Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse

Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse was one of the most beautiful stops on our trip. The walk out to the lighthouse along the granite breakwater is stunning — especially on a clear day when the ocean sparkles and you can feel that crisp Maine breeze. It’s not a difficult walk, but you do need to watch your step on the rocks, which only adds to the charm of the adventure. Once you reach the lighthouse, the view of the harbor and surrounding coastline is breathtaking. Built in the late 1890s, this historic “sparkplug” lighthouse once guided countless ships safely into Portland Harbor. Standing there at the end of the breakwater, it’s easy to imagine what it must have been like over a century ago when keepers tended the light through rough seas and cold winters. Today, it’s beautifully preserved and offers a quiet moment to soak in both the scenery and the history. It’s the perfect spot for anyone who loves lighthouses, coastal walks, or a little piece of New England magic.

Another very cool lighthouse close to Portland, we found this on a bicycle ride. Very pretty with Peak's Island as a backdrop. You can see several old forts from here. There is a long causeway that leads out to the actual lighthouse and you can get good views from several vantage points. Probably crowded during the season, but we were here in October and on bikes, you're not fighting for parking. There aren't any tickets required to my knowledge.

Beautiful setting, on campus grounds. Tough rocky walk if you want to go to it. There is a small friendly gift shop and occasional tours. Parking is a little hard during tkitties. The old fort remains are fenced off, not accessible. No real rest rooms only portable ootties.

A bit challenging finding parking as this area is shared with the Southern Maine Community College. Many of the lots nearby are designated for “student” or “faculty” parking. There is a small lot near the Lighthouse Circle but there are only a few spots there. We were able to park on Benjamin Pickett Street which is a short 5-10 minute walk to the lighthouse area. There is a bit of a walk out onto the lighthouse area…lots of large but stable rocks but be mindful of your foot placement as there are some larger gaps in the rocks throughout. Once you are there though, there are some lovely views of the lighthouse and waterfront. People were there relaxing and some even fishing while on the rocks. Free to park and walk the lighthouse and nearby Fort Preble in my experience.

Pretty magical lighthouse. You can walk out to it. You can walk around it. There are a lot of spider webs which is pretty cool if you like. Spider webs. You can even view it at night time. There is a gift shop on the coast if interested. It is a great morning walk with coffee. Enjoy the view in the sunrise and the beauty

While visiting Portland, I wanted to see Portland Head Lighthouse but noticed Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse was not far away. Definitely worth the visit if you can find parking, which may be difficult on some days since it’s shared with the local community college. You’ll need to be careful walking the rocky path out to the light, but it’s worth it. This is one of only a few lights in Maine that offer tours. The tour guide was very friendly and knowledgeable explaining the history and function of the light, going through each level from the kitchen to the light keeper’s quarters to the assistant’s quarters to the beacon. Fun to ring the bell at the end of the tour. Be sure to visit if you’re in the area!

This was a fun find! The parking is a little confusing since it’s on a college. There’s a nice beach to play on and you can walk out to the lighthouse if you are able to jump across some rocks. It was a little tricky with a one year old but I managed to do it. They offer tours on certain days of the week but my daughter was too small for it. There was a volunteer out there answering questions. There’s a small gift shop as well. This was a nice hidden gem.

Fun lighthouse at the end of a breakwater. It takes a few minutes to make it out there, it's not a paved path by any means but the rocks are pretty flat and easy to walk across. Parking can be tough; we were about to have to park several blocks away before we lucked into a visitor spot in the university lot.

We had great weather the day we explored this lighthouse. It has the huge rocks/boulders as a pathway to the actual lighthouse with gaps in between them, which you could easily mistep and hurt yourself if you are not careful, or drop your cell phone between them and then you are screwed. Anyways, I wanted to walk the entire path that day, which is what I did and it was a cool experience. I would revisit this lighthouse again.

Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse We had to stop by to see this, Lighthouse. Parking can be tricky at times as it's near a college. They were giving tours through this light house today for 10 dollars. That was a no brainer we had to do the tour. Walking out to the Lighthouse can be tricky as you must traverse large flat rocks to get to it. I heard it's a 1/3 of a mile round trip so be carful and take your time. This Lighthouse is not handicap assessable because of the large rocks. Once we got out to the Lighthouse you then must climb a small ladder to get up into it. Once up the tour guide took over with a ton of information on this 1897 Lighthouse. We saw the main Keepers and 2nd keepers' quarters including stove, bed, closet, and desk. We also went up the stairs to the very top and saw the Light. In the center was a hallow pipe that held the 800lb weight that ran the mechanism to bang the Fog Bell every 12 seconds. They did let us bang the original Fog Bell with a rubber mallet. There in a holes in the floors beside the hollow pipe so the 2nd weight would fall to run the mechanism to turn the Main Light. This weight was between 30 to 500 pounds. One of the main jobs of the Lighthouse keepers was to wind these weights back up to the top of the Lighthouse to keep it operational. They also have a picture of the array of light bulbs that are used to light up this Lighthouse. If one burns out it turns to the next one and so on. The tour guide showed us a bulb that was used to light in this Lighthouse. If they offer a tour when you are there take it, it's well worth it. I just loved this Lighthouse and the tour. I'm sure you will also. The tour guides are friendly and will answer any question you may have. I give this Lighthouse and tour 5 out of 5 stars. Follow Me On FB For More Reviews & Fun Gulf Coast Terry

A bit challenging finding parking as this area is shared with the Southern Maine Community College. Many of the lots nearby are designated for "student" or "faculty" parking. There is a small lot near the Lighthouse Circle but there are only a few spots there. We were able to park on Benjamin Pickett Street which is a short 5-10 minute walk to the lighthouse area. There is a bit of a walk out onto the lighthouse area...lots of large but stable rocks but be mindful of your foot placement as there are some larger gaps in the rocks throughout. Once you are there though, there are some lovely views of the lighthouse and waterfront. People were there relaxing and some even fishing while on the rocks. Free to park and walk the lighthouse and nearby Fort Preble in my experience.

While in Portland Maine we visited Spring Point Ledge Breaker Lighthouse near the Fort Williams Park at Cape Elizabeth at Casco Bay. We visited this on Mother's Day Trip too Noël Teel Tony Vanoy Lisa Diane Boyce-Vanoy Dale Lisa Vanoy baby was asleep so Tony stayed in car with her! #newengland25trip

A fun little challenge walking out onto the rocks to reach the lighthouse hoping you don't slip or fall down. Early morning views were spectacular !!! Fun to look at the many boats anchored down close to the light house. We parked for free, bathrooms were ports johns. There is also a large fort beside light house to look at if you're in to history.

This is not one of the most spectacular light houses, but you can see the old fort in the middle of the harbor real good. The fog rolled in quick, and it cooled off about 15 degrees while we were there. There is a rocky beach if you like to look at different stones.

Another smaller sized lighthouse. You can go up to this one up close too but since it was freezing I wouldn't dare. My phone almost flew out my hands. In the summer I can imagine it would be so nice. It was beautiful in the winter but that cold was different .

Spring Point Ledge Light juts into the Casco Bay and can be accessed from the Southern Maine Community College campus. You can walk the 850 ft breakwater for up close views of the lighthouse, but take caution in wet and windy weather. You can visit inside during specified summer days. Check out the website to be sure. You can also request a private tour for up to 12 people for $150.00. How cool! I visit this lighthouse along with the other Portland lighthouses each time I visit the area. Peaceful with amazing views of Casco Bay/Portland Harbor. Very small parking area. No fee to park or look. Walk around and check out Fort Preble which is right right there.

A lighthouse is a lighthouse, right? But when you find one on the campus of Southern Maine Community College, you find a very different experience. My favorite part was walking the rocky path to get to the lighthouse itself. It was peaceful, exciting, and satisfying, all at the same time.

It's fun giving light houses five stars! Be careful on this one, the rocks are gapped in some spots and the parking is limited.

