Baker Island Lighthouse

Located on one of the outermost Cranberry Isles in Maine, the Baker Island Lighthouse stands as a historic beacon that once guided vessels into Frenchman Bay. Originally constructed in 1828 and rebuilt in 1855, the lighthouse was a crucial navigational aid for mariners traveling the rocky and often treacherous waters along the Maine coast. Standing at 43 feet tall, it features a distinctive white tower with a black lantern room at the top, which once housed a bright light visible for many miles.

In 1966, the Baker Island Lighthouse was automated, reducing the need for a full-time lighthouse keeper. It later became one of the nation’s few solar-powered light stations, but was deactivated in 2002 because surrounding trees blocked a good view of the light. However, it remains a significant part of Maine’s maritime heritage.

Baker Island’s remote location marks the approach to Mount Desert Island, home to the bulk of Acadia National Park. While there’s no place to see the Baker Island Lighthouse well from the mainland and the island is inaccessible to the public, ranger-led boat tours offer a chance to experience the beauty and history of Baker Island and its iconic light station. These tours typically run from mid-June to mid-September and depart from Bar Harbor. Visitors get to land on Baker Island, learn about coastal wildlife, explore a 19th-century homestead and enjoy a close-up look at the lighthouse.