Bear Island

Located at the entrance to Somes Sound, this lighthouse is part of Acadia National Park but not open to the public. It's leased to private residents who keep up the property. The keeper's house is a large, gambrel-roofed dwelling that looks like a fancy French barn with baby blue trim. Some photographers call it a favorite. The light is visible from the mainland along Shore Road in Manset, but the best views are from the water. The Cranberry Isles mailboat passes Bear Island daily, year-round, and other cruises and air tours are available. Bear Island Lighthouse was built in 1839.