Spring is finally with us, bringing with it longer days, sunshine…and the re-opening of Lighthouse Park at Pemaquid Point. Each year, more than 100,000 people visit the park, to take in the panoramic views, thrill to the pounding surf, tour the museum or lighthouse tower or just relax in the shady picnic area.
The seven-acre park, located at the end of Route 130, at the tip of the Pemaquid Peninsula in Bristol, will be open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM starting this Thursday, May 5th. The maintenance crew has been hard at work for the last several weeks, getting the facilities ready for another busy season. The grounds are in fine shape, the gardens are blooming with spring flowers and the staff is in place, ready to welcome visitors from all over the world.
One of the park’s favorite attractions is the Fishermen’s Museum, housed in the 1857 Keeper’s House, which adjoins the lighthouse tower. Here you’ll find a collection of photographs, artifacts and documents tracing the area’s rich maritime history. Visitors will notice a change this year: the exhibit room near the entrance is now bathed in sunshine. A display wall, which has blocked the windows for years, was removed, making the room bright and airy.
The lighthouse tower will open later this spring. Once again, the Friends of Pemaquid Point Lighthouse will offer tours of the historic structure from 10:30 AM to 5 PM, as volunteers are available.
Across the parking lot, the Learning Center will be hosting several public events during the summer, including lectures and a series of free family movies.
Next door at the Pemaquid Art Gallery, members have planned a gala re-opening for Sunday, June 11th. The gallery will be open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM, and features work by 29 talented local artists.
Lighthouse Park is operated by the Bristol Parks and Recreation Commission. The park is dog friendly, but we ask that you leash your pet and clean up after him. Admission is $2.00 per person. Bristol residents can purchase a season pass for $8.00, or renew an existing picture pass for $5.00. Other discounts are available.
Photograph by David Colt