One of the various lighthouses Portland, Maine and one of a few visited, Spring point is unique in that you must traverse sort of an obstacle course of breakwater rocks to reach it. It is actually somewhat fun navigating the different sizes and shapes as you make your way across. Along the way you see out into the water where boaters sail by. When you reach the end you find that the lighthouse isn't quite that big but not all lighthouses are. Upon climbing to the observation deck which at a glance doesn't look like it's where the entry would be as well a bit unsafe we were greeted to a tour guide leading a tour. In so many words told us we needed to leave as we didn't have tickets. This is what turned this light adventure around literally and figuratively. We walked right by the shack where you would presumably would have to pay. There is nothing stopping you from walking right out to the Lighthouse, nothing stopping you from climbing on and honestly nothing really stopping you from staying as it was an older gentleman who didn't appear as gruff as he sounded. Beyond the trek out to the lighthouse and a nice view it's very average for a lighthouse and after unofficially climbing on to it, I don't even think I'd want to bother paying the fee, beyond supporting its upkeep even though when looking at its actual exterior didn't even look that well kept. Visit for your lighthouse hit list but don't be too excited.

A excellent choice to look for this wonderful light house. If you are agile you can walk the huge breakwater stones to the site. Special

It was too cold the other day to walk out to the end of the Rockland Breakwater Light https://www.yelp.com/biz/breakwater-and-marie-reed-park-rockland?hrid=75DrL49hC_s4O9tUBFiGOg but I was not going to miss the opportunity today as it was much warmer. Spring Point Ledge was initially constructed in 1897 and was upgraded in 1951 to include this 900 foot breakwater. The breakwater is easily walkable but you must take care as there the stones are mostly even but not completely. Pay attention and take your time. The view of the harbor from the end of the breakwater is worth the walk. There is a large parking area at the base and a park. The old Fort Preble is open for tours and a gift shop on the campus of Southern Maine Community College, who enforces the parking. The Light Station was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1988. [Review 14910 overall, 412 of 2021, number 92 in Maine.]

This was quiet a trek to get to the lighthouse. From the mainland it does look to far, but once you start hopping across the huge boulders for 5 min, the lighthouse seems farther away. Then you look back and the main land is far away. Its pretty wild. Not a good idea for small children, as the distance between the rocks are inconsistent. The lighthouse has a small hatch for access, not open to the public. Whoever has to make that climb into is a brave soul.

Fantastic lighthouse. Well worth visiting. Definitely One of Maine's finest which is saying something considering the amount of lighthouses they have.

Located just 10-15 minutes away from Portland Head Light, I came here right after to take a look. It's right on the edge of a community college and there are a few parking spots available for visitors. Maine is known as the lighthouse state, and there are over 65 lighthouses located all over the state. I came on a very beautiful day, no clouds in sight, warm weather and very sunny. Definitely not as crowded as Portland Head Light, and I enjoyed the trek on the rocks towards the lighthouse. The rocks are big (if you've ever been to Fort Totten Park in Queens, NY, you know that these rocks are SO much easier to walk across)! I still took my time crossing these rocks, as my shoes didn't have the best grip for a journey like this! I even saw a runner JOGGING on these rocks at some point during my visit there! Amazing! When I was leaving I saw a small shuttle bus giving Lighthouse tours, so if lighthouses are something you're interested in visiting in Maine, that could be an option to look into. 2 down, 63 to go.

We really enjoyed this stop! First word of caution- wear sturdy shoes- you will be walking across large rocks with gaps between the rocks-small children and anyone unsteady on their feet will need assistance Climbing the rocks was fun as we navigated our way to the end - at the very end was a great little lighthouse- After returning from the jetty there are remnants of an old fort which made for some great picture taking No admission - great picture opportunities

Due to Covid maybe this isn't as open or accommodating as I thought - just a cool lighthouse with a rock sand bar leading to it. Looks out at Fort Allen and then a corresponding fort across the water. From here you can also see the other lighthouses as well. It was cool to go there for pictures, but it was just OK to me. Part of being a tourist I guess.

