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While glorious at sea level,
the bird’s-eye view is the tops!
Saturday, September 8 is Maine Open Light-
house Day when many of the state’s iconic
beacons are free for the public to climb. If you
miss this annual event, no worries—these year-
round attractions are always on guard with
flashing beacons and moaning foghorns to enjoy
from the ground up. These lighthouses are all
within 20 minutes of downtown.
See
for a driving tour of all six.
PORTLAND BREAKWATER (BUG LIGHT)
Built 1855. Inspired by a Greek temple, this
cast-iron structure stands at South Portland’s
former WWII Liberty Ship boat yard.
SPRING POINT LEDGE
Built 1897. At the end of a stone breakwater in
South Portland, this Caisson-style lighthouse is
open for tours during summer weekends.
PORTLAND HEAD
Built in 1791. Commissioned by George
Washington on the cliffs of Fort Williams Park
in Cape Elizabeth, it is one of the most photo-
graphed lights in the world.
CAPE ELIZABETH*
Built 1828, replaced 1874. Best viewed from
the shore and The Lobster Shack at Two
Lights in Cape Elizabeth.
CAPE ELIZABETH WEST*
Built 1828, replaced 1874. Sister beacon to
Cape Elizabeth Light, also viewed from The
Lobster Shack (ceased use in 1924).
RAM ISLAND LEDGE
Built 1905. At the north side of Portland Har-
bor. Best viewed from water or Fort Williams
Park in Cape Elizabeth.
*Together known as "Two Lights"
HAVE YOU SEEN
THE LIGHT?
PHOTOS: CFW PHOTOGRAPHY
VISIT PORTLAND / 41