The Light at the Islesboro Ferry Landing
Grindle Point Light stands right at the ferry landing on Islesboro, the long, narrow island that lies in Penobscot Bay between Camden and Belfast. It is the first thing you see as the ferry from Lincolnville pulls in, a square brick tower marking the western tip of the island at the entrance to Gilkey Harbor. Because it sits at the working ferry terminal, it is one of the easiest Maine lights to reach without a boat charter of your own, and one of the few where you can actually climb the tower.
A light station was first established here in 1850, after the U.S. Navy authorized it the year before. The square brick tower and keeper’s house you see today were rebuilt on the original foundations in 1874. The tower rises 39 feet. The station takes its name from Francis Grindle, an early keeper. The town of Islesboro bought the station, and the keeper’s house now holds the Sailors’ Memorial Museum, founded in 1938 to preserve the island’s deep seafaring history.
Visiting, the Museum, and the Tower
This is a rare lighthouse where the visit includes going inside. The grounds at the point are open, the Sailors’ Memorial Museum occupies the keeper’s house, and the lighthouse tower itself opens for visitors in the summer season, roughly July and August. The museum is a small, volunteer-run collection of ship models, photographs, and artifacts from Islesboro’s maritime past, and the climb up the tower gives you a Penobscot Bay view over the harbor entrance.
Because the museum and tower run on a short summer schedule with limited volunteer hours, it is worth confirming the opening days before you build a whole trip around going inside. Even when the buildings are closed, the grounds and the view at the point are open and worth the walk from the ferry.
Wildlife & bird watching
The setting is the draw as much as the light. From the point you look across to the Camden Hills on the mainland and out over the boats working Gilkey Harbor and the bay. Bring binoculars for the harbor traffic and for the eagles and ospreys that patrol the shoreline.
The simplest way to see Grindle Point is to ride the Lincolnville ferry over as a foot passenger. The light is right at the Islesboro landing, so you can walk off the boat, visit the point and museum, and catch a later ferry back without ever bringing a car across. Check the Maine State Ferry Service schedule, as the Islesboro run is short but the boats fill in summer.
Getting There
The Islesboro ferry leaves from Lincolnville Beach on US Route 1, between Camden and Belfast. From Portland the drive to the ferry terminal is about two hours; from Bangor, around an hour and a quarter. The crossing to Islesboro is short, about 20 minutes.
You can ride over as a foot passenger and walk to the light at the landing, or bring a car if you want to explore the rest of the island. Either way, plan around the ferry schedule and arrive early in summer, because vehicle space is limited.
When to Visit
Spring
The grounds and ferry run year-round, but the museum and tower are not yet open. The point is quiet and the bay views are clear.
Summer
The Sailors' Memorial Museum and the tower are open, roughly July and August. Warm weather and the fullest ferry schedule make this the time to go inside.
Fall
Foliage on the Camden Hills across the bay and cool, clear air. The museum and tower wind down after early September.
Winter
The ferry still runs, but the museum and tower are closed and the point is cold and windswept. A bracing shore visit only.
July and August are the only reliable window for going inside the museum and climbing the tower. The grounds and the ferry-landing view are open in any season.
Packing List
Grindle Point Light Visit
- Ferry schedule for the Lincolnville to Islesboro run
- Binoculars for the bay and harbor
- Camera
- A windbreaker (the point is exposed)
- Cash for a museum donation
- Comfortable walking shoes
FAQ
Can you climb the tower at Grindle Point Light?
Yes, in summer. Grindle Point is one of the few Maine lighthouse towers open for visitors to climb, typically during the July and August museum season. Confirm opening days before you go, as hours are limited.
How do you get to Grindle Point Light?
Take the Maine State Ferry from Lincolnville Beach on US Route 1 to Islesboro. The light is right at the ferry landing, so you can visit as a foot passenger and walk off the boat.
What is in the keeper's house at Grindle Point?
The keeper's house holds the Sailors' Memorial Museum, founded in 1938, with ship models, photographs, and artifacts from Islesboro's seafaring history. It is open in the summer season.
When was Grindle Point Light built?
A light was first established here in 1850. The current square brick tower and keeper's house were rebuilt on the original foundations in 1874. The tower stands 39 feet tall.
Do you need a car to visit Grindle Point Light?
No. You can ride the ferry over as a foot passenger and walk to the light at the landing. Bring a car only if you want to explore the rest of Islesboro.
For more Penobscot Bay scenery, explore Islesboro Island itself, or look across the water to Camden Harbor on the mainland.