Beautiful life house and very well maintained. You can walk towards the lighthouse like walking to the ocean. Very beautiful!

This lighthouse is beautiful in afar. You have to walk those Cobble stones to get to the lighthouse. Unfortunately we didn't do this because of the heavy wind. I am 115lb and the wind was so strong that it swayed in as I step on each stone. We only made it have way and turned pur heads back. We enjoyed it from afar and was great at the beach.

Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse, a modern caisson-style lighthouse which some say look like a spark plug, was built at the tail end of the 1800's to warn sailors of a dangerous ledge in Portland Harbor that numerous ships had run into. It's a very, very cool spot here in SoPo. I think the reason why I'm so enamored with Spring Point Ledge boils down to a) I didn't grow up in the coastal Maine region, and b) I couldn't touch Stonehenge. Let me unpack that: a) Having grown up inland, taking a trip to the ocean was a BIG deal for my family. Despite living near the coast now, it never ceases to amaze me the accessibility and natural wonder of the ocean. And I see that is sometimes too frequently lost on the people of the Greater Portland area. To be able to just be at the beach in under ten minutes? To take a picnic on a postcard inspired view that people from around the world come here to see? Why aren't more people taking advantage of that? Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse overlooks Casco Bay, Fort Gorges, and you can even watch the ferries go past. It's peaceful and beautiful and worthy of your time. b) You can't touch Stonehenge. Once upon a time, you could (and you can still - as far as I know - touch the stones of Avebury and elsewhere), but for preservation purposes you are no longer allowed to get very close to them. Spring Point Ledge is a lighthouse. A lighthouse that you can walk right out onto the granite breakwater and touch (and, like I mentioned, sometimes even go in - I've been inside, and if you get the chance DO IT). That's very, very unique. And something no one should expect is going to last forever. So take advantage of it now. There's also a little beach nearby, fun fort structures to climb, and plenty of green space to lounge in and read a book. It really is a perfect little oasis right off the campus of SMCC.

Super fun lighthouse! You have to walk down a ledge of rocks to see it up close definitely doable though, huge rocks, easily navigated. Wouldn't take small children but like 8 yrs and up would be fine. Amazing sunset spot! Worth the 2 mile quick drive from the Portland Head lighthouse. Off beaten path as they say

This was a great place! I found this park because I was in the area and was looking for a place to go walking. The views were great and very scenic. I'd highly recommend this spot!

One of South Portland's publicly viewed lighthouses and located the community's local college. Not many in Maine are accessible to the public and prior to Memorial Day and/or the summer months. It would've been so delightful to be able to learn more of the history about the lighthouse and present maintenance etc. The scenery is absolutely stunning no matter the weather, it's dreamy and wonderful to experience. The walkway up until the lighthouse is rocks, yes boulders. So it can be very frightening to walk to get to the lighthouse, although it is a beautiful site. There is a beach alongside that visitors can walk on and a gift shop on the grounds.

If you're looking for a little adventure, Spring Point Ledge offers a light, rocky pathway that leads to their lighthouse. In the lot of the Southern Maine Community College, their is Fort Preble and a waterview that overlooks the Casco Bay. On a warmer day, SPLL is perfect. But, on a cold spring morning... it's not warm enough to enjoy the air of the bay! I wouldn't say SPLL is ideal for little ones, due to the rocks. Make sure you're wearing tennis shoes for grip & comfort! You can also see Bug Light WEST of this lighthouse!

Lighthouses, are one of life's simple pleasures for me. Most will go, stare, and take a few pics. My enjoyment is standing back and just admiring how amazing these structures are. What makes every lighthouse interesting, is they all have there own story. They all in some way have helped guide endless boats and people across the water. They are all there own: shape, size, and color, which makes them unique. This particular lighthouse is located in South Portland, ME behind the community college. You can walk all the way to end of the rocky ledge and get a glimpse of some of the islands in the distance. There is a small parking lot located adjacent to it which is free. Along the coast line there are also multiple benches to sit at if you're not up to walking out to the lighthouse. I definitely recommend if you're in the area to come and glance!

