Location: 20 Lighthouse Road, Biddeford Pool, Maine
Accessible from: Biddeford Pool (tombolo access at low tide)
Managed by: Wood Island Lighthouse Association
Official website: https://www.woodislandlighthouse.org
Status: Active aid to navigation and seasonal tours
Wood Island Lighthouse stands just off the coast of Biddeford Pool and is one of Maine’s most picturesque and historically rich lighthouses. Built to guard the dangerous waters near the mouth of the Saco River, the lighthouse has also earned a reputation for unexplained activity that continues to be reported by caretakers, volunteers, and visitors.
This lighthouse is located in Maine and remains an active navigational beacon today.
A Brief History of Wood Island Lighthouse
The first lighthouse on Wood Island was constructed in 1808 after repeated shipwrecks plagued the area. The current stone tower was completed in 1858, replacing the original structure and improving visibility along the coast.
Wood Island Lighthouse played a significant role in maritime safety throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries. Lighthouse keepers and their families lived on the island year-round, often isolated for weeks at a time, especially during harsh Maine winters.
During World War II, the island was briefly used by the U.S. Coast Guard as part of coastal defense operations, adding another layer of history to the already storied site.
The light was automated in 1988, ending the era of resident keepers, but the keeper’s house and outbuildings remain preserved.
Life as a Lighthouse Keeper
Life on Wood Island was demanding and often lonely. Keepers were responsible for maintaining the light, monitoring weather conditions, assisting distressed vessels, and ensuring the grounds were secure.
Isolation, unpredictable seas, and extreme weather created an intense environment. Several keepers died while in service over the decades, though none are officially recorded as dying violently on the island itself. Despite this, stories of lingering presences have persisted.
Reported Paranormal Activity
Wood Island Lighthouse is widely considered one of Maine’s most haunted lighthouses. Reports come primarily from volunteers, caretakers, and overnight guests.
The Ghostly Keeper
The most commonly reported spirit is believed to be a former lighthouse keeper. Witnesses describe:
- Footsteps heard in empty rooms
- Doors opening and closing on their own
- The sensation of being watched while alone in the keeper’s house
- Items being moved or found in different locations
Some volunteers have reported hearing a man’s voice speaking quietly when no one else was present.
Apparitions and Shadows
Several individuals have claimed to see shadowy figures moving between rooms, particularly on the second floor of the keeper’s house. Others report fleeting glimpses of a man in period clothing near the tower at dusk.
These sightings are often brief but consistent across unrelated witnesses.
Unexplained Sounds
Disembodied knocking, banging, and the sound of boots on wooden floors are frequently mentioned. These sounds are reported even when weather conditions are calm and no animals are present.
Skeptical Perspectives
Historians and skeptics note that old buildings near the ocean are prone to structural noises caused by temperature changes, wind, and humidity. The island’s isolation and the psychological effects of staying overnight in a historic lighthouse may also contribute to heightened perceptions.
No scientific evidence has confirmed paranormal activity at Wood Island Lighthouse, but the consistency of reports over many years continues to draw attention.
Visiting Wood Island Lighthouse Today
The lighthouse is open for seasonal tours and overnight stays managed by the Wood Island Lighthouse Association. Visitors often note the peaceful atmosphere during the day, which can feel dramatically different after nightfall.
Access to the island is possible by walking across the exposed land bridge at low tide or by boat.
Cultural Legacy
Wood Island Lighthouse has been featured in regional ghost stories, local folklore, and paranormal investigations focused on Maine’s haunted coast. While it remains primarily a historic site, its reputation as a haunted lighthouse adds to its enduring appeal.
Safety and Respect
Never trespass on property that is not yours and always follow posted rules. Ghost hunting and exploring historic structures can be dangerous, so use caution and respect the site at all times.
Sources
Wood Island Lighthouse Association
https://www.woodislandlighthouse.org
Maine Lighthouse Museum and Historical Records
https://www.mainelighthousemuseum.org
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