Lighthouses are synonymous with New England with practically all coastal areas of this six-state region guarded by these beacons. Maine alone has 65 of them and Cape Cod has eighteen! We’re not out to provide a comprehensive look into the lighthouses of New England but instead will feature some of our favorites. For this entry, we are focusing on northern New England; Maine, and, believe it or not, Vermont! (for this article we’re going to skip the short coast of New Hampshire).
Cape Neddick Light
One of the most photographed lighthouses is in York, Maine. It is Cape Neddick Light, also known as “Nubble Light”. It is a classic white lighthouse capped with a black beacon. Its red-roofed keeper’s house is attached to the light. York is a quintessential southern Maine beach town with miles of sandy beaches, rocky outcroppings, and a cottagey vibe. It also has a collection of historic homes and a commercial district on Route 1.
Portland Head Light
Another classic New England lighthouse is further up the coast in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. Ironically, although close to Portland, the lighthouse is not in town but instead guards Portland Harbor. The lighthouse stands tall and is shrouded in white and capped with a black beacon. Attached is the keeper’s house with a red roof. It is located within Fort Williams Park and is a popular place to visit anytime. In the summertime, warm weather activities take place here. This is the oldest lighthouse in Maine that dates from 1791.
Bass Harbor Head Light
Even further up the coast, or actually “down east” in Acadia National Park is the Bass Harbor Head Light. This is situated on a rocky cliffside but can be easily accessed by car. Painted white, this stands guard to Blue Hill Bay and Bass Harbor. This lighthouse dates from 1858.
Colchester Reef Light
This lighthouse is no longer located in Colchester nor near a reef since it is now part of the permanent collection at Shelburne Museum in Shelburne, Vermont. This land-bound lighthouse is part of their impressive collection of Americana. The lighthouse is reminiscent of a small house with a light protruding from it rather than the Maine lights. It used to be located in Lake Champlain and now houses a furniture collection of the museum.
Burlington Breakwater Light
The smallest of the lighthouses is the Burlington Breakwater Light North located just off the coast of downtown Burlington, Vermont. There is also a southern breakwater light as well. These two were rebuilt in 2003 as replicas of the originals. It is only accessible via boat as it sits at the end of a breakwater.
Of course, there are many other northern New England lighthouses to spot and visit but here are five to get you on your way. Happy lighthouse hunting! And here’s a Southern New England Lighthouse Tour
As a bonus, here is a lighthouse playlist to light your way as you explore the northern New England lighthouses
Northern New England Lighthouses playlist
- Kevin Salem – Lighthouse Keeper
- Willie Nelson – Moonlight in Vermont
- Maxwell – Lake by the Ocean
- Boz Scaggs – Harbor Lights
- Elvis Costello – Shipbuilding
- Spacehog – Ship Wrecked
- Christopher Cross – Sailing
- Jose Feliciano – Light My Fire
- Otis Redding – Dock of the Bay
- Donovan Woods – Portland, Maine
- John Mock – I Saw Three Ships
- Queen – Seven Seas of Rhye
- Modern Lovers – New England
- Grateful Dead – Ship of Fools
- Styx – Come Sail Away
- The Pietasters – Ocean
- M. Ward – Big Boat
- Hank Williams – I Saw the Light
- Irish Rovers – Drunken Sailor
- The Decemberists – The Mariner’s Revenge Song
