Portland Head Light is a historic lighthouse in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. The light station sits on a head of land at the entrance of the primary shipping channel into Portland Harbor, which is within Casco Bay in the Gulf of Maine. Completed in 1791, it is the oldest lighthouse in Maine.

How do I get to the Portland Head Light?

From the north, or Interstate 295 in Portland, take Route 77 south to South Portland. Go left on Broadway, then right on Cottage Road for 2 miles, until you reach the park entrance. Cottage Road becomes Shore Road at the Cape Elizabeth town line.

What city is Portland Head Light in?

Cape Elizabeth is the home of Portland Head Light. Situated along the spectacular shores of Fort Williams Park, at 1000 Shore Road, the popular landmark is owned and managed by the Town of Cape Elizabeth, Maine. The Park is open year round from sunrise to sunset.

Is Portland Head Light still active?

Commissioned by George Washington, Maine's oldest lighthouse is still active, guiding ships into Portland Harbor. ... Drive through the campus to the Portland Harbor Museum, and walk along the granite wall to Spring Point Ledge Light.

What does Portland Head Light look like?

Portland Head Light, Cape Elizabeth, Maine

When visiting the promontory where the lighthouse is located you will notice the waves crashing over an unusual rock formation. They appear to be petrified wood, but is actually quartzite and dark grey phyllite accumulating in alternating layers.

Portland Head Light Aerial

What is Maine's oldest lighthouse?

The Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth is the oldest lighthouse in Maine and is adjacent to 90-acre Fort Williams Park and its great ocean views and recreation.

Can you tour Portland Head lighthouse?

Portland Head Light/Fort Williams Park welcomes buses and tours to visit our museum, Fort Williams Park, and Portland Head Light. Fort Williams Park charges a fee of $170.00 for each tour bus, and $25.00 for each commercial passenger van, per visit entering the park.

Can you stay in a lighthouse in Portland Maine?

A Lighthouse Enthusiasts Dream Destination. At Inn by the Sea we welcome you to make this your new preferred oceanfront resort hotel for enjoying these landmarks.

Can you visit Halfway Rock lighthouse?

This conical granite tower, technically located in Harpswell, sits atop a notorious rock heap that caused many shipwrecks over the years. The light station can be seen from the Portland Observatory on Congress Street or from the end of route 24 on Bailey Island, where a small parking area welcomes visitors.

What happened to the Goddard Mansion?

Acquired by the army in 1900, the mansion was used as NCO Quarters (non-commissioned officers/sergeants), and later included an NCO Club. Seriously deteriorated by the time of the town's acquisition in 1962, the interior debris was burned in a controlled fire in the 1980s, and the walls were fenced off in 2009.

What is the most photographed lighthouse?

Adjacent to Fort Williams Park, The Portland Head Light is the most photographed lighthouse in America, and also the oldest in Maine.

What lighthouse can you see from Portland Head Light?

Built in 1897, Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse (2 Fort Road, South Portland) sticks up at the mouth of the harbor like a giant spark plug, and it also has several distinctive features including a view of the entire Portland skyline from across the water.

Do you have to pay to go to Portland Head Light?

Admission fees: $2.00 for adults and $1.00 for children ages 6-18. Children under 6 are free!

Is Portland Headlight free?

CAPE ELIZABETH, Maine - The waterfront park that's home to Maine's oldest and most-photographed lighthouse will remain free to visitors - but not for their cars. The Cape Elizabeth Town Council voted unanimously Tuesday night to charge for parking at Fort Williams Park, home to the Portland Head Light.

How much did it cost to renovate Halfway Rock Lighthouse?

Ford Reiche paid $283,000 for Halfway Rock, a former Coast Guard lighthouse 4 miles off Harpswell, and he is undertaking a painstaking renovation.

Who is Ford Reiche?

Ford Reiche has been an attorney and an entrepreneur; in 2008 he was named the Maine Small Businessperson of the Year and the Mainebiz Business Leader of the Year. He is also a trustee of Maine Preservation. ... Ford Reiche bought the lighthouse at auction from the federal government in 2014.

Who Owns Halfway Rock?

Ford Reiche (center), owner of Halfway Rock Lighthouse, was a recipient of a 2017 ALF “Keeper of the Light” award. (L to R) ALF Executive Director Bob Trapani, Jr., ALF President Jeremy D'Entremont, Ford Reiche, ALF Treasurer Alan Ells and ALF 2nd VP Brad Coupe.

Where can you spend the night in a lighthouse?

• Clare Island Lighthouse, Ireland. ...
• The Lighthouse on Cape d'Or, Canada. ...
• Heceta Head Lighthouse, Oregon, US. ...
• Cape Otway Lightstation, Australia. ...
• Rua Reidh Lighthouse, Scotland. ...
• Porer, Croatia. ...
• The Lighthouse in Island Bay, New Zealand.

What lighthouse did Forrest Gump run to?

Gump ran from Alabama to Santa Monica, and then to Marshall Point lighthouse in Port Clyde, eventually arriving in Utah, where he declared himself done.

Is there a lighthouse in Maine that you can spend the night?

Whitehead Light - Offering programs for adults at an historic lighthouse in the heart of the Maine coast. In addition, the entire facility is available to rent for up to seven days and six nights.

Are dogs allowed at Portland Head Light?

Dogs are welcome in the park but must be kept on a leash, except for an unleashed area at the south end of the park.

Does Fort Williams cost money?

Fort Williams Park is located at 1000 Shore Road in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, and is open from sunrise to sunset every day of the year. Admission is free and parking is available within the park.

What US state has the most lighthouses?

With more than 115 lighthouses along the Great Lakes, Michigan boasts the most lighthouses of any U.S. state.