Family Guide to West Quoddy Head: Exploring Maine’s Easternmost Lighthouse with Kids

Our family finally made it to the easternmost point in the United States to cross West Quoddy Head off our list (we were also able to cross the Lubec Channel Lighthouse off our list while we were in the area). It’s just over a 4 hour drive from home so it’s taken us a bit to decide to make the drive to see it. So while were all home for Thanksgiving break, I piled the girls into the car bright and early and we drove up for a day trip.

West Quoddy Head did not disappoint. It was incredible! While the drive itself was a lot, the girls thoroughly enjoyed the lighthouse, the surrounding areas, and the various hiking trails. We visited in the off season so there wasn’t much open in the area but honestly, there’s not a whole lot in the area in general so we don’t feel like we missed too much (we’ll absolutely be back in the summer months for seafood, though!).

History of West Quoddy Head Lighthouse

West Quoddy Head Light was originally built in 1808 by order of President Thomas Jefferson. The original tower was made of wood and was replaced by the current tower in 1858. The tower itself is 49 feet tall with 8 red and 7 white 25″ stripes. According to the website, it is the only “candy striped” tower in the United States!

Related: Maine Lighthouse Directory

The light was fully automated in 1988 and is currently maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard. Originally, the lamp was lit with sperm whale oil, lard oil, and finally kerosene and electricity in 1932.  The lighthouse has had minimal damage over the years despite the brutal storms this area of the country gets. In 2004 the copper dome was replaced due to hail damage. 

The visitor center currently occupies the lightkeeper’s house where several generations of lightkeepers lived with their families. With full automation of the light there is no longer a lightkeeper in residence, although a park ranger often occupies the apartment on the second floor of the house.

How to View

West Quoddy Head Light is viewable by land or water. We opt to view lighthouses by land as often as possibly just for the ease of it with kids (plus we don’t like to miss out on the views, hiking trails, and tour options when available). We visited during the off season so we parked outside the gate and were able to walk in from there (gates are usually closed this time of year).

When to Visit

This completely depends on your preferences and how long you’re in the area for. The summer months in Maine are completely gorgeous and there’s more open in the area in terms of restaurants and shops from the late springtime to early to mid autumn. The weather during these months is going to be warmer and just all around nicer but with that, comes the potential for more crowds. Being from Maine, we know the coast is going to be packed during those peak times of the year so we try to be intentional with our trip planning.

We spur of the moment went in November which was still okay temperature wise (high 40s, low 50s), cloudy, and pretty windy but not at all terrible. It was very doable and comfortable for us. Again, there wasn’t much open in the area for this day trip, but with that said, there’s honestly not a lot in the area in general. So we don’t feel that we missed out on too much. If we had gone in the summer, I simply would have added on a nice meal on the water, maybe some beach time, and checking out the few shops they had.

What to See & Do

Parking

Parking is pretty easy if it’s not crowded. I’m not sure if they limit the number of guests who can come in and out during the summer months, but visiting in November, there was a decent sized parking lot right before you get to the gate and it’s an easy walk down the trail to the lighthouse. There are handicap parking spaces closer to the lighthouse as well for those who need it.

Additional Tips for Visiting With Kids

Dress appropriately!

Even in the summer months, we always recommend bringing a sweater or sweatshirt just in case. It’s quite windy on the coast and being so far north east, the wind can be pretty chilly as well. Sometimes even a solid 10+ degrees cooler overall than being inland. So it’s best to have something and not need than to need it and not have it.

In addition to having layers, also keep in mind trail conditions if you’re choosing to do any hiking. In the summer months, you’ll experience some buggy conditions and tics and in the winter and springtime months, there could be some icy or even muddy trail paths. I always recommend sneakers (or even boots in the off season). Something that’s going to be comfortable but also provide stability on rough and/or slippery terrain (it also doesn’t hurt to have a spare outfit for young children in case of muddy incidents!).

Don’t forget the bug spray

If you’re hiking the trails, don’t forget to pack the bug spray. There are so many great trails and Maine can get very buggy. Keep an eye out for tics as well and if there’s anything you use for tic repellent, pack it. We love the bug spray bracelets for our kids. We always pack extras and they work just as well as spraying them with the standard sprays most people use.

Restrooms

There are no permanent restrooms on site. Just a portapotty located in the parking lot. Their website says this bathroom is closed in the off season, but it was open for us when we were there in November. So something to keep in mind if you’re visiting with young children, especially. There’s a chance it may not be available.

Leave no trace

As are many lighthouses and state parks, West Quoddy Head follows the ‘leave no trace’ rule. This means whatever you carry in, you must carry out. You also should be remaining on the trails and stairs in order to protect the fragile vegetation and refrain from picking up or removing anything or disturbing the ground cover. This can be tough with kids but it’s an important teaching opportunity for you and a learning opportunity for them.

Keep kids close

As I recommend in every lighthouse guide, always keep small children close by! The trails along the coast do not have guard rails (not like they’d do too much anyway), and it can be so easy for an accident to happen. I travel solo with the kids often so I’m always hyper aware of our surroundings and have pretty strict safety rules for them when we’re in these kinds of environments.

If you have a young child who has difficultly holding hands or remaining near an adult, I highly recommend a jogging stroller or baby wearing if you feel it’s appropriate. There are also plenty of hiking trails that do not go along the water as well so even choosing a different trail can help a ton!

Pets

Pets are permitted but must remain on a leash at all times. Also be sure to carry little trash bags so you can easily pick up after them.

Have you visited West Quoddy Head Lighthouse? What advice would you give to parents?