Maine is known as the “Lighthouse State”, and it’s no surprise as to why. More than 60 lighthouses dot the rugged coastline, standing atop island cliffs and tucked into coves and inlets. Only about a dozen lighthouses are actually on the mainland.
One of the most photographed lighthouses of Maine is the Cape Neddick “Nubble” Lighthouse. Only viewable by boat or from the nearby Sohier Park, this lighthouse is tall and white and looms over a charming red and white Victorian keeper’s house. The 41-foot tower has a red light that flashes every 6 seconds and can be seen from 13 miles away.
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For visitors looking for an in-depth experience, consider visiting Marshall Point Lighthouse, one of only ten lighthouses in Maine that has a museum. Marshall Point Lighthouse is located in the quaint fishing village of Port Clyde. The round, black and white lighthouse stands on a rocky point at the entrance to the harbor and the museum offers a large reference center of historical information.
With many of its lighthouses located on islands, a well-planned lighthouse tour might include a scenic cruise of the coastline. This is a wonderful opportunity to view many of the lighthouses not accessible by land.
One of Maine’s most elegant lighthouses is open to the public. Built in 1875, the Portland Breakwater Light “The Bug” is modeled after an ancient Greek monument. Because of it’s smaller sized lighthouse, visitors can make a short climb up the 26 foot tower.
Consider visiting Maine on Lighthouse Day, September 17, when many of the normally closed lighthouses are open to the public.
