Things to do nearWood Island Lighthouse
Wood Island Lighthouse stands on a remote island off Biddeford, Maine, offering sweeping Atlantic views, rich maritime history, and rare access to a working 19th-century light station.
Wood Island Lighthouse is one of the oldest lighthouses in Maine, with origins tracing to 1808 when Congress authorized its construction to guide vessels through the busy shipping lanes near the Saco River mouth. The current tower, built in 1858, is a classic New England rubblestone structure standing 47 feet tall, and it remains an active aid to navigation managed by the U.S. Coast Guard.
The Friends of Wood Island Lighthouse, a dedicated preservation group, restored the keeper's dwelling and now lead seasonal tours that bring visitors inside the tower and cottage. Guided walks cover the station's daily operations, the lives of its keepers, and a well-known local legend tied to a dramatic incident in the late 1800s.
The island itself adds to the appeal. Roughly 35 acres of open rock, beach rose thickets, and low grass surround the light station, and the walking is unhurried and peaceful. Views sweep across Biddeford Pool, the open Atlantic, and the southern Maine coastline in every direction.
For anyone drawn to maritime heritage, coastal scenery, or simply a place that feels genuinely apart from everyday life, Wood Island Lighthouse offers an afternoon that is both educational and quietly memorable.
7-day forecast
Tips for visiting Wood Island Lighthouse
Visit during the summer months when Friends of Wood Island Lighthouse offer guided boat tours from Biddeford Pool, as access without a tour is not available.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes for walking the rocky shoreline and climbing the lighthouse tower stairs.
Bring layers even in July, since sea breezes on the island can be considerably cooler than on the mainland.
Arrive at the dock early on tour days, as group sizes are limited and spots fill quickly during peak summer weekends.
Look for nesting seabirds along the island's outer ledges, particularly terns and cormorants, which gather here throughout the warmer months.
Top tours & experiences near Wood Island Lighthouse
Sail to Wood Island Lighthouse Tour From Kennebunkport
Sail to Wood Island and tour inside the lighthouse and keeper’s house
Private Lobstering & Wood Island Lighthouse Cruise in Saco
Private lobstering and scenic cruise for up to 6 on Saco Bay
Cruise the Saco River & Saco Bay on a 2-Hour Sail
Sail Maine’s coast in a small group of 6 or fewer
Private Sailing Charter on Saco Bay, Maine
Reserve the boat for an intimate Maine coast sail with your own group
Saco Bay Lobstering Cruise
Haul lobster traps and explore Maine's shoreline by private boat
Private 4-Hour Whale Watching Eco Tour in Maine
Private 4-hour whale watching cruise for up to 6
Private Lobstering & Sunset Cruise in Saco, Maine
Work lobster traps and cruise Saco Bay at sunset on a private boat for up to 6
Cruise Kennebunkport on a 2-Hour Private Sunset Tour
Take a private Maine sunset cruise for up to 6 guests
Private Sailing Tour of Wood Island Lighthouse
Sail Saco Bay and tour Wood Island Lighthouse from tower to Keeper's House
4-Hour Private Inshore Fishing Charter in Maine
Fish Maine’s inshore waters on a private 4-hour charter
Offshore Fishing Charter in Saco Aboard a 27' Boat
Fish for cod and haddock while cruising Maine's coastal landmarks
Private Sailing Charter on Saco Bay, Maine
Sail the Saco River and Maine coast on your own private boat
3-Hour Guided Sailing Cruise in Kennebunkport
Sail the Saco River and Saco Bay in a small group
Private 2-Hour Scenic Cruise in Saco
Customize a private Maine coast cruise with lighthouse views and lobster-trap pulling
Private 2-Hour Fishing Charter in Kennebunkport
Fish close to shore with your private captain, up to 6 guests
Private 4-Hour Scenic Cruise in Kennebunkport
Cruise Maine’s coast on a private power boat with a custom route
2-Hour Private Sunset Cruise in Kennebunkport
Cruise Maine’s coast at sunset on a private boat for up to 6
Lobstering & Sunset Cruise in Kennebunkport
Learn lobstering on a private sunset cruise for up to 6
Inshore Fishing Charter in Saco
Fish Maine's coastal waters and explore Saco Bay by private boat
Customize a Private 4-Hour Saco Bay Charter
Cruise Saco Bay on a private boat and choose scenic cruising, lobstering, or fishing
Private Scenic Cruise in Saco
Shape a private Maine boat outing around wildlife, lighthouses, and coastal towns
Private Lobstering & Fishing Charter on Saco Bay
Customize a coastal Maine outing with lobstering, fishing, and shoreline sights
Fish Saco Bay on a Private 2-Hour Charter
Private 2-hour fishing charter for up to 4 on a 27-foot boat