Bear Island Lighthouse in Acadia National Park

Bear Island and the Bear Island Lighthouse are located at the southern entrance to Somes Sound, the only fjord on the east coast of the United States. Somes Sound runs north to south through the center of Mount Desert Island, home to the majority of Acadia National Park. Bear Island and the Bear Island Lighthouse are located in Northeast Harbor, part of the township of Mount Desert, Maine. The island is approximately 1,200 feet from the shoreline. (see photos)

The original light station was extablished in 1839. The current 31 foot high lighthouse (100 foot high focal plane) was constructed of brick in 1889. Service was discontinued in 1982 but it was relighted in 1989 as an automatic and private aid to navigation. The lighthouse is on Acadia National Park land but is privately leased and closed to the public. It is best viewed by boat. Boat rentals are available in places like Manset, part of Southwest Harbor. (see large photo of lighthouse)

44 16 59 N
68 16 10 W

Click the following for additional information on Maine Lighthouses:

Maine Lighthouses Map & Guide
by Robert Hartnett, Peter Dow Bachelder