Walk Out to a Lighthouse on the Water
Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse stands at the end of a 900-foot granite breakwater in South Portland, marking the dangerous ledge that juts into the main shipping channel of Portland Harbor. Built in 1897 after years of shipwrecks and groundings on the submerged ledge, it is the only caisson-style lighthouse in the United States that you can walk to on foot. That combination of maritime history, harbor views, and the simple experience of walking out over the water to a working lighthouse makes Spring Point one of the best free attractions in the Portland area.
The lighthouse is a 54-foot cast-iron tower sitting on a concrete-filled caisson, a massive cylinder sunk into the seabed and filled with rock and cement to form a stable foundation. For its first 54 years, the lighthouse was surrounded by water and accessible only by boat. In 1951, the Army Corps of Engineers completed the granite breakwater that now connects it to the shore at the former Fort Preble, on the campus of Southern Maine Community College.
The U.S. Coast Guard automated the light in 1960 and transferred ownership of the structure to the Spring Point Ledge Light Trust in 1998. The trust maintains the lighthouse and opens it for public tours during summer weekends.
What to See
The breakwater walk is the main event. The granite blocks are rough-cut and uneven, stacked in a long line that extends from the campus shoreline out to the lighthouse. Walking the breakwater feels like stepping out onto the harbor itself. Boats pass on both sides, lobster traps bob in the current, and the Portland skyline fills the view to the north.
At the end of the breakwater, the lighthouse rises from its concrete base. During tour hours, you can climb the spiral staircase inside the iron tower for views from the lantern room. From the top, the panorama includes Fort Gorges (a Civil War-era granite fort on a nearby ledge), the Portland waterfront, the Casco Bay islands, and the open Atlantic to the east.
Even when the tower is closed, the breakwater itself is worth the visit. The views of Portland Harbor are excellent from any point along the walk, and the rocky shoreline at the base of the breakwater is a popular spot for watching boats and harbor seals.
On the shore behind the breakwater, the grounds of the former Fort Preble include the remains of the military installation that guarded the harbor entrance from 1808 through World War II. Interpretive signs explain the fort’s history.
Visit at sunset for the best photographs. The breakwater faces west, and the light on the Portland skyline and harbor islands is beautiful in the hour before sundown. The lighthouse itself catches warm light on its white paint.
When to Go
Spring
Breakwater open and uncrowded. Cool and often windy. Lighthouse tower opens in late May.
Summer
Peak season. Tower tours on weekends. Warm weather makes the breakwater walk pleasant. Can be crowded on sunny weekends.
Fall
Beautiful light for photography. Fewer crowds. Tower tours continue through October.
Winter
Breakwater is open but exposed to harsh weather. Waves can wash over the granite in storms. Tower is closed.
Practical Notes
Combine Spring Point with Portland Head Light for a two-lighthouse day. Portland Head is about a 10-minute drive north in Cape Elizabeth, and together they are the two most accessible lighthouses in the Portland area. Spring Point gives you the harbor side; Portland Head gives you the open ocean side.
Parking is free in the Southern Maine Community College lots near the breakwater. During the school year, some lots may be restricted on weekdays. On weekends and during the summer, parking is generally available without issue.
Bathrooms are available at the SMCC campus buildings near the breakwater access point. There are no restrooms on the breakwater itself.
The breakwater walk is about a quarter mile each way. The granite blocks are uneven and require sturdy footwear. Flip-flops and sandals are a poor choice. The walk is not wheelchair accessible.
Getting There
Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse is located on the Southern Maine Community College campus at Fort Road in South Portland. From downtown Portland, cross the Casco Bay Bridge and follow Broadway to Fort Road. The drive is about 10 minutes. From the Maine Turnpike, take Exit 45 and follow signs toward South Portland and SMCC.
Free parking is available in the college lots near the breakwater.
FAQ
Can you walk to Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse?
Yes. A 900-foot granite breakwater connects the lighthouse to the shore. You can walk out to the base of the lighthouse at any time. The tower interior is open for tours on summer weekends.
Is there a fee to visit?
No. Walking the breakwater and visiting the grounds is free. A small donation is requested for tower tours during the open season.
What is a caisson lighthouse?
A caisson lighthouse is built on a concrete-filled cylinder (caisson) sunk into the seabed. Spring Point Ledge Light is the only caisson-style lighthouse in the U.S. that is connected to shore and walkable.
Are dogs allowed on the breakwater?
Yes. Dogs are welcome on the breakwater and should be leashed. The uneven granite blocks can be hard on paws, so keep an eye on your dog's comfort.
When was the breakwater built?
The breakwater was completed in 1951 by the Army Corps of Engineers. The lighthouse itself was built in 1897. For its first 54 years, the lighthouse was accessible only by boat.
