Marshall Point Lighthouse

The Forrest Gump Lighthouse

Marshall Point Lighthouse stands at the tip of a rocky peninsula in the village of Port Clyde, at the southern end of the St. George Peninsula. The first light tower was built here in 1832 to mark the entrance to Port Clyde Harbor and guide vessels through Muscongus Bay. The current 31-foot white brick tower replaced the original in 1857 and has been standing watch ever since.

The lighthouse became internationally famous when it appeared in the 1994 film Forrest Gump. In the movie, Tom Hanks reaches the end of his cross-country run at this lighthouse, turns around, and heads back. The iconic scene shows him walking along the distinctive white wooden catwalk that connects the shore to the tower, and that walkway is still the defining feature of a visit here. Visitors still recreate the scene, walking out along the catwalk with the lighthouse at the end and the ocean on both sides.

But Marshall Point was worth visiting long before Hollywood found it. The setting is quintessential Midcoast Maine: granite ledges, spruce-lined shores, lobster boats in the harbor, and views of islands dotting the bay.

What to See

The centerpiece is the walkway. The white wooden catwalk extends from the keeper’s house out over the rocks to the base of the tower. Walking it is a simple pleasure. The ocean is on both sides, the lighthouse grows larger as you approach, and at the end you are standing right at the base of the tower with water all around you.

The Marshall Point Lighthouse Museum is housed in the former keeper’s house and is free to visit. Displays cover the history of the lighthouse, the St. George Peninsula, local fishing, and of course the Forrest Gump connection. A small gift shop sells books, postcards, and Forrest Gump-themed items.

The grounds include a short loop trail along the rocky shore with views out to Monhegan Island (about 12 miles offshore), Allen Island, and the many smaller islands that dot Muscongus Bay. The rocks are popular with tide pool explorers at low tide. Benches along the path invite you to sit and watch lobster boats work the bay.

When to Go

Practical Notes

Marshall Point Lighthouse is free to visit with free parking. The grounds are open daily from sunrise to sunset. The museum is open Memorial Day through Columbus Day (hours vary, typically 10am to 5pm in summer). Portable restrooms are available near the parking area.

The parking lot is small but rarely full except on peak summer weekends. The site is managed by the St. George Historical Society.

Port Clyde village has a general store, a couple of small restaurants, and the Monhegan Boat Line wharf. It is a working fishing village, not a tourist town, which is part of its charm.

Getting There

From Route 1 in Thomaston, take Route 131 south for about 15 miles to Port Clyde at the end of the St. George Peninsula. Turn right onto Marshall Point Road and follow it to the lighthouse. From Rockland, the drive takes about 30 minutes. From Portland, plan on about 2 hours.

The drive down Route 131 is scenic, passing through small villages, past stone walls and farm fields, with glimpses of water as you near the tip of the peninsula.

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