Squirrel Point Light: A Kennebec River Gem

The Kennebec River has long been one of Maine’s important working waterways, with early settlements, shipbuilding, fishing, timber, and river traffic all shaping this stretch of coast. As commercial use of the river grew, Squirrel Point Light was built in 1895 as part of an integrated system of navigational aids that also included Perkins Island Light, the Kennebec River Range Lights, and Doubling Point Light. Together, they helped guide vessels along the 11-mile stretch between the Atlantic Ocean and Bath, known as the “City of Ships.”

Located on Arrowsic Island, Squirrel Point’s history reaches back to 1717, when Massachusetts Governor Samuel Shute’s frigate, The Squirrel, ran aground near the present-day lighthouse, giving the point its name and underscoring just how challenging the river’s currents and tides could be.

Squirrel Point Light is one of those rare Maine gems that can be appreciated both by land and by water. My husband and I had the chance to experience it both ways while vacationing in the area during the summer of 2024.

We hiked the 2/3 mile trail first, enjoying the peaceful walk through protected forests and wetlands before emerging into the open where the lighthouse, keepers house and various other buildings are situated. The property is surrounded by 640 acres of land conserved by Inland Fisheries & Wildlife and The Nature Conservancy. While the buildings themselves aren’t open to the public (with the exception of Maine Open Lighthouse Day every September), there’s still plenty to explore.

A few days later, we saw Squirrel Point Light from the Kennebec River aboard a cruise offered by the Maine Maritime Museum.

It was one of those perfect July days in Maine: salty air, bright water, and just enough breeze to make being on the river feel effortless. Along the way, we spotted bald eagles and harbor seals, and had the chance to see several lighthouses from a perspective that simply can’t be matched from shore. Seeing Squirrel Point Light from the water gave the whole place a different kind of context. You could better understand why the light was needed, how the river bends and moves, and why this stretch of the Kennebec has played such an important role in Maine’s maritime history.

There is something special about visiting a lighthouse by trail, but seeing one from the water feels closer to its original purpose. From the river, Squirrel Point Light is not just a scenic landmark. It is a working piece of history, quietly standing watch over the same currents that have shaped this part of Maine for generations.

My version of Squirrel Point Light as seen by the water.

You can find my Squirrel Point Light artwork available as prints, cards, coasters, and gifts in the Lehoux Art shop.

Tip for visiting: Squirrel Point Light can be reached by trail from the end of Bald Head Road in Arrowsic, Maine. The hike is roughly 1.4 miles round trip and follows a spur off the Bald Head Trail, so be sure to watch for signs. The lighthouse itself is not generally open to the public, but the grounds offer a beautiful view of the light and the Kennebec River.

For a water view, Maine Maritime Museum in Bath offers seasonal Lighthouse & Nature Cruises along the Kennebec River, with views of Squirrel Point Light, Doubling Point Light, the Kennebec Range Lights, and other nearby lighthouses. Cruise details and reservations are available through Maine Maritime Museum’s website: mainemaritimemuseum.org.