Eagle Island Lighthouse
An 1837 rubblestone lighthouse 1.5 miles west of Deer Isle, still active, sitting 105 feet above East Penobscot Bay. It's a nonprofit project now — Eagle Light Caretakers has been restoring it in phases since 2015. No drop-in visits, but the annual open house is worth watching for.
Eagle Island Light was commissioned in 1837, making it one of the older Maine lighthouses still standing. The 30-foot conical rubblestone tower and iron lantern room went into service in 1838, guiding ships coming and going from Bangor on the Penobscot River during the early years of the lumber industry. It's still an active navigation aid for area lobstermen and yachts working East Penobscot Bay.
In 1976, the Reagan administration auctioned the surrounding property — the land including the old fog bell tower went into private hands, where it has remained. The lighthouse tower itself transferred differently: in 1996, under Maine's Lights Program, ownership went to the nonprofit Eagle Light Caretakers. Seven trustees now manage maintenance and restoration.
A 2015 assessment found that periodic maintenance wasn't keeping pace with the marine environment's steady corrosive effect. The board brought in JB Leslie & Co. and developed a four-phase restoration plan. As of early 2026, three phases are complete; Phase IV — interior brickwork, including mortar refilling, replastering with lime-based coating and a quartz topcoat — awaits funding. The caretakers sell apparel made locally by Maine Camp Outfitters; all proceeds go to the restoration.
The lighthouse sits on a private island and is not open for casual visits. Check eagleislandlight.com for open house announcements.
What Visitors Say
"Look’s petty!"
Local Tips
- The annual open house is the only public access opportunity — watch eagleislandlight.com for the date.
- Visible from the water; Sea Kayak Stonington trips go near Merchant Row, and private boat trips around the archipelago may offer views.
- Merchandise (shirts, hats, canvas bags, sweatshirts) from Maine Camp Outfitters supports the restoration directly; available at eagleislandlight.com.
Connected To
- Sea Kayak Stonington — guided kayak trips through the Stonington archipelago; Eagle Island is in the broader area
- Deer Isle Thorofare (Mark Island) Lighthouse — the other working lighthouse connected to this island, owned by Island Heritage Trust
- Stonington Public Landing — departure point for any boat trip toward Eagle Island