Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse

The striking Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse is one of the most recognizable maritime landmarks in South Portland. This structure is a rare "caisson-style" lighthouse, often called a "sparkplug" because of its distinctive shape.

Located on the west side of the main shipping channel leading into the port, this lighthouse in the USA was built to protect ships from a treacherous underwater ledge. It stands about 16.5 meters (54 feet) high, and its foundation goes deep into the seabed, ensuring the structure's reliability for over a hundred years.

Today, the lighthouse is not only an important navigational aid but also a fascinating museum. It is connected to the mainland by a massive 274-meter (900-foot) granite breakwater, where anyone can walk out to the tower itself to feel the breath of the Atlantic and enjoy views of the harbor.

For up-to-date information on special tours and events, we recommend checking the official website of the volunteer organization dedicated to the preservation of this historic site.

The highlight for visitors is the opportunity to step inside the historic tower. During tours, you can climb the stairs and see the recreated keeper’s quarters, furnished with authentic pieces. It is a great chance to learn how lighthouse keepers lived during the Victorian era and see the Fresnel lens that guided sailors for decades.

A walk along the 900-foot granite breakwater gives you the sensation of walking right out into the ocean. From here, you can enjoy magnificent panoramic views of Casco Bay and the passing ships. Photographers will appreciate the chance to capture striking shots of the lighthouse against a sunset sky or crashing waves.

Just steps away from the breakwater are the ruins of Fort Preble. History buffs can explore the 19th-century fortifications and old cannons. After visiting the lighthouse, it is pleasant to stroll along the campus paths and stop by the small gift shop to pick up maritime-themed souvenirs.

The lighthouse is located at 2 Fort Rd, right on the Southern Maine Community College campus. If you are arriving by car from downtown Portland, the drive will take about 10–15 minutes. Take I-295 South, then turn onto Broadway toward South Portland and continue to the college parking lot.

For those preferring public transport, METRO buses (routes #1 or #7) are a great option. Get off at the college stop and walk about 10 minutes along Fort Road toward the shore. During the summer months, you can also consider arriving via boat tours that operate in the bay area.

Construction of the Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse began in 1896 after seven major steamship companies petitioned the government to make the shipping channel safer. Due to severe storms and technical challenges, the project cost $45,000, a significant sum for that time. The first light signal was lit on May 24, 1897, by keeper William A. Lane.

For a long time, keepers lived in isolation because the tower stood directly in the water, cut off from the shore. This changed only in 1951, when a massive 274-meter (900-foot) breakwater was built using 50,000 tons of granite. This made the lighthouse accessible by foot but took away its former solitude. In 1960, the lighthouse was fully automated, and the permanent staff left the site.

In 1998, ownership of the lighthouse was transferred to the Spring Point Ledge Light Trust. A year later, on May 22, 1999, the tower doors opened to the general public for the first time. Today, it is the only caisson-style lighthouse of its kind in the USA where tourists can legally go inside to explore the lifestyle of maritime workers from the past.

A standard visit to the site usually takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours. This is enough time to leisurely walk along the granite breakwater, take panoramic photos of the bay, and explore the tower's interior if you arrive during tour hours.

If you plan to combine your visit to the lighthouse with an exploration of the neighboring Fort Preble or a walk around the college campus, we recommend allowing about 3 hours. The atmosphere here invites quiet contemplation and a thoughtful look into maritime history.

The breakwater and the exterior of the lighthouse are open to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This allows guests to enjoy the seascape at any time, whether it's early morning or late evening.

The interior of the lighthouse and guided tours are typically open only during the summer season (usually from June to early September). Since the museum's operation depends on weather conditions and volunteer availability, be sure to check the organization's official website before your trip to confirm the current visiting schedule.

Exploring the area around Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse can significantly enrich your experience of the Maine coast. Nearby, you will find unique fortifications and other legendary lighthouses that define the region's character.

Be sure to set aside time for a stroll through the neighboring parks, where the seascape harmoniously blends with the state's historical heritage.