Pemaquid Point Lighthouse — Attraction in Bristol

July 23, 2022 - Riddle: Why would Sam be arrested for murder, in the death of hundreds of people, because he forgot to turn on a light at night ?

( Answer. . . Sam was a lighthouse keeper)

If you’re interested in lighthouses and the history of lighthouse keepers, highly recommend visiting Pemaquid Lighthouse Park in Bristol, Maine! Yes. . . this iconic lighthouse & museum is open year round and allows folks to walk up into this working lighthouse!

Pemaquid Lighthouse Park:

Lighthouse tower w/automated light Fishermen’s Museum Art Gallery Learning Center Bell Tower Oil House Restrooms

Pemaquid Lighthouse Park hours:

Monday - Friday 11am to 5 pm Sat. - Sun. 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm

Fees

$3 a person . . . 12 yrs. old and up $1 a person . . . 11 yrs. old and down Free to Bristol resident

*Fun Facts on Lighthouses *

+”Pemaquid” Abenaki Indians lived here

+Indian name means . . . “Situated far out”

+Bristol immigrants from England, 1631

+Bristol incorporated 1765

+Congress granted $4,000 . . . 1826

+Jeremiah Berry built lighthouse, 1827

1st Lighthouse keeper, Isaac Dunham

+Joseph Berry rebuilt Lighthouse, 1837

Coast Guard electrified light . . . 1934

Bristol purchased land/buildings, 1940

Bristol opens park to public tours, 1972

Maine has 57 “ active” lighthouses

Michigan has most lighthouses - 115

Sandy Hook, NJ is oldest active-lighthouse

+Cape Hatteras is tallest lighthouse , 198 ft.

+700 “ active” lighthouses in U.S.

Recommendation: This is my “ go to” lighthouse in Maine, if folks from “ away” want to actually climb steps to see a working Maine Lighthouse! Well worth your time! Pack a lunch, enjoy the museum & art gallery for a couple of hours with your guests!

Note: Check out the Bristol Town website, and a “ live” weather website for current conditions at the Pemaquid...

A Delightful Coastal Gem with History, Hospitality, and Scenic Beauty

What a memorable visit! From the moment we arrived, the friendly lady at the entrance made all the difference—she was incredibly knowledgeable, warmly greeted us with fascinating tidbits about the lighthouse, and even gave my pup a treat, which made her tail wag non-stop. The admission fee is very reasonable—around $4 per person (ages 12+) to access the park, including the Fishermen’s Museum, Art Gallery, Learning Center, restrooms, and picnic spots. If you’d like to climb the tower, there’s a suggested $1 donation per person, which helps maintain this historic beacon. Speaking of history, the tower standing today dates back to 1835, replacing the original 1827 structure that deteriorated due to poor mortar quality. It still houses its original fourth-order Fresnel lens, one of just six still active in Main. The keeper’s house, now the Fishermen’s Museum, offers charming exhibits on maritime life and lighthouse lore. Facilities are well-maintained and visitor-friendly. There are restrooms available on the grounds, the lawn is clean, and the entire park feels cozy yet spacious. If you’re traveling in an RV, you’re in luck—there’s plenty of parking, including ample room for larger vehicles. Craving a bite? Next door is a charming restaurant—Sea Gull Restaurant & Gift and other nearby cafés and seafood places. One friendly warning: people use the road to walk and exercise on so be mindful—safety first. All in all, a perfect blend of awe-inspiring coastal scenery, rich history, friendly faces (and dog treats!), and thoughtful amenities. A must-stop on any...

Pemaquid Point Lighthouse turned out to be one of the most peaceful and unexpectedly moving stops on my New England trip.

I actually skipped it at first—but after hearing multiple locals talk about it, I decided to go back. I’m really glad I listened. Even on a foggy, overcast day, there was something incredibly beautiful about the whole experience. The waves crashing into the rugged rocks, the sound of the wind, and the lighthouse beam cutting through the mist—it felt like something out of a painting.

There’s a quiet stillness to the area that makes you slow down and take it all in. It’s not a big flashy attraction. It’s more about the moment—the view, the history, and the sense of standing somewhere that’s been guiding ships for centuries.

The grounds are well-kept, and there’s even a little museum and art gallery nearby if you want to linger. I can only imagine how stunning it must be on a clear day, but even with the fog, it left an impression.

If you’re in Midcoast Maine, don’t miss it. It’s peaceful, humbling, and absolutely worth the detour—foggy...