Heron Neck Lighthouse

About

Tour Schedule:

The lighthouse and grounds are not open to the public. Most people view the lighthouse from the water via boat.

Introduction:

Heron Neck light stands 92 feet above the entrance to Hurricane Sound on Greens Island at Heron Neck. The light casts a solid red light with an additional white sector that guides mariners out of the Atlantic Ocean into Hurricane Sound. During periods of fog, a signal blast can be heard every 30 seconds.

History:

The light station was established and completed in 1854 and automated in 1982 by the United States Coast Guard. The Island Institute of Rockland, Maine, currently maintains the grounds and The Coast Guard still maintains the lighthouse as an aid to navigation.

The old keeper’s house, fog signal building, oil house and generator building are still standing on the property more than 100 years after most of them were constructed..

Navigating in and Around the Lighthouse:

Use NOAA Chart 13303.

Heron Neck is a spit of land that juts out from Greens Island on the southeast side of Vinalhaven. The light’s purpose is to guide mariners into the southern entrance of Hurricane Sound.

Local Notices to Mariners:

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