T
he romanticism of lighthouse life has motivated many a traveler to seek out a Maine lighthouse or two, and there are numerous ways to do so.
Many of Maine’s 64 beacons can be viewed from land, some only by boat, and lighthouse-themed excursion boats depart from many coastal communities.
A few Maine lighthouses are regularly open to visitors (Owls Head and Rockland Breakwater, for instance). Other beacons are accessible only by special tour or during events.
If you’re keen to sleep in a Maine lighthouse, a few offer that opportunity.
Here are eight ways to experience Maine’s light-keeping heritage. (Updated July 15, 2024)
Become enlightened at a Maine lighthouse museum
The Maine Lighthouse Museum in Rockland is home to the nation’s most extensive collection of Fresnel lenses and a boatload of other artifacts related to lighthouses, the Coast Guard, lifesaving stations, and the sea. It’s a must for any lighthouse lover.
While that’s the biggie for lighthouse museums, other troves of lighthouse lore can be seen in museums at Owls Head Light, Portland Headlight, Cape Elizabeth, and Marshall Point Lighthouse, tipping the Port Clyde Peninsula. And don’t miss Monhegan Island Light, part of the Monhegan Museum complex, where tower tours are available, and the Keeper’s House and Assistant Keeper’s House are filled with history and art.
Join an American Lighthouse Foundation Cruise
The American Lighthouse Foundation offers two narrated, lighthouse-themed tours each summer. The Southern Penobscot Bay 11 Lighthouse Cruise takes in Curtis Island, Indian Island, Rockland Breakwater, Owls Head, Whitehead Island, Tenants Harbor, Two Bush, Heron Neck, Saddleback Ledge, Goose Rocks, and Browns Head lighthouses.
The Northern Penobscot Bay 9 Lighthouse Cruise provides close-up views of Grindle Point, Fort Point, Dyce Head, Pumpkin Island, Eagle Island, Owls Head, Rockland Breakwater, Indian Island, and Curtis Island lighthouses.
American Lighthouse Foundation Executive Director Bob Trapani accompanies each to add color commentary (you know, the fun stories).
Tour beacons on Maine Open Lighthouse Day
On Maine Open Lighthouse Day, held in early to mid September each year, tour more than two dozen lighthouses salting the Maine Coast from Biddeford to Lubec. Most participating sites are open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for guided or self-guided tours of the keeper’s houses and/or the light towers. Some are only accessible by boat, and usually, excursion boats operate special cruises for the event.
Follow the Deer Isle Lighthouse Trail
Follow the Deer Isle Lighthouse Trail to see eight lighthouses guarding the local waters: Pumpkin Island, Eagle Island, Mark Island, Isle au Haut, Goose Rocks, Brown’s Head, Saddleback Ledge, and Heron Neck. Purchase a Lighthouse Passport and get it stamped at each.
Three area beacons are viewable from shore, but the rest require a boat. Isle au Haut Ferry Service offers lighthouse-themed tours.
Join the party at a special Maine lighthouse open house
While some Maine lighthouses are regularly open to the public, these beacons are accessible only during special events.
Usually, the West Quoddy Head Light Keepers Association hosts an annual Lighthouse Celebration at the Lubec beacon in early July. In addition to live music, food vendors, raffles, and special activities, the U.S. Coast Guard usually offers tower tours during the day. NOTE: The tower may also be open on Saturdays; check the site for details.
The Friends of Cutler’s Little River Lighthouse usually schedule open houses each summer. Transportation is provided from Cutler Town Wharf to the island in small open boats; children must supply their life jackets. Refreshments are usually available on the island. Events are weather-dependent.
Visit Wood Island Light
Volunteers from the Friends of Wood Island Lighthouse, located off the coast of Biddeford, offer 1.5-hour guided tours of the light, dating from 1806. Those ages 10 and older may climb the 60 stairs to the tower’s lantern room and even crawl through the two-foot-square hatch that accesses the walkway ringing the top. Tours, offered in July and August, depart from Vine’s Landing in Biddeford Pool. Reservations are required and can be made online.
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Stay in a Maine lighthouse
Pemaquid Point Light
Few lighthouses are as dramatically sited at Pemaquid Point; even fewer have been featured on the Maine state quarter. Inside the Keepers House at Pemaquid Point Light, a second-floor, one-bedroom apartment that sleeps four is available for one-week rental through Newcastle Vacation Rentals.
Little River Light House
Friends of the Little River Light House have made it possible to overnight at the light guarding Cutler’s harbor. Guests stay in three bedrooms. All share two bathrooms, a living room, and a kitchen. Guests must bring linens or sleeping bags, towels, food, beverages, and bottled water. The minimum age for an overnight stay is 12. Boat transportation is provided, with the tide determining times.
Whitehead Light Station
Whitehead Light Station, located on Whitehead Island at the mouth of Penobscot Bay, offers rentals. It also offers three- to five-day adult enrichment courses, such as a knitters retreat, craft beer appreciation, and writing and history programs. The 11.1-acre island is home to a seven-bedroom keeper’s house (rental includes full use of the island, transportation, mainland parking, local boating excursions, services of a skipper, and linens).
Seguin Island Light Station
Join the Friends of Seguin Island Light Station (207-443-4808, from $50 ) and be eligible to camp on the island, located at the mouth of the Kennebec River. Or, with a $250 donation (subject to increase)) to spend a night in the lighthouse. The rustic accommodations include two bedrooms, minimal kitchen facilities, a private bathroom (composting toilet) with running water, and an outhouse. Linens and drinking water are provided, and a light breakfast is delivered in the morning. Guests must arrange transportation, and getting to the dock can be tricky. Goose Rocks Light
Overnights at Goose Rocks Light help Beacon Preservation fund projects to restore and preserve the beacon. The light, located off North Haven Island, is surrounded by water; there is no accessible land. Up to six adults (min. age is 18) can sleep in two bedrooms and one bunkroom. Lighthouse volunteers provide transportation from the North Haven Island ferry terminal.
Burnt Coat Harbor Light
You can book a week’s stay in the Burnt Coat Harbor Light Keeper’s House atop Hockamock Head on Swans Island. The second-floor apartment has a bedroom that sleeps two, a fully equipped kitchen, a separate living room, and a full bathroom. The minimum rental is one week.
Pedal the coast on the Maine Lighthouse Ride
Cruise the coast on a bicycle and view up to nine lighthouses on the annual September Maine Lighthouse Ride. Choose from 25-, 40-, 62- or 100-mile bicycle rides with options for beginners to experienced pedalers. Registration fees vary with distance and include rest stops with food and water and a post-ride celebration. All rides depart from the Southern Maine Community College campus in South Portland. Class I and II e-bikes are permitted. Proceeds benefit the Eastern Trail, a signed, 65-mile bicycle route between Kittery and South Portland.
• Read about saving lighthouses: Keepers of the Flame: Blind Hope and Passion Fuel Lighthouse Restorations
