Portland Head Light is the most photographed lighthouse in America, and it’s easy to see why. Her sights and sounds will captivate you and make you want to become a permanent Mainer.

General Information

Portland Headlight is open year-round from sunrise to sunset. There are no admission fees, but donations are always welcome. From April 1 - November 15 there is a fee for parking in the lot closest to the lighthouse. There is free parking available in the overflow lot.

The inside of the lighthouse is only open to the public one day a year—on Maine Open Lighthouse day.

History (credit: https://portlandheadlight.com/about-us)

In 1787, the General Court of Massachusetts provided $750 to begin construction of a lighthouse. In 1790, when the United States Government took over the responsibility of all lighthouses, Congress allocated $1,500 for its completion. The original tower measured 72' from base to lantern deck and was lit with 16 whale oil lamps. It was first lit on January 10, 1791.

Construction of the first Keeper's Quarters began in 1790 as the result of a contract signed by Massachusetts Governor John Hancock. A one story dwelling built to replace the first keeper's house was erected in 1816. It measured 34' x 20' with two rooms, a cellar and a porch in the rear.

By 1864, a 4th order Fresnel lens and a cast iron staircase were installed. By 1865, the tower was raised 20' and a 2nd order Fresnel lens was installed. A portion of this lens may now be seen at the Museum at Portland Head Light. Except for a period between 1883 and 1885, this lens was in the lighthouse until 1958.

The current Keepers' Quarters building was constructed in 1891 as a two story duplex. Until 1989, it was home to the head and assistant lighthouse keepers and their families.

Portland Head Light was the responsibility of the United States Department of the Treasury from 1790 to 1852 when management was transferred to the US Lighthouse Board. The Board was reorganized into the Bureau of Lighthouses in 1910. In 1939, aids to navigation became the responsibility of the United States Coast Guard.

On August 7th, 1989, there was a decommissioning ceremony recognizing the automation of the lighthouse. The property was leased in 1990 to the Town of Cape Elizabeth. Three years later, through the efforts of United States Senator George Mitchell, the property was deeded to the Town. The United States Coast Guard maintains the actual light and the fog signal, but the remainder of the property is managed by the Town of Cape Elizabeth.

Activities

There is never a bad time of year to visit the lighthouse. Summer is the favored season, due to the flowers that bloom around the grounds and the sandy beach that makes for great swimming! Not to mention the lobster roll and gelato food trucks that add to the experience. That being said, my favorite time to visit is in the Winter or the Spring when the crowds lessen and I can enjoy my time walking the trails and exploring the rugged coastline.

Fort Williams Park surrounds the lighthouse and offers visitors shaded picnic areas, hiking trails, historic forts, scenic ocean views, a sandy beach, a playground, and more. In the former keepers quarters, there is a museum and gift shop for visitors to enjoy artifacts, documents, navigational aids, Fresnel lenses, models, and photographs.

The next time you find yourself near Portland or in Southern Maine, make sure to stop by Portland Headlight and see what you’ve been missing! There is something for everyone to enjoy at Portland Headlight.