Fort Williams Park is in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. This 90-acre park has a museum, lighthouse, mansion, batteries, hiking paths, playground, and views of the ocean. You can hike, picnic, or relax watching the sea.
The park is free; however, from April to mid-November premium parking lots near the main attractions have parking fees. Free parking is available in the overflow lot.
Museum
The museum is in the former keeper’ house – a duplex for the head keeper and assistant keeper and their families. Exhibits include artifacts, document, Fresnel lenses, models, photographs, and navigational aids. There is a $2 admission fee per adult and $1 fee per child.
Portland Head Light
This lighthouse is at the entrance to the Casco Bay shipping channel. Dating to 1791, Portland Head Light is Maine’s oldest, commissioned by George Washington. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow often walked from Portland to the lighthouse because his friends were the keepers. It is believed that it was his inspiration for the poem The Lighthouse.
There are multiple viewpoints for the lighthouse. From the overlooks you can see Ram Island Ledge Light as well.
There are overlooks on the cliff walk to the left of Portland Head Light.
Visitors can also walk around the light tower and museum for a close-up look. Dozens of house sparrows congregated on the fence and in the surrounding bushes.
As you make your way around the lighthouse, a large group of rocks mark the wreck of the Annie C. Maguire. Late on Christmas Eve in 1886, the vessel struck the ledge at Portland Head. The keeper and volunteers rigged a ladder as a gangplank between the shore and the ledge to help the crew to safety.
To the right of the museum, there are additional overlooks. This was the best view in my opinion, especially as we visited late in the day and were able to get beautiful reflections in the water.
Gulls hung out on the rocks and flew around us.
The lighthouse tower is only open to the public one day per year – Maine Open Lighthouse Day.
Battery Keyes
There are a handful of battery ruins in the park. Battery Keyes was built in 1906 as one of the last two batteries in the fort. It was named for Civil War general Erasmus Keyes.
The concrete battery had two mounted rapid-fire guns to defend against small, fast attack boats.
You can walk up and into the battery. From the top you get a great view of the Portland Head Light in the distance.
Gulls, cormorants, and eider ducks dotted the water and rocks below.
Parking for Battery Keyes is in the lot by a small beach in Ship Cove. Visitors can walk the beach and enjoy the water before taking the short path up to the battery. There are views of Ram Island Ledge Light in the distance here too.
I highly recommend Fort Williams Park for a day trip if you are in the area. It is perfect for history and nature lovers alike!