We came here around the mentioned closing time and didn't have a problem. Parking is limited by the lighthouse through the community college. I was impressed by the beautiful views and adventurous stones assembled towards the lighthouse. I definitely recommend wearing appropriate shoes like sneakers. Yachts and boats were on the harbor gently kissing the ocean. It was peaceful and tranquil.

Really cool Lighthouse to check out if you're in the area! Beautiful views from this park. I did not walk all the way to the lighthouse due to it being so windy and cold. The walk to the lighthouse is large rocks and not 100% stable so use caution if you do go. I'm really glad we took the time to go.

This lighthouse was beautiful. I am visiting from Las Vegas, NV. It is farther out than it looks when you start hopping from one rock to the next. When you get to the end, keep moving. There are spiders everywhere. It gave me the creeps, but that's nature. It's worth seeing.

Visiting Me from Colorado and were referred to this lighthouse. You are able to walk out on jetty to base of lighthouse. Limited parking close to lighthouse walkway. Worth the stop.

Amazing experience for our family of five. Tweens and teens and adults had an amazing and relaxing experience.

This place was pretty amazing! So beautiful, peaceful. Great for a romantic setting or water views. You cannot go up to the light house for anyone thinking that you can. The walk towards the lighthouse is longer than it looks in the photos. Ladies I do not recommend wearing any sort of wedge, heel or sandals because you have to walk over and sometimes hop from rock to rock. Out of all the light houses in Portland, this one caught my attention the most!! Definitely a must visit.

Nice little Lighthouse with a Rocky Ledge not far from the City. A great place to relax with a great view of the harbor. Parking is a bit limited but worth a visit.

While traveling around Maine with our buddy who was a lighthouse enthusiast, this one was one of the most enjoyable to visit. This is a fairly short and stumpy lighthouse. We referred to it as the "little chub" or the "spark plug". The best part was that you could venture out onto the rocky ledge and get close enough to touch the lighthouse. The aesthetic of its placement makes for beautiful photos. If you're on a lighthouse tour, don't pass this little guy up!

Beautifully simple. The views are great and we really enjoyed it here. Just an FYI the walk to the actual head light is rocky and unstable. If you have older family coming, this light house is great to come see, but everyone may not enjoy the path to get up close with it. Also, we didn't find too much parking here, but we were able to snag a spot. This place is nice and worth checking out. I didn't see any vendors here so pack a picnic and bring your own lunch on a nice day.

A little light with big views. The Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse was built in 1897 after complaints by shipping companies about how dangerous this area was. Ships would run into the point frequently during fog or at night. The light is a typical inexpensive "spark plug" design that was very common at the time. Made of the usual brick and cast iron, it's 54 feet tall and originally had a 5th order Fresnel Lens that has since been removed. The light served well for years but in 1951 a 900 foot breakwater was added. It took over 50,000 tons of granite to complete but not only helps keep the crashing waves and storms from smashing into the shore but also serves as a way for people to get really close to the light. The light is nothing really unique but the area sure is. Incredible views of the bay and numerous ships that pass through can be seen from here. Several forts are also visible as well as the iconic Portland Head Lighthouse in the distance. The light is a reached by going through the Southern Maine Community College until you reach the bay. A wonderful place with impressive views any time of the year. The diminutive lighthouse and it's massive breakwater are one of the very best places to view the stunning beauty that is southern Maine.

I really loved this light house. It was put here in 1897, but went out of service sometime in the mid 20th century. It is very small and quaint and not the easiest walk to get out to if you're wearing the wrong kind of shoes or if you step wrong. Scenic wise -- it gives you a great view of several old forts that surround the area including one that was built for the Spanish American War that never got used since they never made it up that far to Portland. It's located on the SMCC campus. Parking is limited, but not unattainable. This lighthouse isn't on the high list of demands like the Portland Light is. I'd say this is more localized than touristy.

