There is only a ten minute drive between the Portland Head Lighthouse to the Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse in Portland. As we travel the coast into the South Side of Portland, the views are spectacular with sailboats in the cove surrounded by million dollar mansions.
The lighthouse was completed in 1897 and is one of 49 caisson-style lighthouses in the United States that visitors can walk to. It protects sailors from the dangerous ledge as they enter the Casco Bay and Portland Harbor, located at the end of the 950-foot breakwater.
Built by Thomas Dyer, the lighthouse measures 77 feet in height and was an integral part of protecting Portland’s growing harbor in the 1800s. It was lit by William A. Lane on May 24, 1897. The breakwater was added in 1951, built of 50, 000 tons of local granite.
The lighthouse was transferred to private ownership under the Coast Guard Reauthorization Act of 1996 and a trust was formed in 1998 to maintain Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse and manage future restoration projects.
While visitors can walk along the breakwater for a closer view of Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse, guided tours begin after the Memorial Day weekend on Tuesdays and Thursdays and limited Saturdays from 11:30AM to 1:30PM as the weather allows. The cost is $5 per person. Private tours are also available for up to 12 people with a fee of $150.
Have you had the opportunity to visit Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse? Did you take the guided tour? I would love to hear about your visit if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my wonderful visit to Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse and wishing you many Happy Travels!
What to See and What to Do:
Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse
2 Fort Road
South Portland, ME 04106
Telephone: 866 570 5703
- Admission: Free
- Hours: Open daily 365 days a year from sunrise to sunset
- Amenities: Guided tours, beach nearby,
- Length of Your Tour: 1 – 2 hours to visit
- Tips for Your Visit: There is a beach and fort next to the lighthouse. There is a small fee to enter the lighthouse and call ahead to schedule a tour. Check the tide as it is best to visit during low tide. Small parking area on the community college’s campus.
Where to Stay:
Inn at St. John Portland In-Town
939 Congress Street
Portland, ME 04102
Telephone: 800 636 9127
Where to Eat:
DiMillos
25 Long Wharf
Portland, ME 04101
Telephone: 207 772 2216
What to Eat:
Seafood, especially lobster!
What to Read:
- Delirium, by Lauren Oliver
- Persuader, by Lee Child
- Shelter in Place, by Nora Roberts
- The Singing Trees, by Boo Walker
- The Probability of Miracles, by Wendy Wunder
Photo Guide for Portland:
- Boda Thai Kitchen
- Casco Bay and the Portland Head Lighthouse
- Crown Jewel
- Drifter’s Wife
- Eventide Oyster Company
- Portland Head Lighthouse
- The Press Hotel