Lighthouse in Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park, located on Mount Desert Island along the rugged coast of Maine, is a place of stunning natural beauty. The park is known for its scenic landscapes of rocky shores, granite peaks, and lush forests, attracting millions of visitors annually. Among its many attractions, the park also holds a rich maritime history, prominently represented by its historic lighthouses. These lighthouses not only guided mariners safely through the perilous waters of the Atlantic but have become symbols of the coastal heritage of Maine. The most iconic of these is the Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse, which continues to draw visitors from all over the world.

1. Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse: Acadia’s Iconic Beacon

The Bass Harbor Head Light Station is a historic lighthouse located in Tremont, Maine. Perched on the southernmost tip of Mount Desert Island, the Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse is the most famous lighthouse within Acadia National Park. Established in 1858, it stands as a sentinel overlooking the treacherous waters of Blue Hill Bay and the Bass Harbor Bar. Built to help ships navigate these dangerous waters, the lighthouse's white tower rises 32 feet above the ground, and its light shines 56 feet above the high-water mark.

As one of approximately 80 lighthouses across Maine, it stands out as one of the three lights managed by Acadia National Park, with the other two located on Baker Island and Bear Island.

The structure is constructed from brick and features a conical design, which is typical of many lighthouses built during the mid-19th century. The light originally came from a fifth-order Fresnel lens, a type of lens that uses concentric prisms to focus light into a strong beam. Today, the lighthouse remains active, though it has been automated since 1974 and is managed by the U.S. Coast Guard.

This iconic lighthouse has gained national recognition, appearing on the America the Beautiful quarter in 2012 and the National Park Service centennial postage stamp in 2016. Its significance and historical value were formally acknowledged when it was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1988.

Visiting Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse

The Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse is not only a functioning navigational aid but also a major tourist attraction. Visitors can view the lighthouse from a walking trail that loops around the building, providing spectacular views of the coastline and the lighthouse itself. From the rocky cliffs below, photographers and nature enthusiasts can capture breathtaking images of the lighthouse against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean, particularly during sunrise and sunset when the light bathes the area in warm hues.

While the interior of the lighthouse is not open to the public, the grounds are accessible year-round. Visitors can enjoy the picturesque surroundings, including short hikes through nearby forest trails. The lighthouse sits near Bass Harbor, a charming village known for its fishing community and quiet atmosphere.

Bass Harbor Head Light Station

Bass Harbor Head Light Station

Bass Harbor Head Light Station

Bass Harbor Head Light Station

Bass Harbor Head Light Station

Bass Harbor Head Light Station

Bass Harbor Head Light Station

2. Baker Island Head Light Station

Baker Island Light, situated on Baker Island off the coast of Mount Desert Island, is known for its picturesque setting and historical significance. Built in 1828, it provides panoramic views of the island and surrounding waters, accessible via boat tours during the summer months.

3. Bear Island Head Light Station

Bear Island Light is located on Bear Island in Frenchman Bay, offering views of Mount Desert Island and the Schoodic Peninsula. Originally established in 1839 and rebuilt in 1889, it remains an active aid to navigation, contributing to the maritime heritage of Acadia National Park.