Monhegan Lighthouse

About

Introduction:

Monhegan Island is located 10 miles south of Port Clyde, Maine, In the Atlantic Ocean. Beaming a flashing white light into the cold North Atlantic waters every 15 seconds, the granite lighthouse structure itself is 150 years old.

History:

The original Monhegan Island station was established here in 1824 and the current granite lighthouse received approval for funding and construction in 1850. The United States Coast Guard automated the light in 1955, and the lighthouse now has a solar powered VRB-25 acrylic lens. The old keepers house, oil house and some assorted storage and animal structures still stand here.

Navigating in and Around the Lighthouse:

Monhegan Island is rough, rugged and exposed. The only protection you will find here is in the lee of Manana Island on the west side of the island. As with all Maine Island, give a wide berth to all points and rock outcroppings and pay special attention to all aids to navigation.

The small harbor here carries 15- to 50-foot depths. The harbor is open to the south and can get quite rough. Anchoring is permitted, but it is best to arrange to a tie-up on one of the town-administered moorings. Thirty-minute tie-ups are allowed at the town dock, but your vessel cannot be left unattended at anytime.

Local Notices to Mariners:

Local Notices to Mariners are available online from the U.S. Coast Guard.

Tour Schedule:

The surrounding grounds and a museum in the light keeper’s house are open for tours to the public. The museum is open during the summer season from July 1 through September, from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m