Lighthouses along the mainland and on islands – such as Whitehead, are opening their doors to the public during Maine Open Lighthouse Day!
(Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.)
Do you love Maine’s lighthouses? If so, then Maine Open Lighthouse Day is the event for YOU!
On Saturday, September 12, 2026, the “stars” many will come out to see during Maine Open Lighthouse Day are indeed the majestic beacons that grace the Pine Tree State’s rocky coastline, from Downeast to southern Maine. And while the public is enjoying the lighthouses up close and personal, they also have the opportunity to immerse themselves in other rewarding aspects that this event helps shine a light upon.
This year during Maine Open Lighthouse Day, twenty light stations will welcome visitors to experience these ageless sentinels in a very memorable way. Learn about why lighthouses were built, who kept their lights burning, the communities that thrived beneath their beams, and why it is so important we preserve these one-of-a-kind historic sites today.
Visitors will have the opportunity to climb the light towers of nearly all of the participating sites during Maine Open Lighthouse Day.
A view of the iron staircase inside Pemaquid Point Lighthouse.
(Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.)
Of course, people will have the amazing opportunity to climb to the top of nearly all of the participating historic sites, and admire stunning panoramic views of the natural environments that embrace them. The entire experience uniquely connects Maine’s alluring coastal fabric, which helps make the state such a great place to live, work and visit.
Visitors will also learn about the United States Coast Guard’s proud heritage as keepers of the lights and guardians of our coastline. The Coast Guard, which assumed responsibility for our nation’s lighthouses and other aids to navigation in 1939, still maintains 55 beacons and 36 fog horns at Maine lighthouses.
U.S. Coast Guard personnel will be helping to staff Fort Point, Owls Head and Portland Head lights during Maine Open Lighthouse Day.
At these sites, visitors will learn about how the USCG maintains the beacons and fog horns at Maine light stations today. Shown here (L to R) is BM2 Jack Harkness and FN David Senior working on the fog horn equipment at Owls Head Light.
(Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.)
“Often distant from the public eye – and at places where fanfare does not tread, there is a great amount of skilled work and altruistic service that occurs at the lights thanks to the quiet vigilance of the United States Coast Guard,” says Bob Trapani, Jr., Executive Director of the American Lighthouse Foundation. “Maine Open Lighthouse Day is not only a chance to recognize the Coast Guard’s important work at the lights, but to say ‘thank you’ as well. For lighthouses still matter! The maritime and lighthouse communities are very grateful for the Coast Guard’s dedicated service at the lights and the vast network of other navigational aids.”
One would be hard pressed to find another event throughout the state quite like Maine Open Lighthouse Day, which involves such a large geographic area. From Cutler to Kennebunkport, residents and tourists alike will enjoy visiting the open lighthouses and taking in the very best Maine’s coastal communities have to offer!
Each visitor has a chance to add their own “shine” to Maine Open Lighthouse Day by celebrating lighthouses, the Coast Guard and the state’s coastal charm, culture and offerings in a uniquely personal fashion. Be sure to max-out your “fun meter!”
During Maine Open Lighthouse Day, visitors will learn about how light stations are being preserved today, as well as the unique adaptive reuses they possess. One such site is Browns Head Light Station on Vinalhaven, where visitors can reserve their opportunity to spend a night at this beautifully restored historic site.
(Photo by Dominic Trapani)
Ross Holland Jr., the dean of American lighthouse historians, once said, “Americans love lighthouses. Artists and photographers find them picturesque. The dreamer finds them romantic. The boaters find them comforting. The navigator finds them helpful. The shore walker finds them peaceful. The historic preservationist feels they make a statement about a period of time. The historian is fascinated with the human and technological story they embody. And the idealist is drawn to them because they symbolize man’s humanity to man. Americans truly like and respect their historic structures, but it seems to me there’s a special place in their hearts they reserve for lighthouses.”
Maine Open Lighthouse Day, which debuted in September 2009, is sponsored by the American Lighthouse Foundation, U.S. Coast Guard (Sector Northern New England), and the Maine Office of Tourism. For more information, including participating sites, open times for each light station, and other details, visit: Maine Open Lighthouse Day Participating Sites
Maine Open Lighthouse Day offers the public a chance to walk in the steps of bygone lighthouse keepers as they ascend to the top of these ageless wonders.
Shown here is a view looking up into the lantern at Little River Lighthouse in Cutler.
(Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.)
During Maine Open Lighthouse Day, visitors will have the opportunity to view the optics inside lighthouses, such as this gorgeous fourth order Fresnel lens inside Owls Head Light.
(Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.)
The fascinating allure of Maine Open Lighthouse Day promises to be an experience that lasts a lifetime!
(Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.)
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