Homeschooling Day Trips: Portland, Maine Lighthouses

We took a trip up to Casco, Maine this July. Our family was visiting a wonderful camp called Camp Sunshine. Camp Sunshine is a one of a kind camp near Lake Sebago for families who have children with life-threatening illnesses. Every two years the camp hosts a Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome (SDS) week where children have fun and parents sit in on lectures presented by doctors in the field of SDS. We are a homeschooling family that always tries to find educational adventures on any road trip we take.

On the way home from camp we stopped one morning to see two lighthouses on the Maine coast. This day trip is excellent for people who are strapped for time! We saw Portland Head Lighthouse and Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse. Both Lighthouses are free adventures for your family to enjoy. We originally set out to see Portland Head, and stumbled upon Spring Point Ledge. The lady in the gift shop has pre-printed directions to Portland Head Lighthouse because many folks end up stumbling upon Spring Point Ledge on their way to Portland Head Lighthouse. Sure enough, as we were leaving, a woman from England stumbled upon us and asked, "Is this Portland Head Lighthouse?" We kindly directed her to the gift shop where she could pick up a copy of the directions to Portland Head Lighthouse.

Truthfully, my boys enjoyed Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse more than Portland Head Lighthouse, which is larger and we are told, more popular. Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse is more exciting because you are able to hike out to see it. The rocks form a walkway that boys love to traverse! Not too difficult that young little tikes cannot walk with their parents out to the lighthouse, but difficult enough to wear them (and the adults who accompany them) out.

Spring Ledge Point Lighthouse was completed in 1897 to mark a dangerous ledge that is now covered by water. The Fresnel lens was illuminated with a kerosene lamp until 1934, when it became electricity driven lighthouse. Spring Point Ledge is one of very few caisson lighthouses where visitors are able to walk around. So, if you are looking for an unusual lighthouse adventure, you will certainly enjoy visiting Portland's Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse.

Portland Head Lighthouse is the stuff perfect pictures are made of. Portland Head Light has many views where the photographer can capture the perfect lighthouse scene. I took several pictures of Portland Head Light and enlarged one picture into a five by seven to be framed. Visitors to Portland Head Lighthouse can also enjoy Fort Williams Park, where the lighthouse is located. After viewing the lighthouse, visitors can enjoy a picnic at the park, hiking or the historical park features.

Portland Head Lighthouse was first lit on January 10, 1791. During the American Revolution, patriots warned of coming attacks from the site of the lighthouse. Portland head was first lit with sixteen whale oil lamps. This lighthouse has had several Fresnel lenses installed. In 1989, the lighthouse was automated. The head and assistant lighthouse keepers and their families lived in the duplex until the automation.

If you live in the area and have not seen these lighthouses, pack a picnic lunch and visit them today! The Maine coast is an absolute delight to the eyes. The picturesque scenes of the Maine shoreline are grand and remind this writer to thank the Lord for His glorious creation!