Goose Rocks Lighthouse
Vinalhaven, Maine
Built in 1890
Location:
The lighthouse marks the eastern entrance of the Fox Islands Thorofare in Penobscot Bay. It is a short distance offshore from the northeastern corner of the of Vinalhaven Island.
Latitude: 44° 08' 08" N
Longitude: 68° 49' 50" W
Historic Stories:
Goose Rocks lighthouse, known as a spark plug type lighthouse was built at the entrance to the Fox Islands Thoroughfare, which became a busy waterway for shipping traffic and mariners between Vinalhaven Island and North Haven Island.
The lighthouse tower is comprised of three stories inside, and originally had a fourth-order Fresnel lens and was painted red until 1903.
Myrick Morrison from North Haven, was Keeper at the light from 1920 to 1938, and had more than his fair share of family tragedies. His wife Eva died in 1928, Harold, the youngest son, died in the sinking of a Japanese prison ship in WWII, and another son, Norman, drowned in a fishing accident.
The light was automated in 1963. After automation, some of the locals were employed for a number of years to control the fog signal at the lighthouse and were called "lamplighters".
The Coast Guard transferred ownership to the Beacon Preservation, Inc., from Connecticut, in November 2006. During the summer months visitors can stay overnight as temporary keepers of the light.
Places to Visit Nearby:
Vinalhaven Island is a large quiet island, predominantly a fishing community that offers plenty of small beaches to relax at. There are plenty of places to hike and picnic along Lane’s Island Preserve, along with various small parks around the island to explore.
For sailing excursions, Blue Yonder Sail Charters provide trips on a 40-foot sloop, the Tammy Norie, around the Vinalhaven and North Haven Islands and around Penobscot Bay.
Stay Overnight at Goose Rocks Lighthouse
For those that want to experience a simple existence of peaceful solitude just as the lighthouse keepers did in the past, Goose Rocks Light can accommodate up to six guests (two bedrooms and one bunkroom) for an all-day or overnight visit with a minimum contribution towards its ongoing maintenance and restoration efforts.
Access to Goose Rocks includes real risks, and a safe and enjoyable visit is always dependent on guests' physical and mental ability to climb a vertical ladder (from a boat) to the catwalk for initial access, as keepers did many years ago. Visitors are responsible for their own food and provisions. Pick up is at the North Haven Town Dock (right next to the ferry docking station at the terminal) at a pre-set time. Contact the Beacon Preservation Inc. below for more info.
Contact Info:
Beacon Preservation, Inc.
179 Main Street
North Haven, ME 04853
Phone: (207) 867-474
E-mail: info@beaconpreservation.org
Local Boat Tour
Isle au Haut Boat Company
They provide daily mail boat trips to the island of Isle au Haut in the summer season.
They also offer a special annual 4-5 hour cruise during Maine's lighthouse weekend in September to see up to six lighthouses on Saturday: Isle au Haut Light, Deer Isle Thorofare Light, Goose Rocks Light, Brown's Head Light, Heron Neck Light, and if weather permits, Saddleback Ledge Light.
Isle au Haut Boat Services
P.O. Box 709
Stonington, ME 04681
Tel. (207) 367-5193
www.isleauhaut.com
themailboat@isleauhaut.com
Scenic Flights
Penobscot Island Air
Chartering a variety of lighthouse viewing flights.
Knox County Regional Airport
Owls Head ME 04854
Phone: (207) 596-7500
Cellular: (207) 542-4944
Fax: (207) 596-6870
info@penobscotislandair.net
Books to Explore
Available in paperback. |
New England's Haunted Lighthouses: Explore the historical mysteries surrounding the haunted lighthouses of New England! This image-rich book features ghost stories about spirits of devoted keepers who linger, victims of foul play or local shipwrecks, ghost ships, lost souls, and more, blending maritime history with the supernatural. Explore the tales linked with these iconic beacons! |
Lighthouses and Coastal Attractions of Northern New England: This resourceful book, with over 360 images, provides human interest stories from each of the 76 lighthouses in these northern states, along with plenty of coastal attractions and tours near each beacon, and contact info to plan your special vacation. You'll also find information to stay overnight in certain lighthouses. Look inside! |
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Available in paperback, hardcover, and as an eBook for all devices.
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The Rise and Demise of the Largest Sailing Ships: In the early 1900s, New England shipbuilders constructed the world’s largest sailing ships amid social and political reforms. These giants of sail measured longer than a football field! Most of these vessels used Portland Harbor as a secondary port to Boston to drop off their massive cargoes, and some made it their main port. One ship sank in Portland Harbor from catching fire. This book, balanced with plenty of color and vintage images, showcases the historical accounts that followed these mighty ships. |
