Affectionately known as the Forrest Gump lighthouse, the Marshall Point Lighthouse is a nice little side trip to make when you are in MidCoast Maine. Located in Port Clyde, the Marshall Point Light is a small station connected to the land by a boardwalk. There’s a beautiful keepers quarters and the grounds around it are lovely.. And this had that iconic moment in Forrest Gump when he’s running across the country and this is his turnaround point.
Have you been here to the Marshall Point Lighthouse before? We’ve got the full scoop on visiting the lighthouse as well as other things to do in the Port Clyde area. I really like this part of MidCoast Maine because it is so peaceful picturesque. If you have any questions about visiting this lighthouse or others, please leave a comment or send us a note. We are always happy to share more and help you plan a wonderful time exploring Maine.
Highlights of Visiting the Marshall Point Lighthouse
Maine’s small lighthouses are funny because they are cute and absolutely add to the atmosphere, making Maine the nautical and picturesque place that it is, but most aren’t epically famous… But small though it is, the Marshall Point Lighthouse earned its fame by being in Forrest Gump. Each visit we see at least one person reenact his run to the end of the boardwalk, pause, and turn around. I’m glad that people find fun in the little things like this.
On a more serious note, visiting the Marshall Point Lighthouse is a nice afternoon jaunt for some beautiful photos and to simply enjoy being in MidCoast Maine. If you’re here while the museum is open, you’ll get to learn about more than this pretty little lighthouse, but all about lobstering and the St George Peninsula. Our friends live nearby and their families fit into these stories and ways of life perfectly. The museum isn’t huge, but it’s worth perusing and seeing if you can learn something new about the Mainer lifestyle.
While you’re here, you should also take some time to check out the surrounding rocks and tidepools. Proceed carefully because they can be slippery, but the tides move past Marshall Point with enough calm to make this a good spot to find see creatures in the tide pools.
Tips for Visiting Marshall Point Light and Port Clyde
Because the Marshall Point Lighthouse is one of the more famous ones in MidCoast Maine, it’s a good one to visit early in the day. It’s not a lengthy visit even if you get to include time in the museum and looking for creatures in the rocks. I would say to allow yourself up to 45 minutes to enjoy the area. If you’re bringing lunch or snacks for hanging out on a beautiful day, allow for longer.
What’s a really winning idea is to pair a visit to the Marshall Point Lighthouse with either kayaking from Port Clyde (there are rentals and tours) or doing a tour with Monhegan Boat Lines. My favorite boat tour in Maine departs from very near Marshall Point: the Monhegan Boat Line Puffin and Lobstering Cruise. It’s such a treat to get to do and when paired with a visit to the Marshall Point Lighthouse, it’s the perfect Maine day.
If you’ve driven here to the end of the St George Peninsula, you may want visit the other sites around the area. You’ve got some different lobstering docks, some forest preserves, the small towns of Port Clyde and Thomaston, and then as you head north you’ll come to Crescent Beach and finally Owl’s Head. Up at Owl’s Head Lighthouse you get some beautiful views and you’ll find another museum to visit, and then on your way back to Rockland you can stop at the Owl’s Head Transportation museum.
Being Prepared for the Trip to Port Clyde, ME
If you’re just driving to Port Clyde to visit the Marshall Point Lighthouse and then you’re carrying on with your road trip up the coast of Maine, you don’t need to worry about being too prepared to visit. You can easily walk out to the lighthouse with regular shoes and since you can make this a short visit if you like, you don’t even have to be well prepared for the weather.
However, if you’re pairing a visit to the lighthouse with one of the great tours that goes from the Port Clyde waterfront, you’ll need to be ready for all sorts of weather. For kayaking, you’ll want to be a bit waterproof or quick-dry and you’ll also need to have a waterproof case for your phone. If you’re heading out on the lobstering and puffin nature cruise, you’ll want to have jackets and a good camera for photographing wildlife.
