The Deer Isle Lighthouse Trail

About The Lighthouse Trail

The island of Deer Isle is beautifully situated on the eastern side of Penobscot Bay. Surrounded by dozens of spruce clad islands with dramatic granite ledges, there are at least 8 lighthouses within 12 miles of our shores. The Deer Isle-Stonington Chamber of Commerce, working with the U.S. Lighthouse Society and Lighthousefriends, has created a new Lighthouse Trail providing lighthouse enthusiasts an exciting opportunity to view these 8 lighthouses year-round and have their Lighthouse Passports stamped. Three of the lights are visible from the shore of Deer Isle, the other 5 lights can be viewed and/or visited by sea and all 8 can be viewed by air! Deer Isle is now an official lighthouse destination year round.

Join us for Maine Open Lighthouse Day on September 14, 2024!

Why not begin your own self-guided lighthouse tour adventure on Deer Isle! You can view 8 unique lighthouses, acquire 8 official stamps and visit one of the most beautiful islands off the coast of Maine. Deer Isle is also a vibrant art community. Several Island artists have created new collections of paintings, cards and other items depicting the lighthouses on our trail and other nautical themes.

What are Lighthouse Passports?

Created by the U.S. Lighthouse Society, these blue passports resemble a U.S. Passport. Each time you visit or view a participating lighthouse, you can receive an official “stamp” in your passport. The U. S. Lighthouse Society is a non-profit historical and educational organization incorporated to educate, inform, and entertain those who are interested in lighthouses, past and present. Their quarterly publication, The Keeper’s Log, is a great way to learn about Lighthouses in our country and beyond.

What are Lighthouse Stamps?

The U.S. Lighthouse Society produces engraved stamps (seals) for participating lighthouse “sponsors” to stamp visitor passports. Just as a U.S. passport is stamped when entering a foreign country, a Lighthouse Passport holder can have a lighthouse “stamp” for each lighthouse viewed. Each stamp is a unique design depicting the lighthouse, its date of construction and its location. There is a nominal $1 charge for each stamp with all proceeds from the Deer Isle Lighthouse Trail donated to Island Heritage Trust for the preservation of Mark Island Light.

Year-Round Lighthouse Passport Stamps

Three of the lighthouses can be viewed year-round from shore: Pumpkin Island Light, Eagle Island Light and Mark Island Light. Stamps are available year-round at Island Heritage Trust and the Inn on the Harbor. Isle au Haut Light can also be viewed year-round via the Isle au Haut Ferry Service and your passport can be stamped on board. Or you can view all 8 lights, year-round, by air with Penobscot Island Air.