore this beautiful area, and add another lighthouse notch in your belt, which is Head Harbor Light. In the summer, you can climb to the top of the light. Head down for sunset and you will get to seeone of the most popular lighthouses to see in Maine, in all its glory! Its within Acadia National Park. It was built on Egg Rock in 1875, is still active today, and is managed by the U.S. . Lighthouse built in 1858 and automated in 1974. One thing to note is that many of the seafood shacks in Maine are very seasonal, and they dont usually begin to open until mid-May at the earliest some not even until June. Battie, which provides incredible views of Camden from above. The Light was constructed in 1835 to a height of 38ft. Lots of space to explore and take pictures. To get there you can take the 6 tenths of a mile hike over the bridge and through a trail. and provide an annual Midcoast Maine lighthouse tour. Grindle Point Sailors Museum/Lighthouse, 40 Best Things To Do Portland Maine (Family-Friendly! Once youve created your own must-see list, I also suggest breaking up the stops by visiting half of them on your way to the furthest destination, and then visiting the other half on your way back. You just park at Bug Light Park and enjoy yourself. Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island. It was put on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988. Once you arrive in Bar Harbor, I recommend getting settled, and exploring the town first. The summer months are undoubtedly the most popular time to visit Maine in general because the weather is the warmest, and theres fewer chances of rain. Im the creator and writer behind New England Wanderlust, and my passion is sharing my knowledge on the very best things to do and see in New England, and beyond. The metered parking is only about $2/hr, or a max of $10 for the day, so its not expensive. It can be found on the south bank of the St. Croix River in Calais, Maine. The Maine Maritime Museum campus sits on 20-waterfront acres and includes 15 structures housing numerous exhibits and displays. Many campgrounds and RV parks in Southern Maine, Read More Guide To Southern Maine Campgrounds and RV ParksContinue. Product . A tour of some of Maines most famous lighthouses starts in York County, at one of the most famous lighthouses in the country. Its one, By Most lighthouses in Maine that are on the mainland will be open for visitors to explore the grounds and walk up to the lighthouse year-round. A suggested donation of $2.00 per person helps with educational and operational expenses. Cruise comfortably with plenty of space to move around the open upper deck and enclosed lower deck. For a first-class tour, travel south to north to visit these must-see lighthouses. But, The Museum of Portland Head Light is located in the former keepers quarters. Maine Lighthouse Driving Tour Itinerary Overview Day 1: Arrive in Portland, and see Portland Head Light, Bug Light & Spring Point Ledge Light. Click here to book your e-bike rental and. For the sake of this post, Im going to start in Portland, and work my way north, but just reverse this route if you plan to start in the north and work your way south. Day 9: Drive to Bailey Island, stopping at Rockland Breakwater Light, Owls Head, Marshall Point Light and Pemaquid Light along the way. When I visited in mid-May, the people who lived in the adjacent house were there, so its best to be very respectful while visiting. Optional Tour: If youd like to take a tour of the city of Portland, led by a local historian, click the link below for an awesome option, which also includes all 3 Portland lighthouses! In the town of Owls Head, you can also swing by the harbor, which is a working fishing dock, and very small, but if you love coastal New England scenes like this, its worth a stop. A skeletal solar-powered tower is now nearby and used as an active light. There are 7 lighthouses in Maine that offer overnight stays. Portland, Maine is a charming city found nestled in the, By September is slowly becoming more popular for New England travel, and Ive experienced some crowds during this month, but late September seems to quiet down a bit. Our guide was so informative. If youre looking to do some hiking, consider either the Blueberry Hill trail, or the Buck Cove Mountain trail. This post will be all about the best Maine lighthouses to see during your driving tour, and give you all the information you need to plan your