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
Chance of rainTips 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
Lobstering & Scenic Cruise in Biddeford
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
Sail on a Private 2-Hour Charter in Maine
Reserve a private sail for up to 6 on the Saco River and Saco Bay
Explore Maine Lobstering & Scenic Cruise in Saco Bay
Private lobstering cruise for up to 6 on a 27-foot boat
Private 4-Hour Whale Watching Eco Tour in Maine
Private 4-hour whale watching cruise for up to 6
Maine Lobstering & Sunset Cruise Private Charter
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
Sail to Wood Island Lighthouse Private Tour in Maine
Sail to Wood Island and tour inside the lighthouse and keeper’s house
4-Hour Private Inshore Fishing Charter in Maine
Fish Maine’s inshore waters on a private 4-hour charter
5-Hour Private Offshore Fishing Charter In Maine
Fish offshore from the Saco River on a private 5-hour charter
3-Hour Private Sail in Kennebunkport
Charter your own sailboat for up to 6 on the Saco River and Saco Bay
3-Hour Guided Sailing Cruise in Kennebunkport
Sail the Saco River and Saco Bay in a small group
Private 2-Hour Scenic Cruise in Kennebunkport
Customize a private 2-hour Maine coast cruise for up to 6 guests
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
Private 4-Hour Inshore Fishing Charter in Kennebunkport
Fish Saco Bay on a private 4-hour charter for up to 6 guests
Customize a Private 4-Hour Saco Bay Charter
Cruise Saco Bay on a private boat and choose scenic cruising, lobstering, or fishing
Private 2-Hour Scenic Cruise in Coastal Maine
Customize a private Maine coast cruise for up to 6 guests
Customize a 4-Hour Private Lobstering & Fishing Tour
Private 4-hour Saco Bay boat charter for lobstering, fishing, and coastal views
Fish Saco Bay on a Private 2-Hour Charter
Private 2-hour fishing charter for up to 4 on a 27-foot boat