Curtis Island Lighthouse

Standing watch over the entrance to Camden Harbor, Curtis Island Lighthouse has been a defining feature of the local shoreline since 1836. Built on the southeastern end of Curtis Island, the lighthouse occupies a commanding position above the harbor, where it has guided generations of sailors, fishermen and coastal traders safely into port. From its rocky perch, the light offers sweeping views of Penobscot Bay and the surrounding hills, underscoring its historic importance as both a navigational aid and a scenic landmark.

Access to Curtis Island is possible only by boat; visitors approaching by sea experience much the same perspective as mariners of the past, with the white tower and keeper’s house gradually coming into view against the evergreen backdrop.

Although the grounds are publicly owned, the lighthouse and its buildings are not open to the public. This limited access helps preserve the historic structures and maintain the integrity of the site. Even so, Curtis Island Lighthouse remains one of Camden’s most cherished landmarks — an enduring symbol of the town’s maritime heritage and a reminder of the vital role lighthouses played in shaping Maine’s coastal communities.