trip. A lighted buoy replaced the beacon, and the tower cant be visited. The Maine Lighthouse Museum, a winery tour, a Camden tour, a seal watch cruise, and a day trip to Acadia National Park highlight this immersion into the magic of coastal Maine. Some lighthouses have museums on their oceanfront grounds that offer insight into the rich history of lighthouse keeping, while other Lighthouses are now quaint inns or part of large state park grounds. Located on Green Island, the lighthouse was constructed in 1854 and automated in 1982. I love this little lighthouse so much! Prospect Harbor Point Light was first built in 1850 and rebuilt in 1891. Ethan DeBery. Midcoast Maine Lighthouses Follow Highway 131 south to Port Clyde to reach the 31-foot Marshall Point Lighthouse. Click here to book your e-bike rental and explore Acadia National Park by e-bike on your own schedule! Tripod for your camera or iPhone to take pictures with the self-timer function. Tour the elegant historic Victoria Mansion and enjoy free . Visiting Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse and Fort Preble Yes, many lighthouses in Maine offer tours of the interior, including the light towers. Maine Maritime Museum 243 Washington Street Bath, ME 04530 (207) 443-1316. DIVE INTO OUR MAP! You can also take a lighthouse cruise from Bar Harbor to see other nearby lighthouses like Egg Rock, Bear Island, Winter Harbor and Baker Island Lights. It was automated in 1954 and is still managed by the U.S. Coast Guard. We had a wonderful time visiting Camden, Mt. My suggestion is to arrive in Portland around lunch time, grab a bite to eat, and then head out to Bug Light, then Spring Point Ledge Light, and then Portland Head Light closer to sunset. Petit Manan Lighthouse At 123 feet, the lighthouse on Petit Island is one of Maine's tallest. ), How Long Does It Take To Sail Across The Atlantic? I also personally love visiting Maine in late May just before Memorial Weekend, the first week of June (right after Memorial Weekend), or in September after Labor Day. July 4, 8 pm Adults: $55; Youth (6 17): $32; Youth Under 6: $6 Members receive a 20% discount, register today! You can see it across the water while standing on Ocean Point in Boothbay. These historic beacons direct maritime travelers to a safe harborand there's even one on Cobbosseecontee Lake, the only landlocked lighthouse in the state. Bear Island is part of the Cranberry Isles. See some of the Kennebecs most beautiful lighthouses in the splendor of fall! It was discontinued in 1934, and the entire station was sold. Timing is for one 4-hour shift during the week or on weekends (8:30 to 12:30 or 12:30 to 4:30). We are York's original sea kayak tour company and are entering our 12th season. I suggest you have a good breakfast and pack some snacks for the road, and leave early this day so you dont feel rushed at each lighthouse. Two very famous lighthouses in Maine, though, are Portland Head Light and Cape Neddick Lighthouse. Battie and the Farnsworth Museum. Its located in Fort Williams Park, a popular place for picnics, hiking, and sunbathing in the summer while overlookingCasco Bay. Established in 1828, the current 43-foot structure was built in 1855, deactivated in 1955, and relit in 1957. The island is small, rocky, and located 10 miles from the mainland. You cant visit the island, so the tower is best viewed from the water or air. Discover the maritime past on your own or learn about lighthouse history from educated tour guides. This is a bit of a long driving day, but I promise you, its loads of fun and absolutely worth it! Maine Lighthouses in Greater Portland Spring Point Ledge | South Portland This unique lighthouse is located at the end of the 900-foot breakwater in Portland Harbor. I planned it so youre seeing about half of the stops on this list on the way to Lubec, and half on the way back. Stacy Randall. Explore the Kennebec River where shipbuilding began more than 400 years ago and continues today. Its a 30-foot cylindrical brick tower attached to a 1.5-story keepers house. If you want to see lots of sites in a short period, this is a great way to do it.". Parking at Marshall Point is free and easy. Though the park is open from sunrise to sunset year-round, the lighthouse museum and gift shop are only open on weekends in May and November. Its on the National Register of Historic Places. The present 47-foot gray granite conical lighthouse was constructed in 1850 from