Portland Head Lighthouse

Portland Head

The coast of Maine is riddled with rocky outcroppings, reefs, ledges, and small islands, making navigation dangerous and challenging. For hundreds of years, lighthouses on the mainland have helped guide ships safely into harbors, and those on barren rocks in the ocean have helped ships avoid treacherous shoals and ledges. Portland Head Light is the oldest of Maine's 66 lighthouses. It was built during the presidency of George Washington and is the oldest operating and most photographed lighthouse in America. The grounds of the lighthouse provide all you could ask for: an historic lighthouse in a spectacular setting, crashing surf, an old fort, a beach, and the ruins of an old stone mansion can all be found at Fort William Park, home to Portland Head Light. The park offers something for everyone: history buffs can explore the fort's remains; nature buffs can walk along the cliffs that drop to the sea; families can picnic on grassy hills, play frisbee, or fly kites; lighthouse buffs can visit the lighthouse, museum, and gift shop; and everyone can enjoy the breathtaking views of Portland Harbor and Casco Bay. Even in winter, the park draws people who cross-country ski, sled, or ice skate on the pond. On a windy day at high tide, the surf pounds the rocky ledges surrounding the lighthouse, churning into white foam. Photography buffs will find many different perspectives from which to photograph the lighthouse and the rocky promontory on which it sits. If you'd like to get a different perspective on Portland Head Light, try taking one of the cruises offered around town, like Bay View Cruises' Casco Bay/Portland Headlight/Seal Watch Cruise (June through September) from Fisherman's Wharf on Commercial Street. Fort Williams Park, just four miles from downtown Portland in Cape Elizabeth, is open from sunrise to sunset, year round. There is no admission fee. The former Keepers' Quarters is now an award-winning museum that contains several lighthouse lenses and interpretive displays. Next to the lighthouse is a shop that sells gifts related to Maine and lighthouses. Both the museum and the shop are open in season. See the museum's Web site for details. From 295 in Portland take Route 77 south to South Portland. Go left on Broadway, then right on Cottage Road. Cottage Road becomes Shore Road at the Cape Elizabeth town line. Approaching from the south, take Route 1 north to Oak Hill in Scarborough. Go right on Route 207, then left on Route 77 north to Cape Elizabeth. Turn right at the blinker on to Shore Road. Portland Head Light is located in Fort Williams Park, 1000 Shore Road. Tel (207) 799-2661

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