We knew that we wanted to see lighthouses in Maine and Nubble Point is one of the first ones that you can see. It also happens to be right next to a restaurant where lobster rolls are sold, and we wanted to try one, so we figured we could kill two birds with one stone at this stop.
According to the
Town of York's website the lighthouse (officially named the Cape Neddick Light Station) was completed in the summer of 1874. It was manned by the Lighthouse Service until the Coast Guard took control in 1939. Then the last keepers left in 1987 when the light became fully automated. Finally in 1997 the site was granted to York to preserve and protect its heritage. The municipality then developed the park that sits on the mainland just opposite the island and provides a great view of the lighthouse.
The parking lot is quite small, but thankfully we were able to find a parking space.
It was a great season to see flowers.
The lighthouse is amazingly picturesque, sitting just off the coast. On this day the bits of blue sky provided some nice contrast with the clouds.
The park land was apparently donated almost a hundred years ago.
I managed to capture this gull mid-flight after it jumped off the rock.
The rocky coast of Maine is truly beautiful.
From this angle you can see the poles on the mainland. Apparently there was a line running out to the island to which a basket was attached, and according to the park's website "[a]round 1967, Coast Guard keeper David Winchester put his two children in the bucket each morning to send them on their way to school."
This panoramic view gives you a good idea of what the shore looks like.
The park also includes a small gift shop/visitor center.
The inside isn't large, but they have some cool products. We ended up buying a really nice pint glass to add to our collection.
If you're driving into Maine and can find a parking space it is worth your time to stop and enjoy a view of the lighthouse. You can see all of the pictures
in the album here.
~Matt
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