Parking at Marshall Point Lighthouse and in Town
There is plenty of parking right by the keepers quarters, which is the museum, and you’ll go from here to the lighthouse and tide pools. This is NOT directly next to the waterfront area of Port Clyde though, so for any other activities you’ll need to drive the five minutes or so over to the townsite. If it’s a busy day and you have a good parking spot and don’t mind walking, be sure to check any parking signs to ensure that you’re not overstaying your time.
Marshall Point Lighthouse Operating Information
To complete your planning, here is all the information to plan and make sure you have a fun visit to the lighthouse, the museum and so you can spend some time in the town of Port Clyde.
- Operating Dates/Season: grounds are open sunrise to sunset; museum Tues-Sat from 10:00 to 4:00, Sun/Mon 12:00 to 4:00
- Museum phone number: 207-372-6450
- Lighthouse website: MarshallPoint.org
- Park address: end of Marshall Point Rd, Port Clyde, ME 04855
Things to Do in MidCoast Maine
There are plenty of things to do in Rockland, Camden, near the Samoset Resort, or wherever you’re staying in MidCoast Maine. Whether you’re looking for outdoor activities, arts and culture experiences, or family-friendly maritime stuff, there are tons of great options for things to do. Here are ten interesting things to do in the area:
- Camden Hills State Park – Located just a short drive from the Samoset Resort, the Camden Hills State Park offers miles of hiking trails, breathtaking views of Penobscot Bay, and opportunities for bird watching and wildlife spotting.
- Take a Sail on a Schooner – Camden is known as the “sailing capital of the world,” and for good reason. Several schooner companies offer scenic sails out of Camden Harbor, giving visitors the chance to experience the beauty of Penobscot Bay from the water.
- Explore the Farnsworth Art Museum – Located in nearby Rockland, the Farnsworth Art Museum is home to an impressive collection of American art, including works by Andrew Wyeth, Winslow Homer, and Georgia O’Keeffe.
- Visit the Maine Lighthouse Museum – Located in Rockland, the Maine Lighthouse Museum is dedicated to the history of lighthouses and their keepers in Maine. The museum features exhibits, artifacts, and even a working Fresnel lens.
- Go Whale or Puffin Watching – Going out of Camden or Port Clyde, several companies offer whale watching tours, giving visitors the chance to see humpback, finback, and minke whales, as well as dolphins and porpoises, in their natural habitat. I love Monhegan Boat Line from Port Clyde.
- Visit the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens – Located about 45 minutes from the Samoset Resort, the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens features over 300 acres of gardens, woodland trails, and waterfalls. The gardens are open year-round and offer special events and activities throughout the year.
- Visit a Lighthouse – There are so many lighthouses in Maine, and you’re spoiled for choice here in MidCoast Maine. From the Rockland Breakwater Light to Marshal Point, Pemequid or the Squirrel Point Light, you can visit so many different, truly unique lighthouses.
- Visit the Owls Head Transportation Museum – Located just a few miles from the Samoset Resort, the Owls Head Transportation Museum is home to an impressive collection of antique cars, planes, motorcycles, and other vehicles. The museum also hosts several special events throughout the year.
Where to Stay in MidCoast Maine
Of course we love getting to stay places like the Samoset Resort or 250 Main Hotel, but there are lots more options. Depending on how far out you are able to book your visit to MidCoast Maine you may become limited in finding both the right type of accommodations AND something within your budget. Here are some good picks for places to consider in the Rockland / general MidCoast area:
- The Ledges
- Craignair Inn by the Sea
- Rockland Harbor Hotel
- Drift Oceanside Inn
- Strawberry Hill Seaside Inn
- Camden Harbor Inn
- Camden Maine Stay Inn
Each of these recommendations is good for couples or families. Inquire with each if you’re traveling with a pet or have specific hotel needs. Below you’ll find a map with additional options for finding a stay in MidCoast Maine.
I hope you’ll consider recreating the icon Forrest Gump moment and spending some time at the Marshall Point Lighthouse. Visiting this part of Maine is really special in any season. If you have any additional questions or need some recommendations for something else, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re happy to share more and help YOU have a wonderful trip as you explore Maine!