granite. Located 1 mile from Boothbay Harbor, the island is open seven days a week. The park is open to visitors 9am-5pm everyday from the Middle of May until mid to late October (closing date varies each year). Maine and lighthouses go hand in hand. Let us provide you with the best lighthouse tour to one or more along the rocky coastline of Maine. For more information, please refer to ourPrivacy Policy. It stands 40 feet tall and is a sparkplug lighthouse in Lubec, Maine. The current light was built in 1874 from brick and stands 39 feet. Known to be one of the loneliest lights, Saddleback Ledge is a granite stone rising about 20 feet out of the water. Cruise to Boothbay Harbor aboard the museums cruise boat Merrymeeting, explore the town, and then re-board for a close-up look at Maines Windjammer Fleet! The center and museum is open Memorial Day weekend through mid-October, daily, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Check out our Travel Essentials . The current 25-foot white cast-ire cylindrical light is automated. The park rangers do not allow you make a U-turn and make your way back, so youll have no other choice but to wait if its full. The staff was removed in 1977, and the light is now operated by solar power. The light is owned by the town, and the grounds are open to the public. The walk is very scenic, and there are a few really cool photo spots along the way! Optional boat tour to see Winter Harbor, Egg Rock, Bear Island and Baker Island lighthouses from the water. Its light was established in 1836, and the current 25-foot cylindrical brick tower dates to 1896. York Harbor, ME 03911. e-mail: harboradventures@aol.com. Goddard Mansion was build before the fort by the world renowned New York Architect Charles A. Alexander for a businessman John Goddard. You can see the legendary Boone Island Light perched out at sea, where sailors were shipwrecked in 1710 before the light was built in 1852. We had a very broad perspective of the different views of Maine in terms of coastal, city and fall foliage. Youll want to be aware of tide schedules, as youll cross a bridge over a marsh to get to the lighthouse and back, so be sure youre visiting well within low tide (or before high tide at the very least). Year after year I stand hereHolding my steady light,Sending its ray of comfortInto the darkest night. The main attraction in Bailey Island is the Giants Stairs trail, which is a short cliff-walk that has huge rocks you can climb on for incredible views of the ocean. The current 1855 construction is brick, round in design, and 45 feet tall. This tour company offers cruises to see the Maine puffin colonies, whale watching, lighthouses and even lobster trap hauls. It's the only caisson-style lighthouse in Maine that can be toured. For the sake of this post, Im going to suggest Ogunquit because I think its easier to do with a 1-night stay, but I love Kennebunkport equally as much, and both are a great choice. Special arrangements can be made to visit the station. During this autumn cruise youll see up to six lighthouses:Doubling Point Light, Kennebec Range Lights, Squirrel Point Light, Perkins Island Light, Pond Island Light, and Seguin Island Light. Free shipping. ), 11 Marine Plywood Alternatives (Durable & Budget-Friendly Choices! The tower has limited hours for climbing (see below) and is only open weather permitting. To visit Pemaquid Point, there is a $3 per car entrance fee, and on-site are public bathrooms, a lighthouse museum and lots of coastline to explore. Celebrate Summer Solstice on Cadillac Mountain, Exploring Southwest Harbor Acadia National Park Mount Desert Island, Guide to Bethel Maine Hotels, Inns, and Lodging, Guide To Southern Maine Campgrounds and RV Parks. 10 Best Cape Cod Lighthouses + How To Visit Them (2022), The Ultimate Marthas Vineyard Day Trip Guide + Itinerary (2022), 33 Exciting Things To Do In New England In The Fall (2022), 13 Best Places To Stay In Vermont In The Fall + Cozy Inn Recommendations (2022), Best Towns To Stay In On Cape Cod For Every Type Of Traveler (2022), Click here for the local tide schedule for this area. To advance to the next box click the VCR controls in the header or press your Space Bar. With 65 beautiful lighthouses to choose from, you can tour the Maine Coast from east to west and never get tired of the variety. Jessica Langille. These lighthouses are less than an hour drive from Portland. There is also a bed & breakfast above the