No visit to the coast of Maine is complete without seeing at least one lighthouse.

From Boothbay, it’s possible to see or visit no fewer than nine, all within easy distance. For more information, check http://mainelightstoday.com, Newenglandlighthouses.net, Maine.gov, Lighthousefriends.com and  Lighthousefoundation.org

Burnt Island Lighthouse, Boothbay Harbor 043°49’30.5”N/069°38’24.9”W

Built in 1821 and now owned by Maine Department of Marine Resources, Burnt Island’s 30’-tall, granite, light tower, lined with brick, is the second oldest original lighthouse structure in Maine. The current keepers’ dwelling was built in 1857; the light and sound signals were automated in 1988. 

The grounds of Burnt Island are open seven days a week from 10 a.m.  to 5 p.m. May 15 - Oct. 15. Dock and moorings provide access for recreational boats and kayakers, and cruises past the island are offered by Boothbay Harbor Schooners, Balmy Day Cruises, and Cap’n Fish’s Cruises of Boothbay Harbor. From land, the lighthouse can be seen from Grandview Road on the east side of Boothbay Harbor.

Cuckolds Lighthouse, Southport 043°46’46.8”N/069°38’59.9” W

The Cuckolds lighthouse was built in 1892 to replace a 57’-tall wooden tripod that had marked the rocks since 1874. It was manned until 1974 when the light and foghorn were automated. The boathouse and keepers dwelling were demolished a few years later but were rebuilt by the Cuckolds Fog Signal and Light Station Council. The  dwelling was opened as an inn in 2014 but closed in 2019. There is no public access to the Cuckolds, but Cap’n Fish’s Cruises passes by. The lighthouse is visible Newagen Town Landing on Landing Road, Southport.

Hendricks Head Lighthouse, Southport 043°49’21.3”N/069°41’23.1”W

A lighthouse was first built at Hendricks Head in 1829 but it was replaced by the current structure in 1875. The pine-frame tower bolted to the ledge near the house holds the fog bell, which was first used in 1891. The light was discontinued in 1933 but was reactivated in 1951. Privately owned, the buildings and grounds were completely restored by the current owners. Not open to the public, the lighthouse can be seen from nearby Hendricks Head Beach and from the water on public cruises with Cap’n Fish’s Cruises out of Boothbay Harbor.

Monhegan Lighthouse 043°45’53.3”N/069°18’57.0”W

When built in 1824, the Monhegan light was the highest in Maine. Today the lighthouse and keeper’s dwelling are owned by Monhegan Historical & Cultural Museum Association and the dwelling houses Monhegan Museum, open daily 11:30–3:30 July and August and 1:30–3:30 in the second half of June and all of September; tower tours are offered twice a week, weather permitting. Monhegan can be visited year-round via ferry from Port Clyde, and in summer months from Boothbay Harbor.

Pemaquid Lighthouse, Bristol 043°50’13.1” N/069°30’21.7”W

The first tower at Pemaquid Point was built in 1826-27 along with a keeper’s house and attached kitchen. The current tower was built in 1835 and was automated in 1934.

The Pemaquid Point Lighthouse is one of New England’s most visited lighthouses and is featured on the Maine quarter. The lighthouse is open daily from mid-May through Columbus Day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. A one-bedroom apartment in the keeper’s house is available for weekly rental. Cruises past the lighthouse are run by Cap’n Fish’s Cruises out of Boothbay Harbor.

Perkins Island Lighthouse, Georgetown 043°47’12.4”N/069°47’06.9”W

Perkins Island Lighthouse in the Kennebec River  was built in 1898 and automated in 1959. An active navigational aid, the tower is owned by the U.S. Coast Guard and leased to American Lighthouse Foundation. The buildings, which have been extensively restored by the Friends of Perkins Island, are visible from Phippsburg to the west of the Kennebec. Cap’n Fish’s Cruises of Boothbay Harbor offers cruises of the Kennebec River, which pass by Perkins Island through the summer.

Pond Island Lighthouse, Pond Island 043°44’24.1”N/069°46’13.1”W

Owned by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and part of Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge, Pond Island is off the entrance to the Kennebec River. The first Pond Island Light was constructed in 1821. The current 20’-tall lighthouse was built in 1855. The dwelling, fog bell tower, and redbrick oil house built in 1905 were all demolished in 1960 after the lighthouse was fully automated. In subsequent years, a tern colony has been reintroduced on Pond Island. The lighthouse can be seen from Popham Beach State Park, and Cap’n Fish’s Cruises out of Boothbay Harbor runs cruises that pass by the lighthouse.

Ram Island Lighthouse, Ram Island 043°48’14.2”N/069°35’57.6”W

Ram Island Lighthouse was built in 1883 to guide mariners through Fisherman’s Island Passage on their way into and out of Boothbay Harbor. The 35’-tall lighthouse was automated in 1965 and a modern foghorn replaced the original fog bell in 1972. In 1983, the Coast Guard scheduled the lighthouse keeper’s house for demolition, but Grand Banks Schooner Museum Trust stepped in and leased the station. The trust took ownership in 1998 although the Coast Guard continues operation of the navigational light. Ram Island Lighthouse can be seen on cruises with Balmy Day Cruises and Cap’n Fish’s Cruises and, on day sails with Boothbay Harbor Schooners, it can also be seen in the distance from Ocean Point.

Seguin Island Lighthouse, Seguin Island 043°42’27.2”N/069°45’29.1”W

The first lighthouse was built on Seguin Island in 1796. The current tower and keeper’s dwelling were finished in 1857 and the brick fog signal building was constructed in 1889. The grounds are open year-round, while the tower and dwelling are open from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Summer lighthouse keepers give guided tours and visitors can climb the tower. Five Islands Boat Tours offers excursions to the island and access is also permissible via private boat; anchoring is not permitted, but there are six public moorings. The light tower is also visible from Popham Beach.