Very nice local place to sit and watch the world sail by. Lots of benches. Be aware, no bathroom facilities were available. The lighthouse itself is a nice small breakwater. The jetty out was not one I could do. I'm usually adventurous but the gaps between the boulders were too wide for my comfort. Small beach with clams and good photo ops. Loved watching the dogs run into the water. Do yourself a favor and walk thru Fort Preble. Make sure you look thru each canon opening. The views are great from each one.

Awesome lighthouse that has a long rocky path leading out to it. We parked at a small lot that shares it with a construction company nearby. The walk to the lighthouse itself was longer than I expected but it was amazing to look back at the mainland when you make it to the end of the lighthouse. Since there are no railings, be extra careful with younger kids.

Lovely views, the park has plenty of parking spots when I went. It's great to walk around, have bbq and enjoy summer days.

We stayed across From Willard Beach and viewed the lighthouse from afar all month. Then we walked along the rocks to it and enjoyed the views of boats passing by along with seabirds. It provides a peaceful perch and respite from our busy world. Unfortunately we could not go in since the entrance was closed.

We stopped by because of the ability to actually tour the lighthouse. It was well worth the stop. John was our tour guide and he did a great job. I am terrified of heights but I climbed it and it was well worth it. Beautiful views of the islands and the city of Portland plus a neat history lesson on the mechanics of lighthouses.

Awesome place! It's right on the SMCC campus, teeny tiny little lighthouse. Limited parking but I'm always able to find a spot right in the closest lot. A great walk. You can explore the forts, have a picnic on the grass, walk along the beach, sit on a bench and enjoy the view, or -- highly recommended -- walk along the breakwater to the lighthouse itself. Love it.

This little lighthouse is located on the campus of Southern Maine Community College. This lighthouse is situated on the coast between Buglight and Portland Headlight. Parking is scarce here and you need to be careful. The campus has done a good job at putting up signs, but there is street parking nearby and it is a short walk to the small beach area and grassy knoll. A breakwater leads out to the lighthouse and sometimes it is open for tours. Past the lighthouse in to Casco Bay you can see Fort Gorges and other forts on the surrounding islands. The grounds are from an old fort and if you climb the stairs on the hill behind you, you will end up along the battlements. The Spring Point Shoreway will lead you from Willard Beach along the edges of campus above the beach with beautiful views of the water along past the lighthouse and over toward Buglight where it joins the Greenbelt Walkway. At the Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse proper, there are benches, grassy space, a short paved path and small beach. A pier and another small beach can be found to your left with a beautiful osprey nest.... this year they have two babies that they have raised and are almost ready to leave the nest. There is also a small picnic area with landscaped flowers and moorings for boats and Joe's Boathouse restaurant. We bring our dogs here since it isn't generally busy, due to limited parking, and they can get in the water to cool off and we can have an easy walk. Some people do have dogs off leash here.

This lighthouse is awesome! It isn't of the typical sort either (looks like a giant spark plug). This lighthouse is located in Casco Bay and is accessable via a short walk out on the jetty. There are two ways to get there. Either park in CMCC's lot and walk out or park at Willard Beach, stroll all the way the end (north) and cimb the craggy rocks to the fort and lighthouse. Pack a lunch!

The lighthouse is small and at the end of a long jetty. So be prepared to admire it from afar. Or wear your hiking boots. The views of Casco Bay are beautiful. While visiting in summer, you can easily park on the CMCC campus student parking.

Just got a tour of the lighthouse yesterday. It's cool and a lot bigger inside than you'd expect. The lighthouse keeper has a bedroom in here and he spent his free time carving wooden ducks...that's some Maine shit right there.

This lighthouse is beautiful and fun yet tricky to get to, but there is not public parking near it. It is on the southern Maine Community College campus so all the parking is student parking only. We parked in a student lot anyway. The rocks are large and close enough together to walk out. All in all an amazing spot.

Definitely a nice stop and lighthouse to see. Wear sensible shoes if you plan to walk on the rocks all the way out to the light house itself. It was such a nice atmosphere, we ended up coming back for sunset which did not disappoint!