Picture this: It’s a beautiful day and you’ve got guests in town! So, naturally, it’s summer because nobody’s got visitors during a Maine winter. But, that’s not the point. You’ve got a full day planned, including coffee, lighthouses, a new restaurant and a few stops for photos in between. It’s a full day, so you’ve got to stay on schedule. The only problem with that? There’s a good chance you might miss some of the best that Maine has to offer! Today, we’re talking about the visiting the strange ruins in Maine that can be found if you veer just slightly off-the-beaten-path at the Portland Head Light.

There it is! Beautiful and iconic, waiting to be visited by locals and visitors!
Mark / Flickr
Portland Head Light is located within Fort Williams Park, but there's something ELSE worth seeing while you're there.
Bernt Rostad / Flickr
The historic Goddard Mansion sits just beyond the parking lot but is oftentimes completely overlooked by visitors.
las - initially / Flickr
The now crumbling mansion looks like it must have quite a story hidden within its walls.
Daniella V / TripAdvisor
It was built in 1853-59 for Colonel John Goddard, a businessman and commander in the American Civil War.
Daniella V / TripAdvisor
Nearly 5 decades after its heyday, the once beautiful mansion came into the hands of the army and, from 1900 onward it was used as living quarters for non-commissioned officers.
kelly / Flickr
It later became a club for these officers and sergeants.
mersee / TripAdvisor
In the 1980s, it was burned by a controlled fire, which left it looking like a truly haunting abandoned piece of Maine history.
Paul VanDerWerf / Flickr
Today, the mansion can be found via a short walk from the parking lot or, if you prefer the scenic route, a more beautiful walk on the trail near the lighthouse.
Daniella V / TripAdvisor

To take the short hike that leads to the Goddard Mansion after visiting the lighthouse, take the trail headed North that begins just nearby. You’ll find the mansion once you’ve completed the cliff walk. Simply continue past the Ship Cove beach area after the Battery Hobart and you’re there!

For 8 other strange Maine ruins, check out this article!

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