TRAVEL LIGHT
I love Maine Lighthouses. I can’t explain why, but every time we go to Maine, we try to see as many as possible. There are 57 active lights in Maine, but I’ve only seen a fraction of them (#goals). I’m sharing some of my favorite Maine Lighthouses here, listed geographically from South to North.
SOUTHERN MAINE
On our drives to Maine, we stop at Nubble Light in York, Maine, 20 minutes north of the Maine/New Hampshire border. Depending on which direction we’re driving, it’s either welcoming us to Maine or saying “see you again soon”.
On the day this photo was taken, it was -2 degrees. I love seeing the chill on the surface of the water.
PORTLAND AREA
About five miles southeast of downtown Portland, along the rocky coast of Cape Elizabeth, is Fort Williams Park. Fort Williams is a 90 acre property on Casco Bay that is home to historical sites, recreational facilities and the Portland Head Light. Construction of Portland Head Light started in 1787 with $750 and after being appropriated $1,500 from Congress, was completed in 1790. It was first lit on January 10, 1791.
About three miles north of Portland Head Light is Portland Breakwater Lighthouse, built in 1875. It is also known as Bug Light because of its size. Enjoy views here of Portland Harbor and the Portland skyline (and adorable Bailey).
THE MID COAST
The Mid Coast of Maine is a group of counties that starts at the coastal town of Bath and stretches north to Searsport in Penobscot Bay.
From the shipbuilding town of Bath, drive about five miles to the town of Arrowsic. After driving through the woods on narrow dirt roads, you’ll arrive at Doubling Point Lighthouse. Situated on the Kennebec River, Doubling Point was constructed in 1898.
President John Quincy Adams commissioned Pemaquid Point Light in 1827. Located in Pemaquid Lighthouse Park, the lighthouse is active and owned by the U.S. Coast Guard.
The Monhegan Island Light sits in the center of Monhegan Island . Completed in 1824 with a $3,000 appropriation from Congress, Monhegan Island Light is the second tallest light of Maine Lighthouses. Located on a hill, the site of the Lighthouse provides great views of the Island and the Gulf of Maine.
We didn’t have luck with the weather when we visited the Marshall Point Lighthouse in Port Clyde…do you remember seeing it in the movie “Forest Gump”?
Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse is located in Breakwater and Marie H. Reed Park. Attached to the keeper’s house, they sit at the end of the 7/8-mile long granite Rockland Breakwater in the Rockland Harbor. We had great views of the lighthouse when we took the ferry to the island of Vinalhaven.
DOWN EAST
”Down East Maine” is the northernmost part of Maine, from the Penobscot River north to the Canadian border.
We drove four hours north to see the red and white striped West Quoddy Head Lighthouse in the town of Lubec, located on the easternmost point of the United States. I was really ill and spent the entire trip lying in the backseat with Bailey. However, I dragged myself out of the car to take this photo of her and it was totally worth it.
FINAL THOUGHTS
My favorite singer-songwriter Glen Phillips, lead singer of Toad the Wet Sprocket, wrote a song called “Go”. It’s a love song using lighthouses as a metaphor. He said that typical love songs say, “I love you, come closer.” Lighthouses, however, say “I love you so much, I want you to go way over there so you don’t get hurt.” I can’t stay away from Maine Lighthouses, though…