Portland Head Light & Museum
Museums, City Parks & Gardens
South
History, Local Culture, Photography, Sports & Recreation, Outdoors, Shopping, Engineering
There is no admission to the Fort Williams park area, which offers great views of the light and the ocean. The museum, for its part, does charge a small fee to enter.
Eating: This is NOT a good place to get a meal or snack.
Baby Changing Facility: No
Portland Head Light & Museum
Historic Light House and Museum
| Address: | Phone: |
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12 Captain Strout Cir Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107 |
+1 207 799 2661 |
Description
The Portland Head Light is a picturesque lighthouse located on the rocky cliffs in southeastern Maine. It was constructed in 1791 by the state of Maine; the government decided that after two people died in a shipwreck off the coast of Cushing Island in 1787, it would be prudent to have a lighthouse on the rocky shoreline. It was built to its current height of 72 feet and was originally kept by Captain John Greenleaf, a Revolutionary War veteran who was appointed to occupy the keeper's house by President George Washington. Today, the lighthouse itself is manned by the United States Coast Guard, but the museum, grounds, and keeper's quarters are managed by the city of Cape Elizabeth. The museum is housed within the original keeper's quarters building and showcases various light lenses and historical displays.
Times & Dates
Open Hours: Hours varyVisit Time: 30min-1.5hr
Average Wait Time: None
Price: $0-$5
Price Notes: There is no admission to the Fort Williams park area, which offers great views of the light and the ocean. The museum, for its part, does charge a small fee to enter.
Discounts Available: Children under 6 are free.
Exposure
Outdoor with little or no covering.Age Recommendations/Requirements
Ages Admitted: All AgesAges that would most enjoy this site: All Ages
Groups that would most enjoy this site: Couples, Families, Friends, Groups, Solo Travelers
Transportation
Best Modes of Transportation:
Automobile/Car
Bicycle
Motorbike/Scooter
Parking Availability: Limited
Average Price per Hour: Free
Parking Safety: Safe
Notes: There are only a handful of spots within a stone's throw of the lighthouse, but there are several lots around the park.
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