The Lighthouses of Maine

Located on the east side of the Lubec Channel (thus in Canada), this lighthouse can easily be seen from Maine (if the fog's not in). It was pretty thick when I got up, but after breakfast, as you can see, the other side was visible (if not beautifully lit).

(Take US 1 as far east as it will go, the follow State route 189 to Lubec. God willing, you will see both this light and the one below. ^ME2

Yes, Lubec Maine is related to Lubeck, Germany (the first settlers came from there). This cast iron tower on a steel caisson was one of 47 of this design, all called "sparkplug" lighthouses. It was built in 1890, was automated in 1939, but is no longer in service. ARLHS # USA-459

Little River Island, Cutler Harbor.

Overnight Stays are possible. Volunteers will meet you at the public boat ramp and take you on the 12 minute boat ride to the light. ^reservations ARLHS # USA-442

Machias Bay Boat Tours are available, which pass by Libby Island. ^tours ARLHS # USA-432

Captain Laura Fish, (207) 497-3064, offers tours to Great Wass Island and Mistake Island. Captain John Norton (207-497-5933) offers boat tours to Machias Seal Island, which for an extra fee, will pass by Mistake Island. ARLHS # USA-513

Robertson Sea Tours offers a Lighthouse Tour that passes by the island. ^tours ARLHS # USA-526

The light is actually located on a Naval Base, and restricted from access. However, if you go to the village of Prospect Harbor, and take your binoculars, you can see the picture we've attached. (J 0038) ARLHS # USA-674

Located in Frenchman Bay, it is best viewed by boat. Views from the shore are possible, but it is a long way out. (J 0040) ARLHS # USA-268

Best viewed by boat ARLHS # USA-516

Photo courtesy Library of Congress [uslhs.org]

Reputedly, the most photographed lighthouse in Maine (so they say, I'd suspect Portland Head wins hands down), this is just south of the town of Bass Harbor, and easy to find. There is a little matter of the walk down the stairs (down was easy, up wasn't), but we won't mention the small details (much). (J 0054) ARLHS # USA-041

Located on Hackamock Head

Ferry from Bass Harbor to Swan's Island. Exit the ferry and turn right to the stop sign (1/2 mile). Turn right and drive nearly 4 miles to the lighthouse. (J 0058) ARLHS # USA-096

Photo courtesy whitecloud00 [Webshots]

A bed and breakfast ARLHS # USA-404

Photo courtesy whitecloud [Webshots]

Near Deer Isle, ME

Excursion trips around the islands are offered via the Eagle Island Mail Boat from Sunset, Maine. The boat will pass by the Eagle Island Lighthouse en route to delivering mail to several islands in the area (J 0078) ARLHS # USA-256

Photo courtesy L. Stratton (Eastern Illustrating) [ListOfLights]

Private residence near Castine, ME

From Highway 1 near Orland, turn south on Highway 175 and drive south for eight miles to West Penobscot. From there, continue south on Highway 166 for roughly seven miles to Castine. In Castine, follow Battle Avenue past the Maine Maritime Academy to its end. (J 0082) ARLHS # USA-231

Ferry from Lincolnville Beach (about 6 miles north of Camden) ARLHS # USA-356

Photo courtesy whitecloud [Webshots]

On the way to get the picture of the Curtis Island Light (see above), we thought we'd found it. Here's the picture we got (and then compared with the reference book and found we were wrong.)

Can be seen from Rockport Marine Park ARLHS # USA-400

Photo courtesy whitecloud [Webshots]

View by boat ARLHS # USA-371

Photo courtesy pats7288 [Webshots]

This is the view of the breakwater when you are standing at the light. I'm sure you won't believe me about the length, so I attached this photo.

All the way on the other side of the bay from the Rockland Breakwater is this light. It was built in 1826 and is still in operation. We're told that the fog signal is more important than the light (because when it's really important, you can't see the light).

From Rockland, take route 73 south, then turn left on North Shore Road. The left turn into the light is well marked. (J 0104) ARLHS # USA-574

Best seen by boat (J 0122) ARLHS # USA-888

Photo courtesy pats7288 [Webshots]

This little light is attached to a beautiful building. I couldn't get them in the same picture. (J 0124) ARLHS # USA-479

Open to the public (J 0128) ARLHS # USA-509

Photo courtesy whitecloud [Webshots]

This is a dedicated park, not much bigger than the light house plot, but with a nice parking lot and attendance fee. It also has a lovely gift shop next door, so we were both happy.

Take route 129 to route 130 and follow all the way to the light. (J 0134) ARLHS # USA-589

Board The Novelty at Pier 8 in Boothbay Harbor. The light is located on the west side entrance to Boothbay Harbor. (J 0140) ARLHS # USA-097

Photo courtesy whitecloud [Webshots]

This light is private property, so the picture is taken from the neighboring beach. Given that the weather was warm, there was zero parking available, so Marnie double parked as I took this picture with the long lens, then we got out of everybody's way.

Take route 27 south the Beach Road. Luckily, there is a small roundabout there, or you'd miss the turn. (J 0144) ARLHS # USA-369

Located on an island in the mouth of the Kennebec southeast of Popham Beach. A bird refuge (J 0148) ARLHS # USA-1145

Photo courtesy vigs65 [Webshots]

Fort Popham is 15 miles from Bath on Route 209, two miles from Popham Beach State Park. This light can be seen from some scenic cruises leaving Boothbay Harbor and Bath. (J 0150)

Photo courtesy Alex Trabas [ListOfLights]

On Arrowsick Island, still active Coast Guard (J 0160 and J 0161.1) ARLHS # USA-415

Photo courtesy queenbgeorge [Webshots]

Actually in South Portland, there is a park here labeled Bug Light Park and the grounds are open to the public ARLHS # USA-659

Just south of Bug light is the Portland Harbor Museum. You can walk out the breakwater or use your long lens to avoid the walk. (J 0195) ARLHS # USA-785

This is a beautiful lighthouse, on a gorgeous coast, and we were lucky that the second time was a charm as far as the weather goes.

Take State Route 77 south from Portland (ME) and you'll see signs pointing to the coast (left going south). Follow the signs to the Fort William Park where you will find both the fort and the lighthouse. (J 0206) ARLHS # USA-661

This picture is from the coast. (J 0208) ARLHS # USA-115

Boat access only (J 0214) ARLHS # USA-905

Photo courtesy squarepond [Webshots]

A true "picture" by itself, this light is on an island connected to the mainland by a small overhead trolley. The lighthouse was erected in 1879. The picture is taken from Sohier park (he donated the land to the city) in York Beach, ME.

Highway 1 will take you to York Beach, then you need to navigate east to Neddick Point. Note, this is south of the village of Cape Neddick. (J 0226) ARLHS # USA-130

There are a pair of lights protecting the shoals in front of Portsmouth. Technically, this is in Maine. Here is one. The other is in New Hampshire. ^{VT 2} (J 0232) ARLHS # USA-963