Town of Cape Elizabeth
Fort Williams Park & Portland Head Lighthouse

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) for Motor Coach and Tour Operators
[download FAQs]

Cape Elizabeth is the home of Portland Head Light. Situated along the shores of Fort Williams Park, the popular landmark is owned and managed by the Town of Cape Elizabeth, Maine.  We wish to thank you in advance for assisting us in taking care of this national treasure.  - Michael McGovern, Town Manager

I’d like to bring a group to visit the Lighthouse. Are there any fees? Yes, there is a $40.00 fee per motorcoach.  Pre-payment is suggested and can be accomplished in three easy steps:
1. Complete and print an online reservation form and parking permits from our website. The permit, one for each visit, should be presented to the greeter upon arrival.
2. Fax the reservation form to 207-799-2800, Re: Fort Williams Park Motor Coach Fee
3. Mail a check for the fee total, payable to "Fort Williams Parking Fee", to P.O. Box 6260, Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107.
Alternately, payment may be made on site the day of the visit, but we encourage pre-payment to speed your visit. Please contact Jeanne Gross at cephl@aol.com or by calling 207-799-2661 with any questions about how to pre-pay your fees.

Why is the town charging a fee to visit the Lighthouse? For generations visitors have enjoyed Fort Williams Park, the Lighthouse, and the spectacular views that this property offers.  In order to make this a memorable experience for the many more visitors still yet to discover our amazing park we must continue to invest in it.  All proceeds from the fees collected will be used for improvements to the park property. Among upcoming improvements in the park are: safety improvements along the cliff walk adjacent to Portland Head Light, improved pedestrian circulation throughout the park, restoration of historical structures and views, and expanded parking.

What is Fort Williams Park?
Fort Williams Park was once a former military installation that was purchased by the Town of Cape Elizabeth in 1964 through the General Services Administration.

Where is Fort Williams Park Located?
Fort Williams Park is located at 1000 Shore Road. From the north, or Interstate 295 in Portland, take Route 77 south to South Portland. Go left on Broadway, then right on Cottage Road for 2 miles, until you reach the park entrance. Cottage Road becomes Shore Road at the Cape Elizabeth town line. Approaching from the south, take Route 1 north to Oak Hill in Scarborough. Go right on Route 207, then left on Route 77 north to Cape Elizabeth. Turn right at the flashing blinker on to Shore Road. The park entrance is 2.4 miles from the Shore Road/Route 77 intersection. The park is open from sunrise to sunset.

Where is Portland Head Light?
Portland Head Light is located inside Fort Williams Park. The Town acquired the property from the U.S. Coast Guard in 1993.

How much time should I allow for a visit?  Plan on one-hour for a visit to the Lighthouse, Museum and Gift Shop. The Town operates a gift shop and museum on the property, which is open daily from June - October from 10:00 to 4:00 PM. It is open weekends only, starting mid April into May and then again from November into mid December. Tours can be arranged for the museum by contacting Jeanne Gross at cephl@aol.com or by calling 207-799-2661.

Where should visitors be dropped off in Park?
There is limited parking adjacent to the Portland Head Light. There are a few spaces for passenger vehicles and two designated Handicapped Parking stalls. There is, however, an area for the drop off of passengers from buses and trolleys. All buses and trolleys should be shut off to reduce air emissions and excessive idling.

Where should buses park, once passengers are dropped off?
After dropping off passengers, all buses should park in the Central Parking Lot. The Central Parking Lot is the large gravel parking that will be in front of you as you approach the intersection leading to Portland Head Light. This lot can also be used as a drop-off for passengers when the traffic circle at Portland Head Light is occupied with vehicles.
 
Are there restrooms available in the Park?
There are no permanent restrooms in the park. The Town utilizes portable restrooms that are cleaned and inspected daily. They are located throughout the park, with multiple units located between the Central Parking Lot and the Portland Head Light.

Portland Head Light & Fort Williams Park
1000 Shore Road
Cape Elizabeth, ME
207-799-2661
www.portlandheadlight.com

Town of Cape Elizabeth - Town Hall
P.O. Box 6260, 320 Ocean House Road
Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107
207-779-5251
cetm@maine.rr.com