Tuesday, March 17, 2020

Daytrips to Maine's Iconic Lighthouses



Visitors enjoying Maine's coastal beauty will want to include a trip to the area's iconic lighthouses. Camden is the perfect location to begin your exploration; there are five of these scenic lighthouses within an hour's drive of the Captain Swift Inn.

Curtis Island Lighthouse

Less than a mile offshore from the Camden downtown, you will find the Curtis Island Lighthouse. Built in 1896, the lighthouse is located on Curtis Island at the entrance of Camden Harbor. The lighthouse itself is not open to the public but, Curtis Island is a public park accessible by boat. Kayak out to the island and take a scenic walk to explore the 1889 keeper's house, barn, boathouse and oil house. Alternatively, treat yourself to an incredible view of the lighthouse from the Curtis Island Overlook located on Bayview Street in Camden.

Owls Head Lighthouse
This 1825 lighthouse is located in the town of Owls Head, at the entrance of Rockland Harbor. Climb the lighthouse for a grand view of Penobscot Bay. Tours are available Saturday and Sunday and Monday afternoons, Memorial Day through Labor Day. Keep an eye out! The Owl's Head Lighthouse is rumored to be frequented by the ghost of an old sea captain. There is also a grave of the lighthouse keepers’ dog.  Walk around the park near the lighthouse, there are places to have a picnic right on the shore.

Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse
For a fun outdoor excursion, head to the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse. The 1902 structure is located at the end of a 7/8 mile granite breakwater. Enjoy a beautiful scenic walk along the breakwater for a panoramic view of the harbor. The lighthouse is open to the public and includes a U.S. Coast Guard museum.

Marshall Point Lighthouse
The Marshall Point Lighthouse in Port Clyde may look familiar; it's one of the most photographed sites in Maine and was featured in the movie Forrest Gump. The property includes an 1880's Keeper's House with a museum featuring local and maritime history and artifacts, summer kitchen, barn and oil house.

Indian Island Lighthouse
This unique square brick structure, built in 1875, is located at the entrance to Rockport Harbor in Glen Cove. The lighthouse is now privately owned and is not open to the public, but you can enjoy the view of Indian Island aboard the Heron Schooner or other local sightseeing cruises.

The Lighthouse Museum, Rockland
After exploring Maine's lighthouses, include a visit to The Maine Lighthouse Museum (1 Park Dr., Rockland, ME.). This waterfront museum in historic Rockland is home to the largest collection of lighthouse, lifesaving, and U.S. Coast Guard artifacts in the United States. Summer hours (Memorial Day to Columbus Day) are Monday- Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday & Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Spring hours are Thursday, Friday & Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Admission to the museum is $8 for adults, $6 for seniors, children 12 and under are free with an adult. Members of the U.S. Coast Guard, active and retired are admitted free.

After an exhilarating day of exploring Maine's lighthouses, come back and relax with a stay at the Captain Swift Inn. Contact us for information and reservations.