Portland Head Light
Lighthouse · Cape Elizabeth, Maine
The first lighthouse built by the United States government, standing on the headland at the entrance to Portland Harbor. Construction began in 1787 at George Washington's directive, using a fund of fifteen hundred dollars he established, and it was lit on 10 January 1791. It is the oldest lighthouse in Maine and among the most photographed in America. The light still works, the tower is closed, and the park around it is free.
1000 Shore Road, Cape Elizabeth, Maine, 04107, United States
⚠ FORT WILLIAMS PARK, WHICH SURROUNDS THE LIGHTHOUSE, IS FREE AND OPEN DAILY from sunrise to sunset - the view, the headland and the walk cost nothing, all year. THE MUSEUM IN THE FORMER KEEPERS' QUARTERS IS TICKETED AND SEASONAL, generally late spring to autumn. ⚠ THE TOWER IS NOT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC and never routinely has been - it is an active aid to navigation. Parking is free but the lot fills by mid-morning in summer.
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