Lighthouses in Downeast Maine

Among the many sights and landmarks there are to see in Downeast Maine, a major highlight for many visitors is the iconic lighthouses that dot the region’s rocky shores.

Once a beacon for the U.S. Coast Guard and other maritime travelers to navigate the foggy, rugged coastline, Maine is home to more than 60 lighthouses. Today, many of these structures have now been converted into private residences, museums, and local attractions, with some of the state’s best lighthouse viewing being here in Downeast Maine.

Here’s a complete list of the top lighthouses to include in your Downeast Maine road trip itinerary. We’ve even included a few bonus stops located further to the west that are too iconic to keep off our list of the best lighthouses to visit in Maine

West Quoddy Head Lighthouse

Location: Lubec, Maine

West Quoddy Head Lighthouse might be one of the most widely recognizable lighthouses in the country. It marks the easternmost part of the continental United States, and President Thomas Jefferson commissioned the construction of the initial tower in 1808. Today, it’s known for its iconic red and white striped design, which was the third rendition of the tower built in 1858.

Though visitors can check out the lighthouse and surrounding hiking trails on foot during the off-season, the West Quoddy State Park is officially open from May 15 through October 15. The lighthouse’s visitor center and museum are run by a local non-profit organization, occupying the historic residence of the lightkeeper.

Bass Harbor Head Light Station

Location: Tremont, MaineOne of three lighthouses located within Acadia National Park, the Bass Harbor Head Light Station is a must-see landmark in Downeast Maine. The lighthouse sits on a rocky cliff with a picturesque setting overlooking Bass Harbor, with paved walkways surrounding the structure for viewing the exterior.

It receives about 180,000 visitors each year, making it one of the most visited locations in the entire park. So, be prepared to encounter some traffic and limited parking during your visit.

Burnt Coat Harbor Lighthouse

Location: Swan’s Island, Maine

Standing out as one of the few square-shaped lighthouses in Downeast Maine, the Burnt Coat Harbor Lighthouse is quite a delight. It’s located on the stunning Swan’s Island and is still a working beacon for local lobster boats.

With gorgeous harbor views, beautiful nature trails, and lobster boat spotting all located nearby, Burnt Coat Harbor is one of the region’s hidden gems. Plus, it’s one of the few lighthouse towers that you’re still able to climb! Hours and dates of operation can be limited throughout the summer season, so be sure to double-check this before your visit.

Isle au Haut Lighthouse

Location: Isle au Haut, Maine

The Isle au Haut Lighthouse was only built in 1907, which makes it the last lighthouse constructed in the state. Some people also refer to it as Robinson Point Light. The standout feature is that the lightkeeper’s house connects to the tower with a long catwalk, with the light itself built slightly offshore.

The original lightkeeper’s two-and-a-half-story Victorian home is now a summer vacation rental, though the lighthouse has remained in the town’s ownership since 1998. Tours of the lighthouse are available on occasion. However, the public mostly views this lovely structure from the water.

Little River Lighthouse

Location: Cutler, Maine

The Little River Lighthouse has the ultimate comeback story. The current tower was constructed in 1876 with brick-lined cast iron, though the first one on site was built nearly three decades prior.

In the years following the lighthouse’s decommissioning in 1975, various state, local, and federal agencies were offered ownership of the site and declined, often citing maintenance costs.

The fate of the lighthouse was in peril until the American Lighthouse Foundation stepped forward, eventually leading the restoration of the site. It was the first in New England with the honor of being transferred to non-profit ownership.

Now a cozy inn, staying in the Little River Lighthouse is a quintessential Downeast experience. With stunning views of Cutler Harbor, overnight accommodations are available from June through September.

Dyce Head Lighthouse

Location: Castine, Maine

Dyce (Dice) Head Lighthouse went dark in 1937 after it was decommissioned by the U.S. Coast Guard. The light was moved to scaffolding nearby, though this was destroyed during a major storm in 2007.

After much pleading from locals, the original tower was re-lit again in 2008, marking the end of seven decades of darkness in the tower. It’s located on a private residence, though there are public viewing hours during the day. Or, you could check it out from the water if you’d prefer.

