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Located in Cape Elizabeth, perched on the headland above the rocky shores of Fort Williams Park, Portland Head Light was completed in 1791 to guide a safe passage through the main shipping channel into Portland Harbor.

  • Originally, the lighthouse used whale oil lamps for illumination. A fourth-order Fresnel lens was installed in 1855 and in 1991 it was updated with an aero beacon.
  • The former keepers' quarters are now a museum featuring various lighthouse lenses and with an interesting interpretative display.
  • There is also a shop selling Maine souvenirs.
  • The head light is part of Forth Williams Park, which is popular for hiking, picnics, sports, and gazing over the ocean. Click here for a fishing license which you can purchase online.
  • Where You'll Find it: 1000 Shore Rd, Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107-1916, Phone: 207-799-9574, Map

Cape Elizabeth is an easy 20-minute day trip from Portland (8.5 miles via ME-77 N).


Portland Head Light & Fort Williams Park
© Courtesy of hstiver - Fotolia.com

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