ROCKLAND — In celebration of Maine Lighthouse Day on Saturday, September 12, the historic Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse will be open to the public from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., weather permitting. Visitors will have a unique opportunity to step inside one of Maine’s iconic maritime landmarks and experience this historic lighthouse firsthand, according to the City of Rockland, in a news release.

 

Located at the end of the nearly mile-long Rockland Breakwater, the lighthouse offers a unique maritime experience: visitors can enter the lighthouse itself, explore the former keepers’ quarters, and climb the stairs into the tower to see the light and take in panoramic views of Rockland harbor and scenic Maine coast.

 

“There’s something extraordinary about stepping inside the historic lighthouse and climbing the tower. It’s part of Rockland’s history that you can experience,” said Rockland Mayor Adam Lachman, in the release. “We’re grateful to the volunteer Keepers who make this experience possible.”

 

The Lighthouse Day opening is made possible by the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse Working Group, a dedicated group of volunteers who train as Lighthouse “Keepers” and open the lighthouse to the public on suitable-weather days. Keepers welcome visitors, share the history of the lighthouse and people who once lived and worked there, and help provide access to a historic landmark.

 

Reaching the lighthouse is part of the experience, but visitors should plan ahead for the walk, according to the City. The lighthouse sits at the end of the approximately 7/8-mile granite breakwater, meaning the round trip is nearly two miles. The breakwater is a historic structure and the granite surface can be uneven, with gaps between some of the granite blocks.

 

Visitors are encouraged to wear sturdy shoes suitable for walking and to watch their footing carefully along the breakwater. The walk can take time, so visitors should allow sufficient time to reach the lighthouse before the 4 p.m. closing.

 

For more information on the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse and to enjoy the Breakwater’s live webcam, visit rocklandmaine.gov/lighthouse.