Heron Neck Lighthouse

Location: Greens Island, Maine

Heron Neck Lighthouse was constructed in 1854 to help mariners navigate Penobscot Bay and safely reach Vinalhaven Island. Its design features a cylindrical brick tower attached to a one-and-a-half-story brick keeper’s quarters.

It’s said that the first keeper of the lighthouse, James Smith, was paid an annual salary of just $350 to oversee its operation. Since then, the original keeper’s home was demolished and replaced with a wooden structure in 1895.

One fun fact about the Heron Neck Lighthouse is that it was one of the few to have a “fog-bark,” This was supplied by Nemo, a Newfoundland dog that was trained to bark and alert the keeper after hearing a ship’s horn on a foggy night.

Pumpkin Island Lighthouse

Location: Little Deer Isle, Maine

Located off the northwestern coast of Little Deer Isle, the Pumpkin Island Lighthouse is visible from the shore, though you can get a closer look at it with a guided boat tour. Standing just 22 feet tall, this round brick lighthouse is attached to a single-story keeper’s house, with a small brick oil house, boathouse, and boat slip also present on the island.

The lighthouse was in service from 1854 until 1933, helping to guide the navigation of Penobscot Bay. Afterward, it became privately owned, and it has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since February 1988.

Goose Rocks Lighthouse

Location: North Haven, Maine

The Goose Rocks Lighthouse is a four-story structure built in 1890, which you’ll find positioned between Stimpson Island and Widows Island. Before the light was automated in 1963, the light keeper would live on the second level of this four-level structure.

Notably, the light is still used today to guide navigation. The Coast Guard continues to maintain the light, though the structure is now under private ownership by a local non-profit, the Beacon Preservation organization.

Egg Rock Lighthouse

Location: Frenchman Bay, Maine

Not everyone is a fan of this squat lighthouse on Frenchman Bay. The short, four-sided light tower protrudes from the center of the keeper’s house. To some, Egg Rock Lighthouse appears like a normal home with a large lantern sitting atop it, and it’s been referred to as “Maine’s ugliest lighthouse.”

We think this description is a bit harsh, and actually find it quite charming. Its unique design and appearance warrant a visit so that you can decide for yourself!

The lighthouse is not available to the public and is currently owned by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. You can enjoy views of this lighthouse from the water, and some even say you can see it from some of the tallest points in Acadia.

Petit Manan Lighthouse

Location: Petit Manan Island, Maine

The Petit Manan Lighthouse may not be the most accessible structure on this list, though it’s certainly worth the effort to see it by boat. It’s located on the Petit Manan Island, a good two and a half miles off the coast of Steuben.

It’s not quite the tallest lighthouse in Maine, though it’s close, with a height of 123 feet. If you’re not interested in taking a boat tour, you may also be able to catch a glimpse of it in the distance from the top of Pigeon Hill in Steuben.

Pemaquid Point Lighthouse

Location: Bristol, Maine

Though a bit outside of Downeast Maine, the Pemaquid Point Lighthouse is still worth exploring on a coastal Maine excursion. Known for being one of the state’s more notable lighthouses, you may recognize it as the landmark featured on the back of the Maine State Quarter.

There’s a park on-site that’s open from mid-May until late October, which is when visitors are able to climb the tower, with other attractions nearby like the learning center, Fisherman’s Museum, and art gallery. There’s a nominal fee for visitors to enter the park, with a small suggested donation for those who decide to make the climb.

Boon Island Light

Location: York, Maine

Near the New Hampshire border, the Boon Island Light is known for being one of the most secluded stations located off the coast of Maine. It has a storied, centuries-long history of marooned crews, isolation, and other seaside legends.

The lighthouse isn’t exactly in the Downeast Maine region. However, it’s a noteworthy landmark that is still active to this day. The public can view the lighthouse by boat or aircraft.

It’s the tallest lighthouse in all of New England, towering at 133 feet. The current brown granite tower was built in 1855, though previous versions were constructed on the site as early as 1799.

Downeast Maine Lighthouse Summary