museum, shop and restaurant. Your Maine bus tour takes you from the state's largest city-by-the-sea, Portland, to America's most photographed lighthouse. This unique lighthouse is located at the end of the 900-foot breakwater in Portland Harbor. The lighthouse can be found at the entrance of Rockland Harbor on western Penobscot Bay in the town of Owls Head, Knox County, Maine. No visitors are allowed on the island, but boat tours pass by for a view of the lighthouse. Doing a Maine lighthouse driving tour is an unforgettable experience! The 25-foot wooden octagonal light was erected in 1898 and automated in 1979. We provide private and luxury sightseeing tours for individuals, couples and large groups starting in the Portland and Kennebunkport areas of Maine. At the northern end of the main channel into Portland Harbor, this lighthouse is located on a quarter-mile rocky finger of land. The 42-foot white cylindrical light can be viewed from a boat tour 19 miles south of the Cranberry Isles. I'm Sam. If you dont have 10 days, you could do this itinerary in 7 days, and just not have as much down time. He was polite and also a great and safe driver. Currently, its solar operated. The official website of Maine's oldest lighthouse, The Portland Head Light. During your visit, I recommend looking for the little path to the pebble beach (to find it, itll be on your right if youre walking to the lighthouse along the path, and closer to the parking area). The light was automated in 1959, stands 106 feet above the water, and can be seen from a boat. ), Georgetown (also mentioned earlier) and Sebasco. Here are some other awesome things to do in Acadia National Park: The drive to Lubec is about 2 hours and 15 minutes from Bar Harbor, and I would suggest going straight to West Quoddy Lighthouse first, and budgeting time to see the actual lighthouse, and walking on some of the surrounding trails. June 29, 10 am Adults: $65; Youth (6 17): $42; Youth Under 6: $10 Members receive a 20% discount, register today! Disclosure: Town & Tourist may receive a commission for purchases made through links in this article, at no additional cost to you. It was discontinued in 1933 and is a private residence. This is a really serene spot in the town of Port Clyde, and unless youre visiting on a weekend in the summer, you might not see more than 1-2 other people while here. Located on the most eastern point of the continental United States, West Quoddy Head Lighthouse is a stunning spot to see the first rays of sun in the country. See below for further details. Your guide to adventures in Maine. Pemaquid Pointis a lighthouse not to be missed because its the most photographed (and subsequently one of the most beautiful) in the state of Maine. Although many Maine lighthouses arent accessible on land, lighthouse boat tours are an ideal way to see these attractions and get the best photographs. Definitely stop at Ravens Nest, which is no longer on the park map because it could potentially be dangerous. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. You can move forward or backward with the Left Arrow, Right Arrow, Page Up and Page Down keys. For the best rental car deal for your road trip be sure to check out: Want to capture instagrammable lighthouse photos? The museum is open daily, July 1-August 31, 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.; June 23-June 30 and September 1-September 30, 12:30-2:30 p.m. These lighthouses are all accessible on land, and they include: First, youre in for a real treat! Most of these tours will go by three lighthouses: Ram Light, Burnt Light and Pemaquid Light (Pemaquid is later on this itinerary, so stay tuned!). If youre coming from anywhere in New England, or the rest of the U.S., youll likely want to start in Portland, and work your way up and back. Its not a big beach, but nice for a quick walk and a quiet moment. We cant wait to show you around! Erected in 1905 in the conical style, its 72 feet tall. Constructed in 1871 of granite and brick, it stands 76 feet tall. The west tower has been deactivated and is privately owned. With 65 lighthouses in the state, you can indulge your passion for these gems to the fullest. The site was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1988. Its such an underrated part of the U.S., and perfectly balances being outside with eating amazing food and getting to see some beautiful, small towns. 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