26 Amazing Midcoast Maine Lighthouses (with map)
Midcoast Maine lighthouses. There’s something magical about them. Perhaps it’s their history, or the fact that they often sit atop rocky cliffs, seemingly defying the elements.
Whatever the reason, people are drawn to them like moths to a flame.
Midcoast Maine is home to some of the most iconic and popular lighthouses in New England. It also happens to be home to some of the most amazing Maine coastal towns to visit. So if you’re looking to get your lighthouse fix, this is the place to be.
Note: The great old photos on this page are from the Library of Congress.
Here Are The Midcoast Maine Lighthouses!
1. Pemaquid Point, Bristol
👉 open spring – fall for visitors, with limited times for climbing the tower (call ahead to check the times)
One of the most popular midcoast Maine lighthouses, Pemaquid Point Lighthouse is located at the tip of Pemaquid Peninsula in Bristol, ME.
Pemaquid Point Lighthouse is one of Maine’s oldest and most iconic lighthouses. The original lighthouse was built in 1827 to guide sailors safely into Bristol Harbor but it has had many incarnations throughout history.
Today, visitors can take a self-guided tour of the grounds, which includes a museum and gift shop.
The lighthouse stands tall atop a rocky cliff and offers breathtaking views of the rugged Maine coastline. It’s definitely worth the visit to experience all that this gorgeous site has to offer.
See Pemaquid Point, Burnt Island, and Ram Island Lighthouses with this boat tour!
2. Rockland Breakwater, Rockland
👉 grounds are open daylight hours; tours subject to volunteer availability (more info)
Another one of the really popular midcoast Maine lighthouses, Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse, located in the picturesque harbor of Rockland, ME, is a must-see for anyone visiting Midcoast Maine.
Built in 1902 to guide ships into the busy harbor, this iconic lighthouse is considered one of the most photographed lighthouses in Maine.
Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views from the top of the breakwater, which is accessible from the mainland. The lighthouse also offers a glimpse into maritime history via its on-site museum and exhibits.
3. Marshall Point Lighthouse Museum, Point Clyde
👉 lighthouse grounds are open daily
**Bonus: This is the lighthouse from Forest Gump, automatically making it one of the most popular midcoast Maine lighthouses.
Marshall Point Lighthouse Museum in Port Clyde, ME was built in 1832 and was originally staffed by two keepers who lived on-site with their families.
Today, the site has been restored and is open for public tours. Visitors can explore the beach, rock formations, and tidal pools, as well as learn more about the area’s history by visiting the museum.
The nearby boardwalk trail also offers inspiring views of Penobscot Bay and the surrounding coastline. Marshall Point Lighthouse is definitely one of Midcoast Maine’s most beautiful lighthouse sites.
4. Burnt Island Lighthouse, Boothbay Harbor
👉 open daily all summer (more info); only accessible by boat or kayak
Located just off the coast of Boothbay Harbor, Burnt Island Lighthouse is one of Midcoast Maine’s most picturesque lighthouses.
This National Register of Historic Places lighthouse was built in 1821 to guide ships into Boothbay Harbor, the lighthouse has been automated since 1977 and is still actively guiding vessels today. The lighthouse keeper’s house is also open for tours in the summer months and is a must-see for any lighthouse fan.
Take a cruise out of Boothbay Harbor to see the Burnt Island and Ram Island Lighthouses.
5. Seguin Island and Lighthouse, near Popham Beach
👉 Hiking and picnics allowed on island; with membership, you can even camp here!
Seguin Island and Lighthouse, located near Popham Beach in Midcoast Maine, is a National Historic Landmark and an iconic piece of Maine’s maritime history.
The lighthouse was built in 1795 as part of President George Washington’s directive to build lighthouses along the US coastline.
Today, visitors can take a ferry out to the island where they can explore the grounds and learn more about Maine’s maritime heritage. The lighthouse itself is no longer active, but its views of the rugged Maine coast are just as breathtaking today as they were centuries ago.
With Popham Beach State Park nearby, there’s plenty to explore in this picturesque part of Maine. Make sure to take the time to visit this remarkable piece of history when you’re in Midcoast Maine.
6. Doubling Point Lighthouse, Arrowsic Island
👉 open 9am to 5pm; access via private gravel road (more info)
Doubling Point Lighthouse on Arrowsic Island is a historic lighthouse that has been guiding ships into the Kennebec River since 1899.
Located near the town of Bath, Maine, this iconic beacon is one of Midcoast Maine’s most visited lighthouses, and still an operating lighthouse. It flashes every four seconds and can be seen for nine nautical miles.
