The Underrated Lighthouse That Just Might Be The Most Beautiful Place In Maine
By Michelle|Updated on February 20, 2024(Originally published November 14, 2016)
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Michelle
Author
Michelle's life is a colorful map of exploration and adventure. From the iconic streets of New York to the sunny shores of Florida, the jagged coast of Maine to the rugged terrain of Montana, she's been fortunate to call some of America's most beautiful states home. Beyond the U.S., Michelle's wanderlust has taken her on a motorcycle journey through India, led her to teach English in Hanoi, and saw her studying Spanish in Guatemala. Michelle graduated with a communications degree from the S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University and in addition to a career in advertising has worked with OnlyInYourState since 2016, where her love for travel and storytelling converges. Alongside writing and exploring, Michelle finds joy in photography, staying active, and time with her family.
For questions, comments and inquiries please email: mstarin@onlyinyourstate.com.
Located on the South Portland campus of Southern Maine Community College, Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse is one of the lesser-known lighthouses in Maine. But, don’t let that fool you. It’s one of the most charming, not to mention easy to access given the limited crowds and available parking. On a bright sunny day plan a picnic, bring your family, and explore this splendid place right on our breathtaking coastline.
The ledge, where the lighthouse sits, juts out into the main shipping channel in Portland Harbor. Its dangerous extended position at the shoreline of Fort Preble led to many shipwrecks and groundings.
It is located on the shore right before the breakwater. The fort is fascinating to explore with little windows that perfectly frame the activity on the water. There are hidden doors, stone staircases, and broken-off structures as you travel around the area observing the echos of a long-lost era.
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Back to the history...For years, the ledge was marked using a variety of attention-grabbing nautical devices.
Taking a trip along the breakwater is a fun adventure for the whole family. Bring the kids and climb on the rocks and hop over the large crevices. Take your time as you walk and keep your eyes peeled for fish and birds that find a home around the rocks. In our experience, this was one of the best lighthouses to visit because there is so much to see and do. Unlike other lighthouses, the Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse is an interactive place that is great for the whole family.
Even though the view from the lighthouse itself is one of our favorite views, there are still plenty of other places from the shore where you can see the beauty of this light.
The park surrounding the ledge is perfect for relaxing and appreciating Maine's nautical history and Portland's important role in shipping. There are plenty of places to sit and enjoy the quiet calming flow of the ocean or the sound of the birds singing. We suggest bringing a picnic lunch and spending the afternoon exploring the fort, walking out to the lighthouse, and enjoying the scenery.
While Spring Point is not the largest or even the most visually impressive lighthouse in Maine, it's truly a gift to visit and explore.
the Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse is simply a must-see in Maine. With a beautiful park, a beach, and a breakwater you can walk out, all make for a really fun family outing. It is easy to get to and we have never found it to be too busy while there. Whether you come to just sit and watch the boats pass by or walk out to the light you are sure to have a blast. Check out this Adventuring in the Moment video to see the park, the fort, and the lighthouse on one fun family trip.
If you just love our beautiful lighthouses then check out this Maine lighthouse tour led by a real local.
