Lighthouses, A Maine Sight to See

One of Maine most beautiful sights to visit is our lighthouses, and with about 65 lighthouses in the state it’s no wonder why we are known as the lighthouse state. Maine has more lighthouse than any other state except for Michigan and New York, and more costal lighthouse than anywhere else is the U.S. So, while you are staying here with us at The Mainer Resort here are a few lighthouse that I think are a must see during your stay.


One of my personal favorite to visit is Portland Headlight at Fort Williams Park in Cape Elizabeth. This is the lighthouse where Longfellow wrote his poem ‘The Lighthouse’. Fort Williams Park is a beautiful place to enjoy a nice sunny day outside with the family, as one of Maine’s most popular attractions it’s no doubt that it’s a beautiful place to see. The keeper’ quarter is now a museum, and there is also a gift shop.

Construction began on Portland Headlight in 1787, it stood 72 feet tall and its light first illuminated in January of 1791. The headlight underwent many changes from 1813 to 1882, from being lowered and heightened to new lenses being upgraded, today when you visit the lighthouse, look for the scars left behind from the several changes.

Another popular lighthouse to see is The Nubble Lighthouse in Cape Neddick. This along with Portland Headlight is one of the most photographed lights in Maine. Built in 1879 this lighthouse has a Victorian style keepers’ house with gingerbread trim. The public is not allowed on the property but there are occasional tours by Friends of Nubble Lighthouse, otherwise it is easily viewed from Sohier Park in York Beach, which is about 200 yards away.

My third recommendation for lighthouses to visit is The Boon Island Lighthouse; built in 1811 this lighthouse is on a tiny island which is about 6 miles off the coast of York. Due to its location this lighthouse has taken many beatings from storms and has been rebuilt several times. This is Maine’s tallest lighthouse as it stands at 137 feet. This lighthouse is also not accessible to the public, but it can be seen from Sohier Park, off of Nubble Road, in York Beach, and by a local lighthouse cruise.

With some many lighthouses in Maine to see those were just a few, and all within less than an hour drive, Portland Headlight, is your best choice if you want to get up close and personal, but the other two are also great choice to bring photos back home to show friends and family. Come stay with us at The Mariner Resort and view these wonderful sights!