Grindle Point Lighthouse
Islesboro, Maine
Built in 1851
Location:
At the boat landing dock on Islesboro Island, marking the entrance to Gilkey Harbor in upper Penobscot Bay. Privately owned but the grounds are open to the public.
| Latitude: 44° 16' 56" N Longitude: -68° 56' 34" W |
Historic Stories:
Grindle Point Lighthouse overlooks the entrance to Gilkey Harbor. The light is 54 feet above average high water. It was originally built in 1851 and was replaced in 1874. The tower alone stands 32 feet tall and is constructed in a unique pyramidal shape.
Keeper James Hall, who had spent years previously at Matinicus Rock, was killed in 1916 from a rock blasting accident at Grindle Point.
The light was deactivated in 1934, and replaced with a nearby skeleton tower. The keeper’s house was converted to the Sailor’s Memorial Museum in the late 1930’s for international tourism.
In 1987 the lighthouse was relit using a solar powered optic.
Note: For stories of famous lighthouse events and folklore, check out the Lighthouse Stories section of this website. There you'll also find info on my book “New England Lighthouses: Famous Shipwrecks, Rescues, and Other Tales” which you can order from Schiffer Books Publishing. In the book, you'll find one of the stories involving the origin and heroic efforts of the "Flying Santa", who started in Penobscot Bay to drop off presents by airplane to rescue the hearts of isolated keepers and their families at many of the islands during Christmas. The tradition has been passed on and continues today. |
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Places to Visit Nearby:
You can walk alongside this lighthouse and hike or bike the 13-mile long picturesque island of Islesboro. The Sailor’s Memorial Museum next to the lighthouse is open during the summer season. There is also a public beach, more roads for biking, and trails for hiking the area.
The fishing village of Dark Harbor, allows you to relax and stop back in time at the Dark Harbor Store and have some ice cream. Actors John Travolta and Kirstie Alley have homes on the island.
The auto ferry from Lincolnville Beach in the small artist town of Lincolnville allows you to bring a car on the island, allowing you to explore and enjoy the shoreline views. Camden Hills State Park lies nearby on the mainland to explore.
For those who want a true rustic camping experience, you can leave the Islesboro island and travel by kayak or canoe to nearby Warren Island State Park. There are only ten campsites (with no amenities) available at a time so call ahead for reservations.
Directions:
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The lighthouse can be reached by auto ferry from Lincolnville Beach, about 5 miles north of Camden on US Route 1, which docks right next to the lighthouse.
Contact Info:
Town of Isleboro
P.O. Box 76
Islesboro, ME 04848
Phone: (207) 734-2253
Local Boat Tours
Boat cruises and ferries mentioned below may offer many types of cruises. While some may offer specific lighthouse cruises, some will pass by Grindle Point Lighthouse as part of sailing charters, narrated wildlife and historic tours, ferrying passengers, whale watching, fishing tours and other types of excursions. Weather is also a major factor in New England, especially on sailing excursions.
Maine State Ferry Service
Islesboro Terminal
Islesboro, Maine 04848-0011
Phone: (207) 734-6935
Ferry from Lincolnville to Islesboro
Takes you to Islesboro Island where you can visit the lighthouse right near the dock.
P.O. Box 214
Lincolnville, Maine 04849-0214
Phone:. (207) 789-5611
P.O. Box 214
Lincolnville, Maine 04849-0214
Phone: (207) 789-5611
Schooner Mary Day
Windjammer sailing that included 4 and 6-day lighthouse cruises.
P.O. Box 798, Camden, Maine 04843
Phone: (800) 992-2218
captains@schoonermaryday.com
Schooner Angelique
Schooner Angelique offers lighthouse and other windjammer tours in the area.
P.O. Box 736
Camden, Maine 04843-0736
Phone: (800) 282-9989
Email: windjam@sailangelique.com
Maine Windjammer Cruises
Many windjammer cruises to suit any tourist’s needs.
P.O. Box 617
Camden, Maine 04843
(207) 236-2938, (800) 736-7981 Fax: (207) 236-3229
sail@mainewindjammercruises.com