Wood Island Light
Located on a 35 acre uninhabited island near the mouth of the Saco River, just off the Maine coast near the seacoast city of Biddeford, the historic Wood Island Light faces the Atlantic Ocean. The original structure was built in 1808 after being authorized by Thomas Jefferson.
The setting is very picturesque with a number of birds such as seagulls and common eiders using it as a nesting area. In fact the Audubon Society manages part of the island as a bird sanctuary as it is strategically located on the Eastern Seaboard Migratory Flyway. The actual lighthouse stands on the eastern side of the island and consists of a 2 story lighthouse keepers house connected to the 42 foot stone lighthouse by an enclosed walkway. The lighthouse is accessible by boat, although closed to the public, and is visited by the the occasional kayaker or small boat .
The preservation group that is restoring the
lighthouse does run tours of the lighthouse when weather and sea conditions
permit. Information is available at 207-286-3229. Keep calling till you
get someone as the phone is manned by volunteers. The tours leave from
Vines Landing, Biddeford Pool, Maine.
