Lighthouses Of Maine

The spectacular rocky coastline nearby Portland, Maine is studded with lighthouses dating back over 200 years. On this tour you'll see three prominent lighthouses and visit the Museum of Portland Head Light. Drive through historic Portland passing by the Eastern Promenade offering a panoramic view of Casco Bay, the Portland Observatory, the new arts district, as well as the thriving business districts.

Visit Bug Light, a steel structure lined with brick, that was first lit in 1875 to aid navigation for this busy port. Enjoy the Liberty Ship Memorial dedicated to the 266 ships built on the site during WWII. These vessels were the workhorses of the WWII fleet, carrying cargoes of grain, mail, ore, ammo, trucks and troops. Then it's a short jaunt to the Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse. Many vessels ran aground on this dangerous ledge before requests from several steamship companies convinced the government to build a lighthouse.

Travel along Cape Elizabeth's rocky coast to Fort Williams, now home of Maine's oldest lighthouse. First illuminated on January 10, 1791, Portland Head Light has since stood at the gateway to the harbor for mariners traveling the perilous coast. Here you'll have ample time to explore the grounds and visit the museum located in the former lighthouse keeper's quarters. It chronicles the history of the lighthouse and Fort Williams with exhibits displaying original artifacts and documents, navigational aids, lenses, video displays, models and photography.