Visitors can explore the grounds and get up-close views of the picturesque lighthouse. The nearby trails offer breathtaking views of the Kennebec River and a chance to spot some of the area’s wildlife.
Doubling Point Lighthouse is a must-stop for anyone enjoying a coastal drive or boat trip through Midcoast Maine. Make sure to take the time to explore this majestic piece of history when you’re in the area.
7. Cuckolds Lighthouse, Boothbay Harbor (Southport)
Cuckolds Lighthouse, located just off the coast of Boothbay Harbor in Midcoast Maine, is an iconic beacon that has been guiding vessels since 1892.
It was originally built as a way to protect ships from the treacherous rocks near the entrance to Boothbay Harbor and it still stands today as a symbol of Maine’s maritime heritage. At one time there was a luxury retreat at the lighthouse, but unfortunately it closed in 2019.
8. Owls Head Lighthouse, Owls Head Park, Owls Head
👉 open spring through fall from 10am to 5pm every day but Tuesday
Owls Head Lighthouse, located within Owls Head Park in Midcoast Maine, is a must-see for any lighthouse enthusiast. Established in 1826 to help guide ships into the harbor near Rockland, the lighthouse has become a popular spot for tourists and locals alike.
From its iconic tower to its stunning views of Penobscot Bay, this lighthouse is sure to leave a lasting impression. Visitors can explore the grounds and get up-close views of the picturesque beacon, or simply sit back and enjoy the harbor breeze. With Owls Head Park nearby, there’s plenty to see and do when visiting this charming Midcoast destination.
9. Fort Point Light, Fort Point State Park, Stockton Springs
Fort Point Light, located within Fort Point State Park in Midcoast Maine, is a spectacular historic lighthouse that has been guiding ships since 1835.
It was built to help vessels navigate the treacherous waters of Penobscot Bay and it still stands today as an iconic reminder of the area’s maritime heritage. The lighthouse is not open to the public, but you can still picnic, hike, and enjoy plenty of other outdoor activities in this picturesque setting.
10. Squirrel Point Light, Arrowsic Island
Squirrel Point Light is a historic lighthouse located on Arrowsic Island in Midcoast Maine. Built in 1895, the light has been guiding vessels into the Kennebec River ever since.
Visitors can explore the grounds (the buildings are not open to the public) and take in stunning views of the Kennebec River from nearby trails.
11. Grindel Point Light, Islesboro
👉 open July through Labor Day; tower is open to the public
Grindel Point Light, built in 1850, is a historic lighthouse located on the western tip of Islesboro in Midcoast Maine. Visitors can take a ferry out to the lighthouse and explore its grounds, or enjoy spectacular views of Penobscot Bay from the nearby trails.
There is a lot to explore on Islesboro besides the lighthouse. Here is information on the Islesboro ferry, and things to do on Islesboro so you can make an amazing day on this really cool island.
12. Goose Rocks Lighthouse, Fox Islands Thorofare
Goose Rocks Lighthouse is a historic beacon located at the entrance of Fox Islands Thorofare in Midcoast Maine. Built in 1890, the lighthouse is completely surrounded by water. It is best seen by boat, and the nonprofit that owns it offers tours and even overnight visits!
13. Curtis Island Light, Camden Harbor
Curtis Island Light is a historic beacon located in Camden Harbor, Midcoast Maine. The lighthouse has been guiding vessels through the harbor since 1835. The town purchased the lighthouse from the Coast Guard in 1998, and the island is now a town park.
It is still an active lighthouse, however. It is not open to the public, but you can access the park by boat. You can also get a view of the lighthouse from parts of downtown Camden, and from the top of Mount Battie. For a really great afternoon, that passes by Curtis Island Lighthouse.
Take a schooner tour of the harbor while getting a great view of the lighthouse.
14. Indian Island Lighthouse, Rockport Harbor
👉 not open to the public; must be seen from the water
Indian Island Lighthouse is a historic beacon located in Rockport Harbor, Midcoast Maine. Built in 1847, the lighthouse is now privately owned.
15. Brown’s Head Lighthouse, Vinalhaven
Brown’s Head Lighthouse is an active aid to navigation lighthouse located on the southern tip of Vinalhaven, in midcoast Maine.
Built in 1857, the lighthouse is open to the public, but it *is* on an island, so you’ll have to take a ferry out to it.
16. Eagle Island Lighthouse, Deer Island
Eagle Island Lighthouse is an active lighthouse located on the eastern side of Deer Island in Midcoast Maine. Commissioned in 1838, the lighthouse has been guiding vessels through Penobscot Bay ever since.
