It's only fitting that one of the most photographed landmarks in Maine is now officially a part of Acadia National Park.

The National Park Service took possession of the Bass Harbor Head Light Station from the United States Coast Guard on July 8th.

“We are grateful to Friends of Acadia for supporting this transfer through their 2018 benefit auction,” said Superintendent Kevin Schneider. “We were able to use that support to complete a Historic Structures Report that will guide our preservation of the building into the future.”

Standing at 58 feet above the sea, the Bass Harbor Head Light Station is nestled within the rocky cliffs on the southwestern tip of Mount Desert Island in Tremont. It was built back in 1858, and the U.S. Coast Guard will continue to maintain and operate the automated aid to navigation.

The transfer of Bass Harbor Head Light is another great example of the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act (NHLPA) process working smoothly,” said Captain Brian J. LeFebvre, USCG Commander, Sector Northern New England. “It is the best way to offer continued public access to Bass Harbor Head Light and ensure that the special historic character of the light will be preserved.”

To get to the Bass Harbor Head Light just follow Route 102 to the end of the road where you'll find a parking area.  Parking there is free from 9 a.m. until sunset.    The Bass Harbor Head Light is now the third lighthouse that is part of Acadia National  Park. To get to the others you'll need a boat, as one is located on Baker Island which is off the Cranberry Islands, and the other on Bear Island, which is offshore from Northeast Harbor.

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