Standing as a beloved symbol of Portland’s rich maritime heritage with spectacular views over the harbor, The Portland Observatory is a historic tower located on Munjoy Hill. Built in 1807, the tower is one of its kind, providing communication between ships and the shore using signal flags and a telescope.

The telescope was situated in the observatory's cupola (lantern) and could identify ships miles out to sea. Unfortunately, the telescope disappeared from the tower in 1939. Designated as a National Historic Landmark in 2006, the 86-foot (26 m) tall observatory tower is now a museum that is open to the public to explore.

Visitors can enjoy guided tours of the tower which focus on the importance of the structure to maritime history and the changes in the seafaring port of Portland in the last two hundred years. If you are looking for best things to do in Portland with the family, this is a great stop.

138 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101, Phone: 207-774-5561, Map

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