Privately owned, the lighthouse is not open to guests, however it can be seen by the water.
17. Heron Neck Lighthouse, Vinalhaven/Greens Island
Heron Neck Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse located at the entrance of Vinalhaven and Greens Island in midcoast Maine. Built in 1854, the lighthouse guides ships through Vinalhaven’s main port.
It’s light can be seen for nine nautical miles. The lighthouse is not open to the public, however it can be seen by boat, sitting atop a rocky cliff.
18. Franklin Island Lighthouse
👉 must be seen by boat
Franklin Island Lighthouse is located on the western side of Franklin Island in Midcoast Maine. Built in 1805, neither the lighthouse nor the island are open to visitors. To get a good view, you’ll have to head out by boat!
19. Monhegan Island Light & Museum
👉 open to visitors June through September with various days and hours
Located on, Monhegan Island Visitors can take a tour, climb the tower for breathtaking views, and explore the museum. It is owned by the Monhegan Museum Association, but operated by the Coast Guard.
20. Matinicus Rock Lighthouse
Matinicus Rock Lighthouse is located on the western side of Matinicus Island. Built in 1827, the lighthouse basically sits on a giant rock 25 miles off the coast of Maine.
The lighthouse is still active and is fully automated. Matinicus rock is also the most southern nesting ground for the incredibly adorable Atlantic puffin! The only way to see this lighthouse is from the water.
21. Whitehead Lighthouse, Whitehead Island
The Whitehead Lighthouse is located on the rocky shores of Whitehead Island in Maine and has been a beacon of safety for ships traversing the Penobscot Bay since 1803.
Today, the lighthouse and dwellings have been renovated and are available for rental. They also run programs for adults where you stay for several days to learn about what it was like to operate a lighthouse, as well as learn about the Maine coast.
22. Tenant’s Harbor Light Station, St. George
👉 best viewed from the water
The Tenant’s Harbor Light Station is located in the town of St. George in Maine and has been a beacon of safety for ships since 1857. This historic lighthouse stands at 51 feet tall and consists of a two story dwelling with an attached circular cast iron tower.
Its flashing white light can be seen up to 12 nautical miles away. The lighthouse has been privately owned for decades, most notably by the famous Wyeth family.
23. Two Bush Island Lighthouse, Two Bush Channel
👉 best seen by boat
Two Bush Island is a small island located in Two Bush Channel, Maine. It is home to the Two Bush Island Lighthouse, which was built in 1872 and stands at 39 feet tall.
Its flashing white light can be seen up to 11 nautical miles away and is still used today by ships navigating the waters of Two Bush Channel. The grounds are closed from April through August due to seabird nesting, and the tower itself is not open to the public.
24. Pond Island Lighthouse, Phippsburg
The Pond Island Lighthouse is located off the coast in the Georgetown/Phippsburg area, Maine and has been guiding ships to safety since 1821.
The grounds are not open to the public, so the only way you’ll see this lighthouse is by boat.
25. Saddleback Ledge Lighthouse, Isle au Haut
👉 must be seen by boat
Saddleback Ledge is an island located in between Isle au Haut and Vinalhaven. It is home to the Saddleback Ledge Lighthouse, which was built in 1839.
Its flashing light can be seen up to 17 nautical miles away and is still used today by ships navigating the waters of Isle au Haut. The lighthouse is owned by the Coast Guard, and the grounds are closed to the public.
26. Isle au Haut Lighthouse
Isle au Haut Lighthouse is a beautiful little lighthouse located on the eastern side of Isle au Haut in Midcoast Maine. Built in 1907, the lighthouse is best seen from the water, but visitors to the island are able to explore the grounds.
There are also docent-led tours of the lighthouse available.
Conclusion: 26 Amazing Midcoast Maine Lighthouses
Maine’s midcoast is home to a number of beautiful and historic lighthouses, each with its own unique story to tell.
Whether it be the lesser known lighthouses like Ram Island Lighthouse in Boothbay Harbor or Saddleback Ledge Lighthouse off Isle au Haut, or the really famous ones like Pemaquid Point, each lighthouse serves as a reminder of the important role these navigational aids have played in maritime history.
While exploring midcoast Maine lighthouses, know that there is just as much to see on land. You’ll find
so much to do in Belfast,
amazing wineries in and around Camden,
and some really great
day trips out of Boothbay Harbor
in the midcoast area.
Traveling with a pet? There are even great hotels right in the area that are pet-friendly.
You might come for the lighthouses, but you’ll find so much more in Maine’s beautiful midcoast towns.